Face masks and respirators are essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). These devices are essential for construction, medicine, and many other industries. The n99mask is used to filter out harmful particles and prevent the spread and contraction of infectious diseases. The n99 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 n99mask 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. These masks have two principal defining characteristics: 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% 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. 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 are available in a variety of sizes. Make sure that you have enough coverage for your nose, mouth, and chin. It is useless to use a face mask that doesn’t fit correctly. Buy certified N99 masks; you want to use one that’s of the highest quality possible.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. You should only use them once and only once. Your N99 mask should be thrown away if it is contaminated with dangerous particles or becomes dirty throughout the day. The CDC has information about how to sterilize N99 Masks when many people wear respirators all day. 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 ways are most effective in decontaminating N99 masks. These include sweltering heat, vaporous hydroperoxide, and UV radiation. Note that every mask should get inspected for damage or degradation and pass a seal check before being 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. Although these methods have been extensively researched, extensive testing has not yet taken place.
VAPOROUS HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
This kills both resistant bacteria spores as well as 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
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 effective method to sanitize facemasks, as heating them at 60 degrees C and 80% humidity does not seem to damage their filtration capabilities.
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. 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. Assume it’s clean after overnight storage; the coronavirus can survive for three or more days on certain materials. High-quality respirators should only be bought from trusted sources when purchasing an N99 mask washer. Bielcor is a safety leader and only offers products that have been thoroughly researched and field-tested.