Hello Everyone,
Given the shortage of N95 masks, is there any possible ways to disinfect a N95 Mask at home. I do have a N95 mask for the time being, but most stores seem to be out of stock. Given the situation, reusing a disposable mask is not recommended but if anyone has any insights as a suitable method of disinfecting please feel free to share.
Thanks and Keep Safe
Bleach.
Don't kill yourself in the process.
True, bleach and chlorine
This applies to alcohol and chlorine, but should also apply to bleach:
These will remove the static charge in the microfibers in N95 facial masks, reducing filtration efficiency.
source: https://stanfordmedicine.app.box.com/v/covid19-PPE-1-1
doesn’t work. you cannot get mask wet.
best to isolate the mask for 2 weeks
UV can only kill what is exposed to the UV. Any part if the item that is not exposed to the UV isn't safe.
Isn’t it UVC light that is proven to break up the dna in virus so that’s it is unable to replicate? tested in SARs and MERs. UVC is used in hosps n laboratories.
If it can get to the virus or will kill it. There is no guaranteed about viruses trapped inside the fibres of the mask. Outside, sure. Inside, mystery bag.
Let it out in the hanging for a week. Covid 19 should be well and truly gone by then. As for other bacteria it might still be there but one its highly likely your own bacteria, 2 its not likely to be a pathogen. Its not clean as new but it should be covid free.
You could boil and dry but a disposable mask probably isn't going to survive that and of course will take time to dry. Soak in disinfectant might be an option but again, not sure how it'll effect the construction of the mask. I believe the US CDC has recommended simply placing them in a paper bag and leaving them for several days as the virus doesn't survive on surfaces most masks are made from for more than 3 days. Leaving them for a week and rotating through several should get you by. Of course I believe the local recommendation is still not to wear a mask.
DO NOT use alcohol and chlorine-based disinfection methods.
source: https://stanfordmedicine.app.box.com/v/covid19-PPE-1-1
Youre happy to re hash FAKENEWS??!!
This was published on 22nd of March.
if there is newer info about alcohol and chlorine-based disinfection method being possible then please tell me the source so I can check it out.
IT'S A DISPOSABLE MASK
Which OP wants to re-use as N95 masks are kind of hard to come by, get with the program.
Reusing a disposable item..,… The answer is in the question.
Get with the program
I've reused disposable items literally thousands upon thousands of times. Just because it is disposable, doesn't automatically mean it cannot be reused…
(Which is not a claim that these masks can be reused - I have no idea)
I've reused disposable items literally thousands upon thousands of times.
How many kids you got now? 👀
Oven @ 100c
I hang mine on the car rear mirror and let the sun do the disinfecting.
I think the windscreen blocks most of the UV light that kills the bugs.
ways to disinfect a N95 Mask
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide seems to work best.
at home
Probably not.
A lot of uninformed suggestions in this thread, here are some evidence-based methods of actively disinfecting N95 masks which don't reduce filtration ability or facial fit:
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI): UV light germicidal irradiation and Microwave steam decontamination are currently in use for SARS-CoV-2 decontamination of FFR for frontline medical staff.
Microwave Steam Heating: Microwave Steam heating (MSH) involves heating a single N95 mask on a perforated surface
over a small volume of water within a commercial microwave. 3M's internal decontamination testing found that repeated treatments with microwave generated steam and moist heat caused melting of plastic beside metal components, nose-foam delamination and
loss of strap elasticity.
Dry Oven Heat: A non-peer reviewed study in response to COVID-19 reported a “>99%" reduction in E.coil after 30 minutes in a dry home oven at 70 degrees celsius without reduction in filtration efficiency.
Methods to avoid:
Bleach: theoretical risk of causing skin irritation or inducing respiratory symptoms in those with
sensitivities such as asthma.
Ethylene Oxide Gas: toxic.
Vaporised Hydrogen Peroxide: toxic.
Gamma Irradiation: ineffective and impractical.
Dry Oven Heat .. In the last few days I read somewhere that they are finding COVID-19 is surviving much higher temperatures than other viruses. I can't remember the temperature but it was something like 87c. So if your mask can handle it I'd aim above that.
None of the suggested methods is proved to be useful
If you have one of those fancy rice cooker/steamer , you can use it to disinfect your mask. .Based on research conducted by the Taiwanese FDA, the bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of the masks can be maintained at a level of 99% even after dry heating them five times.
If you don't have one , how about making your very own DIY bra-mask?. It's all the rage on the 'gram atm.
The current government advice is the general population do not need to be wearing face masks.The only people who are advised to wear masks are those who are in quarantine and who need to leave their house, which is to protect other people. Obviously they should only leave their house if there is no other option, such as urgent medical care.
if you trust streaming can make your mask reusable, then there should be no mask storage.
It's no exactly steaming per se as you shouldn't add water. It's more of a heating method and use the high temp to disinfect the masks.
I would suggest having a decent size cup and a resistance to being laughed at.
You have to love the ones that cover your whole face, now that is impressive cleavage.
I have been filtering VB through my mask while wearing it for the last 4 weeks … no Corona for me.
Decontamination and Reuse of Filtering Facepiece Respirators
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/d…
The virus can't survive indefinitely without a host. The longest that Coronavirus has been found to survive on a surgical mask is 7 days.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanmic/article/PIIS2666-5247(20)30003-3/fulltext
So if you left a mask airing out for 14 days I think there would be zero risk.
I sanitize with a portable UVC light that I just bought recently. I sanitize keyboard, phone, make up brush, steering wheel, shoes, toothbrush, pillow with it. It’s so compact n comes with USB charger.
I saw ppl in Asia using it so I bought it.
I did the surgical mask test with water and it worked. Do not sterilize with a ti bacterial spray! will render mask ineffective and even if you air and dry it out not sure if it will work.
If you pour water into a surgical or N95 mask, water does not leak. It’s contained. Large droplets are contained. Spray sanitizer and water will leak.
No more using 2-3 packs of antibacterial wipes each week and UVC lught gets deeper and in between where wipes misses.
Here’s my video of the experiment
I bought mine from cleanture.co I have a 20% off code to send if you are interested.
As someone has posted, heating with rice cooker is a very good way to disinfect the mask. It's been tested and recommended by Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center and it's very easy to do. Link here: https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3910853
Hope this helps!
Disinfect for COVID-19: Unknown
Disinfect for E.Coli: https://stanfordmedicine.app.box.com/v/covid19-PPE-1-1