N95 respirators can be safely decontaminated up to 25 times

[Throck]

https://www.ems1.com/ems-products/personal-protective-equipment-ppe/articles/study-n95-respirators-can-be-safely-decontaminated-up-to-25-times-8KP6vsfu7IhFLx3A/


BOSTON — N95 respirators can be safely decontaminated up to 25 times, according to a study published on Jan. 5 in the American Journal of Infection Control.

The study stemmed from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, where physician-scientists observed medical staff resuing N95 respirators after decontaminating them using vaporized hydrogen peroxide, according to a news release.

Where can I get vaporized hydrogen peroxide?

[Chuuku Davis]

1. Boil it?

Or run a fan over a pan of H2O2?
Or ask the authors.

[uppityperson]

2. Here's a study and how to do it. If you've the right equipment.

https://tuttnauer.com/blog/hydrogen-peroxide-vapor-sterilization-respirator-face-masks-reuse

[alphafemale]

4. That sounds as if it is pricey.

Just a guess.

But if you can use an N95 25 times each it would pay for itself eventually I suppose.

[napi21]

3. HA! I looked it up on Amazon. It's a LOT CHEAPER to just buy more N95 mask.

Here's the link to one of the units they sell: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hydrogen+peroxide+vapor+machine&gclid=CjwKCAiA24SPBhB0EiwAjBgkhkWdU8is_RxWYDIpewJujYLXmMLUrdbzr2JQMvpsKvN0vLEMeMkmkxoC128QAvD_BwE&hvadid=462937999138&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9011035&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16130823966134391918&hvtargid=kwd-471308348845&hydadcr=702_1011742667&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_cfeh9eu3z_e

[Stinky The Clown]

5. Actually, the best way to render an N95 reusable is to simply let it sit for two or three days

If you need to wear one daily, rotate through three of them.

There are two measures of the residual virus. One is detectable. That can be a frighteningly long time.

The other measure, and the one that matters, is viability. That is a much shorter time. In the case of Covid, it is about 24-36 hours. This gets to guidance to let a mask sit for two or three days in a plastic or paper bag, or even just out in the air.

I drive very little anymore because of Covid. I work from home now so only go out to shop. I leave the masks in my cars and rotate cars. Hey. It works for me! Also, most of my shopping is in a short stretch of the main road around here.I bunch my stops and just wear the mat even in the car instead of taking it off and on multiple times.

Attempts to sanitize the masks with liquid (like alcohol) reduces the mask's effectiveness, often quite dramatically.

All this can be verified online from reliable sources. I learned it from my son who is an RN in the OR. They had to do this for months until the PPE was in short supply.

[chowder66]

7. Do not put them in a plastic bag. I posted a handy article below. nt

[chowder66]

6. Do not put them in a plastic bag. Only paper.

Here is a handy article...

How to reuse an N95 mask

Leave a used mask at room temperature at least for 3-4 days. All viruses should be dead by then. Best is to isolate the mask in a breathable location:

Remove the respirator and place it in a breathable paper bag. Don't use a plastic bag.

Close the bag and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 3-4 days. Wash your hands after handling.

Assign one for each day of the week. By the time you have returned back to Monday it will have been seven days and the mask is safe to use.
Note: This method can be used for all masks but fabric masks only require two days.

According to the CDC, the N95 that has blood, nasal secretions, or other bodily fluids on it should be discarded and not reused. The same goes for the mask with broken straps or broken nose pieces.

https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/01/07/omicron-mask-upgrade-guide-how-n-95-and-kn-95-protect-you-better-than-cloth/9129901002/