Can I use the mask again after using it once? How to store the mask after using it once?

We all know that masks are a common type of protective equipment. They are mainly used for facial protection to avoid infection with the new coronavirus. Many people wear masks. Wearing a mask is also quite particular, especially the scientific use of masks. So can a mask be used again after it has been used once? Let's take a closer look!

Can I use the mask again after using it once?

Ordinary people's masks can be used again as long as they are kept clean after use.

If you don't go to crowded places when you go out, you can put the mask in a ventilated cube to dry it and continue using it.

Ordinary residents can use disposable masks in places with relatively low risks. They can be reused if the mask is clean and structurally intact, especially the inner layer is not contaminated. After each use, it should be placed in a clean, dry, and ventilated place in the room. Spraying disinfectants, including medical alcohol, will reduce the protection efficiency, so it is not advisable to use this alcohol spraying method to disinfect the mask.

The reuse of masks still depends on the specific situation. If you are alone, for example, you don't need to wear a mask at home, including in your own car, or walking alone outdoors in the community, or walking in a park with few pedestrians. It is not necessary to wear a mask. However, patients who go in and out of crowded public places, take public transportation, including elevators in shopping malls, in conference rooms, and go to ordinary medical institutions, except for fever clinics, can wear ordinary medical masks, which are what we call disposable medical masks. In this case, after returning home, the mask can be reused by drying it in a clean, dry, and ventilated place.

Staff in crowded places, including medical personnel, administrative personnel, police, security guards, couriers, etc., are advised to wear medical surgical masks. The use time and replacement frequency of masks can be appropriately extended according to actual conditions. Generally speaking, if the mask is not obviously dirty or deformed, it does not need to be replaced every 4 hours, but if it is dirty, deformed, or damaged, it needs to be replaced in time.

How to store the mask after using it once

Generally speaking, masks can be reused if they are stored properly, such as hanging them in a clean, dry and ventilated place, or placing them in a clean and breathable paper bag. When reused, they need to be stored separately to avoid contact with each other. Pay attention to hand hygiene before and after wearing them again.

In the current situation of limited disposable mask resources, it is more important for everyone to try to reduce going out, such as not going out unless necessary to buy necessary daily necessities. One less time out means one less mask to use. In addition, the National Health Commission also pointed out that masks do not need to be worn in open and ventilated places outside the epidemic area, but masks are required when entering crowded areas or enclosed public places. This suggestion is also worth referring to, and it is one of the principles for saving the use of masks.

It is not necessary to wear multiple layers of masks. For ordinary people, disposable medical masks are enough. Even disposable medical masks can be reused. There is no need to discard them just because you drink water or eat a meal.

How many times can the mask be used?

From a scientific and protective perspective, masks are "disposable" items and cannot be reused, both for "medical masks" and "protective masks". However, considering the current situation, masks are scarce. For a healthy person, if you do not have fever or catarrhal symptoms, you can reuse them, but the number of repetitions is not recommended to exceed 5 times.

When do masks need to be replaced?

Medical standard protective masks have an expiration date and are used by one person only. They cannot be used interchangeably. High-risk personnel need to change masks when they take off their protective devices after finishing work, eating (drinking water), going to the toilet, etc., and then re-enter; masks must be changed immediately if they are contaminated by the patient's blood, respiratory/nasal secretions, and other body fluids; higher-risk personnel need to change masks after seeing highly suspected patients.

Masks worn by people exposed to other risk categories can be used repeatedly. Wash your hands according to regulations before wearing a mask, and avoid touching the inside of the mask when wearing it. Replace the mask in a timely manner when it is dirty, deformed, damaged, or has an odor.