Frequently Asked Questions about the Use of N95 Masks

I believe everyone is not unfamiliar with N95 masks. Now N95 masks are still in short supply, so how to use N95 masks correctly is also a problem that everyone cares about. Today, TESTEX will talk about this topic.

According to NIOSH's air filtration grade standard, the letters "N", "R", "P" indicate resistance to oily particles, "N" is not suitable for oily particles, "R" has a certain resistance, "P" " It is a strong resistance to oily particles. "95" means that it can filter 95% of the particles.

Common use of N95 masks?

N95 masks can be reused for a limited number of times after exposure to air, as long as they are not used in the process of generating aerosols and are not contaminated by patient body fluids, but they also increase the risk of surface contamination by pathogens.

Currently, OSHA does not have any standards for sterilizing N95 masks, but NIOSH notes that mask manufacturers may give advice on the maximum number of reuses. However, in the absence of these recommendations, it is recommended to limit the maximum number of times each N95 mask can be reused to five to ensure safety. On the contrary, the CDC recommends not to reuse in general, but in emergency situations, such as when masks are scarce, they can be cleaned and decontaminated and reused.

What should I pay attention to when wearing an N95 mask?

Wash hands before wearing a mask, or avoid touching the inside of the mask while wearing the mask to reduce the possibility of the mask being contaminated.

Separate the inside and outside, top and bottom of the N95 mask.

Try to make the mask and face have a good fit. A simple test is to put on an N95 mask and exhale forcefully so that air cannot escape from the edge of the mask.

The protective mask must fit snugly on the user's face, and the user must shave to ensure the mask fits snugly on the face. Whiskers and anything placed between the mask gasket and the face can cause the mask to leak.

After adjusting the position of the mask to suit your face shape, use the index fingers of both hands to press the nose clip along the upper edge of the mask to make it close to the face.

2 How long can N95 masks be used? When should I replace it?

Filters on NIOSH-approved N95 respirators have a lifespan and are limited by hygiene, damage, and breathing resistance. Once the N95 protective mask is damaged, soiled or has obvious difficulty in breathing, it should be used with caution, and it should be replaced in time in the following situations.

1. When respiratory resistance increases significantly.

2. When the mask is torn or damaged.

3. When the mask does not fit tightly to the face.

4. When the mask is contaminated (for example, by foreign matter such as blood or droplets).

5. When the mask is contaminated (for individual ward or patient contact).

6. If the mask contains activated carbon and there is a bad smell inside the mask.

7. The mask has been used for too long.

Note: In industrial areas, N95 masks can be worn repeatedly as long as they are not damaged, dirty, or difficult to breathe, regardless of infectious diseases, and there is no prescribed wearing time. However, in laboratories with a biosafety level 2 or higher, N95 masks should be discarded as hazardous waste after one use.