Face masks and respirators are essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). These devices are essential for construction, medicine, and many other industries. The n99 masks 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 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.Here are some things you should consider before purchasing an N99 mask. The mask`s useful life is dependent upon its filters, which are the most important element of any efficient face mask. Consider the quality, type, and a number of filters that 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 are available in a variety of sizes. Make sure that you have enough coverage for your nose, mouth, and chin. A face mask that doesn`t fit properly is essentially useless. Use certified N99 masks.Reusable N99 masks are an environmentally friendly and economical option, but they have a higher up-front cost. N99 masks can be used to aid in breathing if you are active or have difficulty with your breathing.
Extending the Use of N99 Masks
Disposable filtering respirators. Ideally, you only use them once, and only you. If your N99 mask becomes contaminated or is exposed to harmful particles during the day, you should throw it out. However, in an era where so many people use respirators and masks all day, the CDC has provided information on how to sterilize N99 face masks. They don`t recommend you reuse masks except in an emergency. However, you can sterilize your N99 face 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. Note that every mask should get inspected for damage or degradation and pass a seal check before being worn again. N95DECON was formed by scientists, doctors, and others to test and evaluate various sanitizing techniques for masks. While these methods have been researched thoroughly, they have not gone through extensive testing yet.
Vaporous Hydrogen Peroxide
This method kills viruses and spores of resistant bacteria. 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. The machines to perform sanitizing are dangerous and require extensive training for the operator.
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 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 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 the masks using steam and liquid hydrogen peroxide. They used steam bags in low-powered microwaves to kill bacteria without damaging the face mask up to three times. They found that the N99 respirator could be soaked in 6% liquid hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes, which did not affect its filtration. However, they did not test the fit 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. 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 is a safety industry leader that only offers field-tested and extensively researched products.
