Types of Face Masks

How Long Can These Masks Be Used? 

Nowadays, there is no clear conclusion about the best wearing time of N95 masks. Some researchers have studied the protective efficiency and wearing time of N95 medical masks. The results show that the filtration efficiency remains above 95% N95 wearing the masks for 2 days, and the respiratory resistance changes little, and the filtration efficiency decreases to 94.7% for 3 days. A suggestion from the U.S. CDC is that in the absence of adequate supply of masks, reuse may be considered as long as the equipment is not visibly soiled or damaged (e.g. creased or torn).

Tips For Nurses to Make Masks Last Longer

• The CDC recommendations for the use of masks or respirators during a pandemic suggests that masks for reuse should be stored in paper bags that are clean and breathable to reduce the potential for microbial growth.
• If available, use a face shield over your N95 Mask to reduce the possibility of surface contamination
• Visit the CDC's website for more information.

Note: N95 masks aren’t tailored for kids or adults with facial hair. This is because these two parties cannot enjoy a proper fit of the masks. As a result, they might not enjoy adequate protection.

What is a KN95 Mask?

Lots of users care most about what percentage of particles the masks capture. On this metric, N95 and KN95 respirator masks are the same. Both masks are rated to capture 95% of tiny particles (0.3 micron particles, to be exact).

How Long Can These Masks Be Used? 

Nowadays, there is no clear conclusion about the best wearing time of these masks. Some researchers have studied the protective efficiency and wearing time of N95 medical masks. The results show that the filtration efficiency remains above 95% N95 wearing the mask for 2 days, and the respiratory resistance changes little, and the filtration efficiency decreases to 94.7% for 3 days. A suggestion from the U.S. CDC is that in the absence of adequate supply of masks, reuse may be considered as long as the equipment is not visibly soiled or damaged (e.g. creased or torn).

• The high-efficiency electrostatic filter technology reduces the breathing resistance as mush as possible on the premise of satisfying the filtering efficiency performance.
• Adjustable nose clips and soft nose pads can help different users achieve good face adhesion and reduce the possibility of fogging the glasses.
• The overall design of the mask enables it to be used with a variety of eye and face protection and hearing protection products.

CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Do Cloth Masks Protect Against Viruses Such as COVID-19?

Cloth masks do not give the wearer full protection against viruses in the air, but they can help protect others by barricading biological aerosols or “droplets” containing the virus. This is especially effective in cases where asymptomatic people (infected people who show no symptoms) may be releasing the virus without knowing it. A Cambridge University study from 2013 found that homemade cloth masks significantly reduced the potential amount of infectious droplets expelled by the wearer. While cloth masks aren’t perfect, they go a long way in “flattening the curve” during a pandemic and are far better than zero protection.

How to Clean and Decontaminate Cloth Face Masks

• Cloth face masks should be washed frequently. The California Department of Public Health recommends after each use or daily.
• Cloth masks should be laundered using detergent with hot water and then dried on a hot cycle to kill bacteria and microbes.
• Basically, hot soapy water is the key. Soap is able to break down the protein coat of the virus and is very effective.
• If you must re-use your mask before you are able to wash it, it is recommended to wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and to avoid touching your face.

It's Time to Discard Your Cloth Mask When:

They no longer cover the nose and mouth, have stretched out or damaged ties or straps, cannot stay on the face or have holes or tears in the fabric.

General Guidelines for Cloth Masks From the California Dept. of Public Health:

• Face coverings can be made out of cloth, factory-made or hand-sewn, or improvised using bandannas, scarves, T-shirts, sweatshirts or towels.
• The material should cover both the nose and mouth.
• Ideally, face coverings should be washed after each use. Dirty masks should be placed in a dedicated laundry bag or bin.
• Use detergent and hot water when washing cloth masks, and dry them on a hot cycle.
• Be sure your mask is comfortable; you don’t want to have to keep adjusting the mask, because that means touching your face.
• Wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer, before and after touching your face or face coverings.
• If you must wear your cloth face covering again before washing it, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face.