What Safety Measures You Should Know Before Reusing KN95 Face Masks?

Wearing a face mask helps to protect yourself and others from spreading infectious diseases. But when supplies are limited, should you reuse your mask? Are there safe ways to decontaminate your KN95 and other masks? Our safety is critical during the times we’re living in.

The first thing to understand is that most face masks like N95, KN95, and other masks, are all intended to be used one time, discarded, and replaced with a new mask. And it is also recommended to always replace your face masks after each use, if possible. However, now PPE supplies are in high demand, and reuse may be necessary. It is ideal to find a reliable mask supplier to buy high-quality KN95 masks, N95 masks, and others. Here are some things that you should know about reusing KN95 masks.

How Long Can You Reuse N95, KN95, or Other Masks For?

The CDC clearly states that there is no way to recommend just how many times you can reuse your mask, as every situation has many variables to consider. So, how long you reuse your mask depends on your personal comfort, environmental factors, and potential contamination. The CDC suggests the following considerations to reuse:

Consider the use of a cleanable face shield over an N95 or KN95 respirator and other steps, when feasible to reduce surface contamination of the respirator.

Hang used respirators in a selected storage area or keep them in a clean, breathable container such as a paper bag between uses. For minimizing potential cross-contamination, store respirators so that they do not touch each other and the person using the respirator is clearly identified. And storage containers should be disposed of or cleaned regularly.

Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after touching or adjusting the mask.

Avoid touching the inside of the mask. If inadvertent contact is made with the inside of the respirator, discard the respirator and perform hand hygiene.

Use a pair of clean gloves when donning a used KN95 respirator and performing a user seal check. Discard gloves after the KN95 respirator is put on and any adjustments are made to ensure the mask is fitting comfortably on your face with a good seal.

Extended Use

The CDC reports that prolonged KN95 mask use can be safe for up to 8 hours. Current guidelines encourage wearing a face shield over the KN95 to reduce the chances of soiling the mask.

Re-use

Because corona viruses lose their feasibility considerably after 72 hours, many organizations have promoted a rotation and re-use strategy. Assuming there is no soiling and minimal to no viral contamination to the mask, the CDC suggests that masks can be re-used up to 5 times with the following mask rotation strategy:

Buy a set number of KN95 masks, and rotate their use each day, allowing them to dry for long enough that the virus is no longer viable (> 72 hours).

Proper storage for this method requires either hanging the masks to dry, or keeping them in a clean, breathable container like a paper bag between uses.

Make sure the masks do not touch each other and also do not share your mask with other people.

A user seal check should be done before each use.

Importantly, when scheduling to reuse a KN95 masks, practice fastidious donning/removing to avoid contamination of the inside or outside of the mask at all times.

If you notice any deterioration of your mask or are significantly contaminated from aerosol-generating procedures or bodily fluids, it should be discarded. You should carefully inspect the mask after each use and cleaning. Pay special attention to how well the mask is fitting—if your mask straps begin to lose elasticity it will no longer cover your face efficiently and should be discarded.

Conclusion:

While PPE supplies are in high demand, many people continue to work to secure KN95 masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and more to help protect their health. You can easily get KN95 masks for sale that has an ideal fit, fabric, and promotes breathability.