Can protective masks be reused for multi times?

In this epidemic-prone winter, medical protective mask can effectively prevent the spread of blood, body fluids and splashes. Therefore, the disposable protective mask becomes an effective line of defense to protect the human body. However, people often ignore the replacement of the non-woven protective mask, or even reuse it for several days, without noticing the danger that this behavior will bring.

Here is the content list:

• What is significance of protective masks for epidemics control?

• Why can't you use the same protective masks for many times?

• Are rumored protective mask household disinfection methods effective?

What is significance of protective masks for epidemics control?

In life, it is often difficult for us to maintain sufficient physical distance. For example, when taking buses, subways, and queuing in restaurants, the ideal one-meter distance cannot be maintained. Therefore, the public is encouraged to wear protective masks to reduce the infection rate, which is also part of the comprehensive prevention and control strategy.

At the moment when the mode of transmission of the epidemic has long clarified, the protective mask is our most important line of defense against the virus. The protective mask can block droplets from the outside, greatly reducing the chance of infection.

However, although protective masks are one of the most important means of protection, their protection capabilities are not 100%. As long as you have contact with patients or suspected patients, there is a chance of infection. In this case, the repeated use of protective masks is dangerous.

Why can't you use the same protective masks for many times?

The most commonly used protective masks are all disposable types. During use, the protective mask may be contaminated with viruses, dust or other contaminants, and repeated use may increase the chance of infection. In addition, the longer the wearing time, the lower the filtering effect of the protective mask, so in principle, it is not recommended to reuse the protective mask.

• Cross-infection

First of all, if you reuse protective masks, cross-infection is prone to occur. Especially for front-line medical staff, when using protective masks, it is absolutely necessary to avoid repeated use.

• Decreased filtering efficiency

Secondly, when protective masks are reused, the efficiency of filtering will also decrease. They often cannot effectively filter some particulate pollutants in the air, or droplets containing viruses.

• Other hazards

Even if people are not facing the threat of an epidemic, we usually do not recommend people to reuse protective masks. Because this may cause the growth of bacteria, respiratory infections or oral infections and other hazards.

Are rumored protective mask household disinfection methods effective?

In extraordinary times, due to the shortage of protective mask supply, people often cannot meet the requirements for timely replacement. In this case, many rumors about disinfection methods for household protective masks spread. So, are these most common rumors true?

The first is the ultraviolet disinfection method, which is really the least harmful method to the protective mask. Use ultraviolet rays to irradiate the protective mask on both sides, and the time is to debug according to the instructions of the disinfection equipment. Generally, about ten minutes is recommended. However, many people do not have such equipment at home.

Because viruses are not resistant to high temperatures, many people want to use ovens or microwave ovens instead of professional ovens to perform high temperature and inactivate protective masks. However, due to the poor temperature control effect of ovens and microwave ovens, it is easy to bake the protective mask until it melts. This method is also unscientific.

Similarly, medical alcohol with a concentration of more than 75% can kill the virus. However, it is worth noting that alcohol can also damage the electrostatic layer of the protective mask, which will result in a decrease in the protective ability of the mask.

Steaming the protective mask for 15 minutes can also achieve the effect of disinfecting, but high-temperature steaming will obviously reduce the protective ability of the protective mask, and it is difficult to have the equipment of the hospital disinfection center in the family, which means this method is also not feasible.

In summary, several rumored household non-woven protective mask disinfection methods are not feasible for repeated use. Zhejiang Relecy International Co., Ltd. reminds that you do not reuse the disposable protective mask and choose the ones made form professional manufacturer to protect the lives of you and your family. If you want to know more about the correct use of medical protective mask, please contact our customer service.