What to do if there is moisture in the mask? Can I still use the mask if there is moisture in the mask?

We all know that masks are a kind of protective item that is in short supply at present. They can play a good protective role and can prevent infection with the new coronavirus, so many people often wear masks. So what should we do with the exhaled moisture in the mask? Let's take a closer look!

Can the mask still be used if there is moisture inside?

If you wear a mask for a long time, the water vapor you breathe will fill the mask and make it wet. A wet mask will greatly reduce its protective effect and cannot effectively filter the new coronavirus. It is recommended to replace it in time.

If you wear a mask for a long time, it will produce a lot of respiratory moisture, which will cause some of the water to enter the middle filter layer through the inside or outside, possibly causing the filter layer to enter water and lose its protective effect, and your mask will lose its antiviral ability.

The breath produced during daily wearing is also considered as moisture. Long-term wearing will cause the inner water absorption layer to reach saturation and enter the filter layer, making the mask lose its protective effect. Therefore, we recommend that a mask should be worn for no more than 4 hours.

A complete antiviral mask must contain three structures: an outer blue water-blocking layer, a middle filter layer, and an inner light-colored moisture-absorbing layer. The reason why the mask can prevent viruses is mainly because the blue water-blocking layer blocks most of the large particles of virus-containing droplets from splashing. The large particles of virus-containing droplets fall on the outer blue water-blocking layer.

But whether the virus can be effectively blocked depends on the middle filter layer. Some droplet nuclei with tiny diameters can pass through the outer layer and enter the middle layer. The pore size of the middle filter layer is very small, which can effectively block the passage of tiny particles of virus droplet nuclei.

The internal hygroscopic layer can absorb the moisture in our exhaled breath and prevent the moisture from entering the filter layer, causing the pore size of the filter layer to increase and destroying the filtering effect.

What to do if there is moisture in the mask?

If the exhaled moisture is not too much and the mask is relatively clean after being used for a short time, you can put it in a dry and ventilated place to air dry, keep it hygienic, and continue to use it. If the exhaled moisture of the mask is too much and the inside of the mask is completely wet, such a mask can no longer provide good protection and should be replaced in time.

If you need to reuse the mask, you can hang it in a clean, dry and ventilated place, or put it in a clean, breathable paper bag. Masks should be stored separately to avoid contact with each other, and the person using the mask should be marked.

The protective effect of any type of mask is limited in time and must be replaced regularly. It is recommended to replace the mask every 2 to 4 hours. If the mask is contaminated, it should be replaced immediately.

When not in use, fold the medical mask and store it in a ziplock bag. It is not recommended to take off the mask and put it directly into your pocket or bag, as this will easily cause secondary contamination of the medical mask. Be sure to fold it and put it in a clean ziplock bag, and fold the side that contacts the mouth and nose inward.

What kind of mask is effective?

According to the "Guidelines for the Use of Masks to Prevent Pneumonia Caused by New Coronavirus Infection" issued by the State Council's epidemic prevention and control group on January 30, 2020, it is completely acceptable for the public to wear disposable medical masks as long as they are in non-crowded public places.

Disposable medical surgical masks

However, if entering or leaving highly crowded places or enclosed public places, the public is advised to wear KN95/N95 or above particulate protection masks.

N95 masks

In addition, it is recommended that suspected cases, public transportation drivers and passengers, service personnel in public places, etc. wear medical protective masks while on duty, as well as medical staff in fever clinics and isolation wards and when confirmed patients are transferred.

Can masks be disinfected with alcohol or microwave oven?

Spraying disinfectants, including medical alcohol, will reduce the protection efficiency. Therefore, it is not advisable to use alcohol spray to disinfect masks. Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist and researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, also said that he does not advocate using microwave ovens to disinfect masks.