Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital for everyone. These devices are essential for construction, medicine, and many other industries. The n99 mask is used to filter out harmful particles and prevent the spread and contraction of infectious diseases. The n99 mask are the most effective face-covering option available, but many people want to know what to look for when purchasing one and if they can wash and reuse them.
What Are N99 Masks?
N99 masks or a n99 masks is a specific type of face-covering to filter what the user is breathing in. N99 Mask is a face-covering designed to filter the air that is being inhaled. Two main characteristics of these masks are: N99 Masks form a tight seal against your face so that when you breathe in, the airflow coming in and out of your nose and mouth passes through the filtration material without leaking from the mask`s edges. N99 mask materials should be capable of capturing at least 99% of particles from the user`s nose and mouth while they breathe. These characteristics mean that, unlike ordinary cave coverings, the N99 respirator seals tightly and has a high filtration capacity.
What to Consider When Buying an N99 Mask
N99 masks offer the best protection by filtering out 99.9% of airborne particles. However, they don`t all provide equal protection. Filters are essential for any mask to last a long time. Think about the type, quality, and number of filters your N99 mask will use. Carbon filters are the most efficient at filtering out viruses, bacteria, and chemicals. N99 masks that have breathing valves or micro ventilators make it easier to talk and breathe. N99 masks come in various sizes; ensure that the one you choose covers your entire mouth, nose, and chin. It is useless to use a face mask that doesn’t fit correctly. You want to buy certified N99 masks.Reusable 99 masks can be an economical and environmentally-friendly option. However, they come at a higher upfront cost. If you engage in lots of physical activity or already have breathing difficulties, you can find N99 masks with two breathing valves to help you breathe easier.
Extending the Use of N99 Masks
N99 masks are disposable filtering respirators. It is best only to use one mask per day. If your N99 mask becomes contaminated or is exposed to harmful particles during the day, you should throw it out. But, during times when many people are wearing respirators and masks throughout the day, the CDC has put out information on how to sterilize N99 masks. While they don`t recommend that you reuse masks unless, in an emergency situation, you can sterilize your N99 mask for reuse.
These are the requirements for safe sterilization of an N99 mask washable:
The mask must remain effective against COVID-19. The sterilization must not affect the filtration capabilities. It must not have an impact on the fit of the user`s face. The mask must still be safe for the user.
These methods of decontamination are not recommended for N99 Masks:
Ethylene Oxide causes concerns for off-gassing. Ionizing Radiation can degrade filter performance. The use of microwaves can melt the respirator near metal components and compromise the fit. Autoclaves, high temperatures, and steam can cause filter degradation.
Sterilizing N99 Masks for Reuse
Three methods are showing the most potential to decontaminate N99 masks: using moist heat, vaporous hydrogen peroxide, or exposing the masks to UV radiation. Every mask should be checked for damage and passed a seal-check before it is worn again. A group of doctors, scientists, and other professionals formed a group called N95DECON to research and test different sanitizing methods for face masks. These methods have been thoroughly researched but have not yet been tested extensively.
Vaporous Hydrogen Peroxide
This method kills resistant bacteria spores and viruses. 3M has used this method to sanitize masks up to 20 times without seeing any degradation, but when sterilized with higher doses, the filters become less efficient. Sanitizing machines can be dangerous and require extensive training.
UV Radiation
UV radiation can kill coronavirus viruses, but it does not affect the masks` ability to filter for sterilizations of 10-20. UV radiation can damage the face pieces and straps, so it is possible to expose the lower layers of the radiation. High UV light doses can cause the mask to be brittle.
Heat and Humidity
Heating N99 masks at 60-75 degrees C for half an hour can stop viruses related to COVID-19, but it has not been tested on the coronavirus itself.This method is effective for cleaning facemasks. Heating them at 60°C and 80% humidity doesn`t seem to affect their filtration abilities.
Steam and Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide
The CDC also tested steam sterilization of masks with liquid hydrogen peroxide and steam. They used steam bags in low-powered microwaves to kill bacteria without damaging the face mask up to three times. The researchers also found that N99 respirators were not affected by a half-hour soak in 6% liquid hydroperoxide. However, they didn`t test the fit of the masks afterward. Avoid using soapy water when sterilizing N99-face masks. It can degrade the masks` materials and affect their ability to filter small particles correctly. Do not use alcohol or bleach. This can affect the mask`s ability efficiently to filter toxic substances. Consider it clean after overnight storage. Certain materials can withstand the coronavirus for three to five days. When purchasing an N99 mask washable, it is essential to buy high-quality respirators from a reputable source. Bielcor, a safety industry leader, only sells products that have been field-tested and thoroughly researched.