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 n99mask 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 offer the best protection by filtering out 99.9% of airborne particles. However, they don’t all provide equal protection.Consider these things before buying an N99 facemask. 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 filter out bacteria, viruses, and chemicals the best. N99 masks with breathing valves or micro-ventilators make talking and breathing easier. N99 masks are available in a variety of sizes. Make sure that you have enough coverage for your nose, mouth, and chin. An unfit face mask is useless. You want to buy certified N99 masks.Reusable N99 masks are an environmentally friendly and economical option, but they have a higher up-front 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. Ideally, you only use them once, and only you. Your N99 mask should be thrown away if it is contaminated with dangerous particles or becomes dirty 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. 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. Before being worn again, every mask must be inspected for damage or degradation and a seal check. To test and explore different methods of cleaning face masks, a group of scientists, doctors, and other professionals created N95DECON. Although these methods have been extensively researched, extensive testing has not yet taken place.
Vaporous Hydrogen Peroxide
This method kills viruses and spores of resistant bacteria. 3M has used this method for fixing masks up 20 times without any degradation. But, when sterilized at higher doses, the filters become less effective. The machines to perform sanitizing are dangerous and require extensive training for the operator.
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 sterilizing masks with 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 also noted that soaking an N99 respirator in 6% liquid hydrogen peroxide for half an hour didn’t affect filtration, but they did not test fit integrity 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. Use alcohol or bleach; this affects the mask’s ability to filter harmful materials efficiently. It’s safe to assume it’s clean from overnight storage. The coronavirus can live for up to three days on some materials. 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.