What are reusable masks? How to deal with reusable masks?

We all know that masks are a common type of protective equipment. They can filter viruses and bacteria to a certain extent and prevent infection with the new coronavirus. Many people wear masks. Ordinary people's masks can be reused, so how to deal with reused masks? Let's take a closer look!

What are reusable masks?

Generally speaking, as long as the mask is used for a while and is still clean, it can be reused.

Because sometimes the mask may be used for a long time, the mask may feel wet, such a mask cannot be reused. If you wear the mask for a short time, just go downstairs, and come back after more than ten minutes, then the mask is used for a relatively short time and does not feel wet. You can put the mask in a ventilated place to dry and use it again. However, it is not recommended that you wear a disposable mask multiple times, try to control it within 4 times. For masks that have been deformed or have obvious odors, it is not recommended that you continue to wear such masks. The protective effect it plays is already very low and will increase the risk of virus infection.

How to deal with reused masks

For those masks that need to be used again, please hang them in a clean, dry and ventilated place; if it is inconvenient, you can also put the used masks in a clean and airtight sealed bag; store them separately to avoid cross contamination. It is recommended to use the same mask no more than 5 times.

Reusable masks cannot be washed

For common medical protective masks and disposable medical surgical masks, the most critical factors are "facial fit" and "filtration efficiency"; cleaning or disinfection itself will damage the material of the mask, causing deformation, loosening, and aging of components, thereby affecting the filtration efficiency of the mask, damaging the filter layer, and affecting the "usage effect" of the mask.

The quality of the mask will be affected during the cleaning process. It is also not suitable to use a microwave oven to disinfect the mask. It is not recommended to use alcohol spray to disinfect the mask. This is because doing so may affect the quality of the mask. At the same time, alcohol disinfection may cause viruses to remain on the mask.

There are two prerequisites for reusing masks

Prerequisite 1: Reusable masks must be used by one person only

Masks are disposable items, so reuse is a helpless option. It is even more unnecessary for couples or families to share a mask. If someone in the family has been in and out of crowded places or has been in contact with such people, it is impossible to tell whether they have been infected with the virus in a short period of time. Using masks for one person is an effective way for family prevention.

Premise 2: Do not wear reusable masks in crowded places

Wearing a reusable mask is suitable for occasional strolls outside or sunbathing, but it is not recommended to wear it in crowded places such as hospitals, shopping malls, and vegetable markets. When reusable masks are disinfected and worn, the sealing and structure will inevitably be damaged, and the ability to protect against viruses will naturally decrease. In crowded places, the protective ability of masks is required to be higher, and new masks should be used when entering and leaving these places.