Re-using Masks

[MamaHill]

I'm a nurse and in the hospital, we only use the n-95 respirator masks one time and then dispose of them. In a hospital setting the TB masks (the duck-bills) are single use only also.

 

But how many times can you actually re-use them safely?

 

That will determine how many I actually purchase.

 

Thanks...

[Violet]

Wonder if spraying them with Lysol would work to kill the germs on them ?

[MamaHill]

Hmmm. Hadn't ever thought about that.

 

I'm fairly certain that Lysol won't kill TB...but it's not TB I'm worried about. It's the flu and other possible flu strains to come.

 

I guess if we started to run low that Lysol would be a great option.

 

Thanks!

[GirlNextDoor]

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Products...t/ucm055977.htm

 

 

About Facemasks and N95 Respirators

Facemasks and N95 respirators are devices that may help prevent the spread of germs (viruses and bacteria) from one person to another. They are one part of an infection-control strategy that should also include frequent hand washing and social distancing.

 

Facemasks and N95 respirators should not be shared. Facemasks and respirators may become contaminated with germs (viruses and bacteria) that can be spread between people.

 

The following provides basic information about facemasks and N95 respirators.

 

 

 

 

 

Facemasks

A facemask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. Facemasks may be labeled as surgical, laser, isolation, dental or medical procedure masks. They may come with or without a face shield.

 

Facemasks are made in different thicknesses and with different ability to protect you from contact with liquids. These properties may also affect how easily you can breathe through the facemask and how well the facemask protects you.

 

If worn properly, a facemask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria) from reaching your mouth and nose. Facemasks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.

 

While a facemask may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, a facemask, by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures. Facemasks also do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the facemask and your face.

 

Facemasks are not intended to be used more than once. If your mask is damaged or soiled, or if breathing through the mask becomes difficult, you should remove the facemask, discard it safely, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your mask, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used mask.

 

 

 

http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11637

 

 

 

[GirlNextDoor]

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Products...t/ucm055977.htm

 

 

About Facemasks and N95 Respirators

Facemasks and N95 respirators are devices that may help prevent the spread of germs (viruses and bacteria) from one person to another. They are one part of an infection-control strategy that should also include frequent hand washing and social distancing.

 

Facemasks and N95 respirators should not be shared. Facemasks and respirators may become contaminated with germs (viruses and bacteria) that can be spread between people.

 

The following provides basic information about facemasks and N95 respirators.

 

 

 

 

 

Facemasks

A facemask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. Facemasks may be labeled as surgical, laser, isolation, dental or medical procedure masks. They may come with or without a face shield.

 

Facemasks are made in different thicknesses and with different ability to protect you from contact with liquids. These properties may also affect how easily you can breathe through the facemask and how well the facemask protects you.

 

If worn properly, a facemask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria) from reaching your mouth and nose. Facemasks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.

 

While a facemask may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, a facemask, by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures. Facemasks also do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the facemask and your face.

 

Facemasks are not intended to be used more than once. If your mask is damaged or soiled, or if breathing through the mask becomes difficult, you should remove the facemask, discard it safely, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your mask, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used mask.

 

 

 

http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11637

 

 

 

[MamaHill]

GND - Wow! Thanks so much!

 

Totally answered my questions. Many thanks!