How long can a medical surgical mask be used? Why can't a mask be reused?

Many people may not be able to buy N95 masks now, and ordinary medical surgical masks are also in short supply. Many people want to know how long medical surgical masks can be used, whether they can be reused, and how to deal with used masks. Let’s read the article below to find out!

How long can medical surgical masks be used?

Medical surgical masks are the most commonly used masks at present, and they are also available in some pharmacies. This type of mask can be used for general protection, but remember that it can only be used for a maximum of 4 hours. In addition, if the mask touches water or you sweat a lot and wet the mask, you must change it immediately. At this time, the mask will not provide protection! Some friends said, "I wear it for two hours when I go out, and then I will use it for another two hours when I go out tomorrow. Is that okay?" No! First of all, the idea that you wear it out and bring it home and want to keep it until tomorrow is very dangerous!!! Whenever you wear a mask outside, please take it off when you get home and don't wear it again. Because this mask is likely to carry the virus.

Why can't a mask be reused?

Because after using the mask, there will be many bacteria and germs left on it, and it is difficult for ordinary people to completely clean these residual bacteria and germs with simple methods. Most germs require continuous high temperature to be completely eliminated, and ordinary people do not have the conditions to create continuous high temperature. Simple short-term high temperatures such as boiling and soaking can only deal with some germs, and cannot completely disinfect the mask. If you continue to wear it after such simple treatment, it is not safe.

How to deal with used masks

Masks used by ordinary people

After using a mask, we usually just fold it from the inside out, put it in a plastic bag, seal it, tie it tightly, throw it into a garbage bag, and then throw the garbage bag into the hazardous waste bin. The garbage removal company will centrally and professionally handle the classified garbage.

Masks used by people with respiratory diseases

Masks used by such people should be placed in a covered trash can with a trash bag, and should be sprayed or poured with 75% medical alcohol or 5% 84 disinfectant until completely moistened, then the mouth of the trash bag should be tied tightly and thrown into the hazardous waste bin.

Masks used by patients, accompanying or visiting personnel in the hospital

It is relatively easier to deal with all the masks used by people in medical institutions, because medical institutions are equipped with medical waste trash cans or garbage bags. Everyone just needs to throw their used masks into these special trash cans or garbage bags, and the medical institutions will handle them uniformly.

In short, no mask is suitable for repeated use and should be disposed of after one use. However, it should not be discarded at will and should be handled in the correct way.

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Here I want to remind everyone that you must not take off the mask you wear and then put it in your clothes pocket, trouser pocket, or even bag after you get home!!! Even if you don’t have a mask, this behavior is unacceptable! It’s too dangerous! Think about it, if the virus sticks to the outside of the mask when you go out, and then you take it off and put it in your pocket or bag, and then you use your hands to take the mask, wouldn’t you be exposed to the virus!