Extending the life of your Respirator Mask

The novel Coronavirus has made PPE scarce. During this time, limits to the supply chain and overuse of necessary protective products such as sanitizers and N95 masks make it hard for everyone to keep safe. The CDC and other health organizations have laid out regulations and recommendations for extending the life of some products where they are in limited supply or are costly. One such item is the respirator mask. Follow along for tips and recommendations that will help you safely extend the life of your respirator mask.

Extended Use in Healthcare Settings 

Respirator masks are also known as filtering facepiece respirators. Although they are disposable, they are not single-use. In healthcare settings, they can be worn by healthcare staff to aid in the treatment of numerous patients. The CDC notes that the N95 mask should not be removed between patients when reusing over a single shift, servicing different patients with repeat close contact. This extension method is most helpful when treating patients with a similar diagnosis. Additionally, the CDC recommends the extended use time be between 8-12 hours.

For those using an N95 mask, not in a health setting, you have options as well. You can use your mask in the same fashion while shopping at stores or attending to essential activities. Be sure to discard the mask after the recommended time frame provided by the CDC. 

Use Beyond the Shelflife 

If you work in a field that regularly uses an N95 mask or you have some laying around at home that is beyond the shelf life, you have options. The FDA recently provided guidelines on using respirator units that were past their shelf life. This was made possible after they issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EAU) that allowed the use of NIOSH-approved respirator models in a healthcare setting. Under these conditions, you need to be sure to check your old supply for degradation. Be sure that you conduct a seal check, and be sure the straps and nose bridge are tightly fitted and reliable. 

Decontamination Methods 

Another method to extend the life of your respirator mask is to decontaminate them before reuse. Decontamination is best for those who have a short supply of masks or want to save on the cost by using a mask for multiple shifts and or days. This is not a CDC, FDA, or NIOSH approved method of extended use; however, they have conducted limited studies on its effectiveness during pandemic situations. In light of this, be sure to conduct your research before using this method to stretch the use of your respirator mask. 

Several decontamination methods exist that will render the virus non-viable. The method can not diminish the filter, fit, structure, comfort, or integrity of the mask in any way. From earlier NIOSH studies, various methods seem to work under these set conditions. One such method includes using UVC lights. To conduct this method of decontamination you will need to have a UVC light on hand. The mask must be in direct contact with the UVC light. Flip the mask after some time to be sure all exposed areas of the mask are treated for decontaminates. 

Another method involves the use of hydrogen peroxide vapor. This method has limited research, but it does provide some insight into a useful control method. To use this method, you must expose your mask to the vapor using an HPV generator at a concentrated level able to deactivate the virus. Effective concentration volumes are found here. 

Alternatives to N95 Respirator Mask 

If the supply of N95 masks is severely limited, there are several NIOSH approved alternative masks for use. You can use R-type, P-type with efficiency levels 95, 99, and 100 when N95 respirators are unavailable. NIOSH also recommends Elastomeric half-mask and full-face respirators and powered air-purifying respirators as alternatives. Elastomeric masks come with reusable filters with washable facepieces. Powered air-purifying respirators are battery-operated. They force air through the breathable filter in the mask. You can check out the CDC website to see a bigger list of NIOSH approved alternative masks to help aid you in picking out the correct one.   

The Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world on its head. It has left our supply chain in disarray and left use with limited PPE. In these uncertain times, we have to make our PPE last. This is especially true of our respirator mask. You can extend the life of yours by implying the described approved extension methods in healthcare settings, use beyond shelf-life, and decontamination protocols.