Face masks and respirators are essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). They are used in construction, medical, and other industries. The n99 is used to filter out harmful particles and prevent the spread and contraction of infectious diseases. The n99 masks 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 mask 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 ensure that the N99 respirator seals tight and has high filtration.
What to Consider When Buying an N99 Mask
N99 masks provide the most protection, filtering out 99% of airborne particles, but that doesn`t mean they are all equal.Consider these things before buying an N99 facemask. The mask`s life expectancy is directly related to its filters. You should consider the quality, type, number, and frequency of filters that your N99 face mask will use. Carbon filters filter out bacteria, viruses, and chemicals the best. N99 masks that have breathing valves or micro ventilators make it easier to talk and breathe. N99 masks come in a range of sizes. Be sure to choose one that covers your entire mouth, nose, and chin. A face mask that doesn`t fit properly is essentially useless. Use certified N99 masks.Reusable Masks are an eco-friendly and economically sound option. However, there is a higher initial 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 respiratory protectors. You should only use them once and only once. Discard your N99 mask whenever it becomes contaminated or exposed to dangerous particles throughout the day. 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 ways are most effective in decontaminating N99 masks. These include sweltering heat, vaporous hydroperoxide, and 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. While these methods have been researched thoroughly, they have not gone through extensive testing yet.
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. Operators must be trained in the use of these machines.
UV Radiation
The UV radiation kills coronavirus viruses without affecting the ability of the masks to filter out 10-20 sterilizations. However, the UV light can break down the straps and face pieces, and it can be challenging to expose the lower layers to the radiation. High doses of UV light can break down the material of the mask itself.
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 is an excellent way to clean facemasks. They can be heated at 60 degrees C with 80% humidity.
Steam and Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide
The CDC also tested sterilizing masks with steam and liquid hydrogen peroxide. They sterilized the masks with steam bags using low-power microwaves. 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. When sterilizing N99 face masks, do not: Use soapy water; this degrades the masks` materials and impacts their ability to filter small particles properly. Avoid using bleach or alcohol; it can reduce the mask`s effectiveness in filtering toxic materials. It`s safe to assume it`s clean from overnight storage. The coronavirus can live for up to three days on some materials. High-quality respirators should only be bought from trusted sources when purchasing an N99 mask washer. Bielcor, a safety industry leader, only sells products that have been field-tested and thoroughly researched.