Since the coronavirus came into existence, face masks became an integral part of our lives. So, not everyone adhered to protocol, and there were even anti-masks protests around the world.
But, for those who are wearing face masks, it is an important thing to understand what kind of face mask is useful.
As it is also very important to know how long you can wear one face mask.
As per the studies, wearing N95, KN95 or KF94 masks (the thicker, origami-style ones) offers more protection.
A study reveal that it would take 2.5 hours for a person with Covid-19 who wasn’t wearing a mask to pass it on to someone wearing an N95 mask, compare with just 30 minutes for someone wearing a surgical mask.
N95 masks aren’t machine-washable, and unlike the three-layer surgical masks, they’re not necessarily single-use either.
How long can you keep wearing the same higher-quality mask?
Are you suppose to throw it away in a couple of days or keep using it until it is absolutely worn out?
As per the scientists, it depends.
Health experts say that there are many variables that can affect how long an N95 mask is effective.
University of California San Francisco Health Safety Officer Matt Carlson told the San Francisco Chronicle.
“It all depends on the duration, what type of setting you’re in and what you’re doing in that setting,”
“If the respirator is not compromised, you can safely reuse it.”
Masks should have a tight grip with a seal around your face to prevent particles from getting in.
The longer you use the mask, the looser it gets.
Touching, adjusting and removing the mask will cause it to loosen over time.
Matt Carlson Said :
When the mask no longer creates a seal, or if the filters are visibly wet or dirty, it’s time to throw it away.
Matt Carlson adds that people should have more than one N95 mask and use them in rotation to prolong their use.
They should be store in a paper bag or kept away in a clean place.
Matt Carlson also said that when we use high-risk areas for long such as supermarkets, those masks should be thrown away sooner than others.
Since there is no way to sanitise N95 masks, there have been concerns about the potential environmental cost of throwing them away.
Most masks are non-recyclable and should be ‘securely dispose of’ in a bag to ensure no one else comes into contact with them.
