COVID-19 Update 15: Can we disinfect and reuse N95 masks?

Personal protective equipment (including masks) are vital for protecting health care workers from infection with COVID-19. In this video we briefly review the two mask types used in clinical settings - the surgical mask and the N95 mask. We take a deeper look at the more effective N95 mask and the contract transmission risk associated with reuse. We also examine extra precautions set out by the CDC to reduce the risk of contact transmission. We review and discuss several articles on decontamination methods and preventing compromisation of the proper fit of the mask.
#medmastery #coronavirus #COVID19 #sarscov2 #coronaviruschina #coronavirustruth #coronavirusdeaths #WHO #wuhan #infection #pandemic #publichealth
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Links for reference:
/ 1244789355249532929
absa.org/decontamination-and-...
stanfordmedicine.app.box.com/...
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More updates by Dr. Wiesbauer:
COVID-19 Update 1: How to tell if a pandemic is likely to occur or not-R0 and the serial interval: • COVID-19 Update 1: How...
COVID-19 Update 2: How to stop an epidemic - Herd immunity: • COVID-19 Update 2: How...
COVID-19 Update 3: Symptoms of COVID-19: • COVID-19 Update 3: Sym...
COVID-19 Update 4: Clinical characteristics of COVID-19: • COVID-19 Update 4: Cli...
COVID-19 Update 5: Estimating case fatality rates for COVID-19: • COVID-19 Update 5: Est...
COVID-19 Update 6: Seasonality: will COVID-19 go away in the summer?: • COVID-19 Update 6: Sea...
COVID-19 Update 7: This is probably the most important picture of the whole Coronavirus-epidemic: • COVID-19 Update 7: Thi...
COVID-19 Update 8: Zinc and chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19?: • COVID-19 Update 8: Zin...
COVID-19 Update 9: Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for the treatment of COVID-19-Review of study by Didier Raoult: • Hydroxychloroquine and...
COVID-19 Update 10: Is COVID-19 an airborne disease? Will we all need to wear face-masks against SARS-CoV-2? • COVID 10: Is COVID-19 ...
COVID-19 Update 11: How exactly the coronavirus becomes airborne. • COVID-19 Update 11: Ho...
COVID-19 Update 12: Attack rates of COVID-19 depend on face-to-face time spent with infected persons: • COVID-19 Update 12: At...
COVID-19 Update 13: Randomized Controlled Trial of Hydroxychloroquine in Patients with COVID-19: • COVID-19 Update 13: Ra...
COVID-19 Update 14: Are children contributing to the spread of COVID-19? • COVID-19 Update 14: Ar...
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Useful resources:
For checking daily developments of cases, deaths and more:
gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/ap...
www.worldometers.info/coronav...
Other useful resources:
Journal Watch:
www.jwatch.org/na51020/2020/0...
New England Journal of Medicine:
www.nejm.org/coronavirus
Github collaboration:
github.com/midas-network/COVI...
CDC:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-...
WHO:
www.who.int/emergencies/disea...
Nucleuswealth:
nucleuswealth.com/articles/up...
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Speaker: Franz Wiesbauer, MD MPH
Internist & Founder at Medmastery
LinkedIn: / franzwiesbauer
PubMed: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?...
Check out our course library and register for a free trial account: www.medmastery.com/user/register
Facebook: / medmastery
Twitter: / medmastery
Please Note: Medmastery's videos, medical lectures, medical illustrations, and medical animations are for medical education and exam preparation purposes, and not intended to replace recommendations by your doctor or health care provider.

[@StevenBanks123]

3:10 decontaminating N95 masks

[@perou7367]

Thank you sir!

[@markkugs6622]

Omg I was like wtf when are you going to say something useful

[@johnhein2539]

Thanks! People on KZbin love to talk about unimportant shit. Gone are the days of 45-90 seconds answer videos. Shit’s gotten too like, comment, and subscribe structured and 10-15 minute videos has become the norm. Essentially ensuring everyone talks more, but says less.

[@alisonmayers3516]

Thanks! What a time saver!

[@Snobviously]

You're the hero we need!

[@meme-yc4ks]

MCdonalds bought almost 1 MIllion mask for donation to hospitals days ago. How the hell is it McDonalds is able to buy almost 1 million masks but yet the hospitals dont have access to this stock?

[@meme-yc4ks]

@@samson8542 Hospitals arnt buying them. Period. They arnt making money right now..no elective surgeries, only Covid-19 people in there. And they are not currently paying.

[@GarryBurgess]

McDonald's is more resourceful. Hospitals just rely on their traditional suppliers.

[@Chalky.]

It's a global company so obviously they have both direct and indirect access to suppliers of a wide range of products.

[@richardalvarado-ik9br]

@@meme-yc4ks Because McDonald's doesn't need hospital grade masks. Hospitals need way better masks. Uvex is way better than 3M BTW

[@AhmedAli-nc1xr]

You just answer your own question. Money Money Money Moooooneeeeey💰

[@ConcealedCourier]

You'd think they would have done a fabric lifespan test right from the start.

[@dr.neilpande4989]

Thank you for such clarity...

[@saurabhjn20]

Such information from informed sources is so important in current pandemic situation !! Thanks 👍🏻

[@V8play.]

thank you very much for the accurate & good source info. Now we know that is impossible to disinfect an N95 with homemade methods

[@peppermint2552]

not true!! just leave the n95 for 5 days...

[@olgag6531]

I've looking for this, thank you so much!

[@pokedude104]

I know its not the right way in a professional medical setting but for the general public who want to reuse their surgical style masks, I found that this is a good way to do it. Starting with clean hands of course... 1. Fill clean sink with hot water 2. Get the mask wet in the water 3. Use a plain bar of soap on your hands to get them soapy 4. Gently scrub mask in between hands making sure to get in the creases. Do this for a couple minutes. 5. rinse in the hot water 6. fold width wise and squeeze out excess water 7. hang somewhere clean to dry 8. when dry use a new ziploc bag to store in until use. only use bag once

[@ReApEr789456]

thank you very much for this videos

[@LifeOfSpandy]

Beautifully spoke everything. Better than all the other videos showing the same thing

[@yonutz333]

Besides the fact that the introduction is almost half of the video, waaaay to long, it's good and informative

[@gricel8402]

What are your thoughts on placing your N95 in a paper bag and letting it hang outside in the 100+ AZ heat for a few days, before next use?

[@manofborneo290]

Would you create a video on how to clean a surgical mask?

[@jmac1249]

Try UV-C light at 245nm. It bounce around and keeps cleaning. Check out the large units few Hospitals have tried in the ICU room between use.

[@esecallum]

Could someone explain to me why everyone here is so ignorant of using $20 ozone gas generator which you can get of ebay/amazon and sterilize MASKs, PPE, rooms? Instead of over complicated and complex expensive solutions? Have you people lost the ability to google now as well? Are you really that lazy and stupid and brain dead?

[@sumaiyabushra9624]

Thank you. This was informative!

[@drewga403]

Did not comment on the "Hot Water Vapor (Steam)" cleaning shown on the chart @ 6:30. That looks pretty promising on the chart. Also, wonder if any studies have been done on microwaving them?

[@Chapol99]

My N95 has a metal nose piece. I think the microwave might reject the metal.

[@ferrellscott]

the video needs an update on the amount of time covid can last on n95 masks. also what about surgical masks? what i'm reading elsewhere is that covid will last on n95 masks up to 7 days. if i had the option i would not begin re-using a n95 mask on day 8... i would wait until day 14 to be safe. also while i understand it is preferred to use a hospital clean-room that is not an option for people that don't have access to a hospital clean-room. please provide an update on options that can be implemented at home e.g. use an oven at home (bens vs cons). 75 degrees C or 167 degrees F is not difficult to achieve (obviously) in a home oven. thanks!

[@wavewholesalesupply9882]

Great info, thank you!

[@paulosilva-dm1qb]

Hi..helpful adices in these days..But why the hot water boiling hasn´t been mentioned if the number in the table were adequate?

[@Simply_Ralfy]

Good video. You did not mention about the static electricity that's put into n95 mask. So the electricity some how creates a buffer to not let in microscopes particles. Does the mask lose the static electricity by heating them using hydrogen peroxide or uv light?

[@ttaylor5847]

Around the 6:50 mark, Dr. Wiesbauer concludes that, "One last option which has been suggested, but not well-studied, is to essentially do nothing, and leave the masks to dry for several days. This is based on the idea that viruses need moisture to remain viable.” Where is the moisture coming from to begin with? Is he referring to the condensation and moisture which a mask will absorb from a user OR is there some washing method that is being suggested, followed by air-drying?? Finally, where does the CDC's "cleanable face shield" fit in the spectrum of studies suggesting possible "decontamination"?

[@aliakbarmohammadi7792]

N95 KN95 FPP2 are almost the same

[@l4iddendragon]

Have two N95s & rotate use while 1 drys in sunlight. Wear cloth mask over N95 & wash daily. Seems to work but welcome critique.

[@davethomas4569]

N95 masks are degraded by UV light because it damages the electrostatic charges in the polypropylene material.

[@kosh9639]

I use 70% Rubbing Alcohol-- in a small spray bottle: from, the dollar store... Misting it down good & leaving it to dry... (10+ mins) seem to work good, for general use.. 👍 Would of like to know if it needs a + or - static charge..

[@BerlinerinToni]

@@kosh9639 The doctor addresses this in the video at around 6:23. Alcohol and bleach DO affect the mask's viability, unfortunately. However, see also this website which gives more information on mask washing and alcohol disinfection: smartairfilters.com/en/blog/washing-masks-effective-virus/

[@alandgomez5905]

@@BerlinerinToni Thx for the time stamp.

[@karlsmink7037]

@@kosh9639 Alcohol breaks down the filtration properties of the mask, and virus sized particles can then pentrate.

[@motoman9892]

3M should be able to invent a updated N95 mask that can be cleaned multiples of times without degrading the fit or the filtering material.

[@jigggro]

Motoman that would be bad for business.

[@highwayoflife3987]

Actually

[@samjam6989]

then 3M would go out of business 😅

[@Bright-It]

Medmastery: Could you, please, answer this question? Louis Bloom asked: "Hello. My english is not good and thats why i missed one thing in the video. He said that reuse is changing a mask after encounters with patients during the shift (who has covid) right? And then after desinfection you can reuse that mask again. But most of the masks are NR (non reusable) in my country. So they can filter stuff only during about 8 hours. The question is: did he say in the video that we can reuse NR masks even after they were used after 8 hours? Or he meant that we can reuse only those masks that were used less than 8 hours?" Thank you so much.

[@ttaylor5847]

At the beginning of the video, Dr. Wiesbauer simply explains the terminology which is being employed regarding the continued use of N95 masks during a pandemic. Using masks (which are normally single-use) continuously during an entire shift is called extended-Use. "Or, allowing masks to be removed and put back on multiple times between patients within the same shift... is known as re-use. Many institutions around the world are already requiring their staff to re-use their masks, but what are the risks of re-use?” The balance of the video explains several studies that tried alternate disinfection methods so that they might possibly be used AFTER a shift, concluding that the studies do not really arrive at a conclusive answer. Regarding the answer to your question, "Did he say in the video that we can reuse NR masks even after they were used after 8 hours? Or he meant that we can reuse only those masks that were used less than 8 hours?" As I understand it, all he said was how masks could be used again "within the same shift" - not after, and without specifying if that is an 8-hour or 12-hour shift. The only definitive information I got about how one might be able to use these masks more frequently was the following: "To reduce the risk of contact transmission [which increases with both extended and re-use], the CDC recommends wearing a cleanable face shield over the N95 respirator to avoid contamination & that respirators be discarded if they appear damaged, hard to breathe thru, or obviously contaminated. It is vital that those who use these masks wash their hands thoroughly before and after touching the respirator." Lastly, Dr. Wiesbauer implies that heating the N95; using UV light; or some unspecified washing method while leaving the N95 to air-dry MAY prove to work in the future but that additional studies must be done on each method. Hope this helps answer your question. You may also wish to look at some other videos on this topic.

[@mariomoreno9954]

Please, tell us why ozone has not been considered as potential method like this case? We are trying to reuse safetly the respirators all arround the world.

[@stephentsang2000]

how about baking it in the Microwave oven?

[@sulsha2448]

At 6.37, Please comment on the utility or disadvantage of hot water vapour as a Disinfecting method. Can it result in clogging, or alteration of material ? How many times can this method be used ?

[@pimpjuus]

I was looking for the same answer👍👍👍

[@allanmarks2150]

@Sul Sha - the question of alteration of material is a very important question, and a question that, as far as I know, no Government agency anywhere in the world is giving out any information on. How is it possible that we are being given so little information about such an important question?

[@badchefi]

Allan Marks the masks made out of polypropylene hold up amazingly well - I boiled cheap surgical masks serial times and the structure of the plastics looks the same under magnification...

[@_pr0mZ]

How to clean dirt and dust on outside liner?

[@trycoldman2358]

I usually disinfect my N95s with UVC light, 30 mins on each side and then leave them for 10 days in a cardboard box with openings to dry out.

[@esecallum]

Use a $20 ozone gas generator from ebay which gets into all the nooks and crannies...put tube into a box or a small room and ozonate and it will sterilize it....including mask and PPE. simple..

[@muhamedhisham4952]

ekaro.in/enkr2020042941680507 please use these mask which is having good quality These are reusable

[@speedygonzalez1624]

What about leaving it in a hot ass car in the sun?

[@esecallum]

@@speedygonzalez1624 Ozone therapy: A clinical review A. M. Elvis and J. S. Ekta Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Go to: Abstract Ozone (O3) gas discovered in the mid-nineteenth century is a molecule consisting of three atoms of oxygen in a dynamically unstable structure due to the presence of mesomeric states. Although O3 has dangerous effects, yet researchers believe it has many therapeutic effects. Ozone therapy has been utilized and heavily studied for more than a century. Its effects are proven, consistent, safe and with minimal and preventable side effects. Medical O3 is used to disinfect and treat disease. Mechanism of actions is by inactivation of bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast and protozoa, stimulation of oxygen metabolism, activation of the immune system. Medication forms in a gaseous state are somewhat unusual, and it is for this reason that special application techniques have had to be developed for the safe use of O3. In local applications as in the treatment of external wounds, its application in the form of a transcutaneous O3 gas bath has established itself as being the most practical and useful method, for example at low (sub-atmospheric) pressure in a closed system guaranteeing no escape of O3 into the surrounding air. Ozonized water, whose use is particularly known in dental medicine, is optimally applied as a spray or compress. Diseases treated are infected wounds, circulatory disorders, geriatric conditions, macular degeneration, viral diseases, rheumatism/arthritis, cancer, SARS and AIDS. Keywords: Allodynia, autohemotherapy, lipid ozonation products, ozone Go to: INTRODUCTION Ozone (O3), a gas discovered in the mid-nineteenth century, is a molecule consisting of three atoms of oxygen in a dynamically unstable structure due to the presence of mesomeric states. The gas is colorless, acrid in odour and explosive in liquid or solid form. It has a half-life of 40 min at 20°C and about 140 min at 0°C. Its basic function is to protect humans from harmful effects of UV radiation. Ozone occurs at less than 20 μg/m3 from the Earth's surface at concentrations that are perfectly compatible with life. Although O3 has dangerous effects, yet researchers believe it has many therapeutic effects.[1-3] The beginning of precise medical O3 generators has only recently allowed the mechanisms, action and possible toxicity of O3 to be evaluated by clinical trials.[2] Ozone has a capacity to oxidize organic compounds,[4] and has well-known toxic effects on the respiratory tract when present in smog.[5-6] In medical use the gas produced from medical grade oxygen is administered in precise therapeutic doses, and never via inhalation, and advocates that it has excellent health benefits in dental caries, decrease blood cholesterol and stimulation of antioxidative responses, modifies oxygenation in resting muscle and is used in complementary treatment of hypoxic and ischemic syndromes.[7-10] Go to: HISTORY OF OZONE THERAPY Ozone therapy has been utilized and extensively studied for many decades altogether. Its effects are proven, consistent and with minimal side effects. Medical O3, used to disinfect and treat disease, has been around for over 150 years. Used to treat infections, wounds and multiple diseases, O3's effectiveness has been well-documented. It has been used to disinfect drinking water before the turn of the last century. Ozone was known to treat as many as 114 diseases.[11] Ozone therapy has been in use since the 1800s and in 1896 the genius Nikola Tesla patented the first O3 generator in the US, later forming the “Tesla Ozone Company.”[12] During the first world war (1914-18) doctors familiar with O3's antibacterial properties, and with few other medical resources available to them applied it topically to infected wounds and discovered O3 not only remedied infection, but also had hemodynamic and anti-inflammatory properties.[13] In the late 1980s, reports had emerged that German physicians were successfully treating HIV patients with 03-AHT (Autohemotherapy). There was then no pharmaceutical treatment for HIV and a pandemic was feared, so Canadian authorities authorized the study to test safety and efficacy of 03-AHT in AIDS patients. Ozone had shown promise in in vitro testing. Ozone was seen effective at disinfecting extracorporeal blood samples of HIV; unfortunately for AIDS patients, 03-AHT proved to be an in vivo ineffective treatment[14-15] [Table 1]. Table 1

[@speedygonzalez1624]

@@esecallum might take me awhile but i will read it and let u know

[@peterfrey2785]

What about a laundry dryer? Is it possible to clean a N95 in a laundry dryer? What about disinfecting the fabric of a DIY cloth mask with a hepa filter?

[@ngeowhoiwan1050]

Beware of HEPA filter coz' some are made of fiberglass.You may be breathing in more than just the COVID-19. There's 2 ways to disinfect and reuse N95 masks! 1) You can use a steam iron. Set the temperature to high and steam all around the mask for about 3-5 minutes. 2) Steam it in a pot. Fill about a quarter or two thirds with water, place the mask on a tray above (about 2-3 inches) the water level and steam about 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and some disinfectant (liquid or tablet type; Important: read the instructions given because different brands have different concentrations) to the water in the steam iron or pot. Let it dry indoors for a day or overnight. Do NOT use bleach for it can break down the N95 mask filter membrane. However; these procedures can only be used for about 10-15 times. Another way to prolong the use of your N95, use a 3-ply surgical mask over your N95; this way you don't have to disinfect your N95 so often (disinfect after about 5 times of use). FYI: N95 (95% filtration) and P100 (99.5% filtration)

[@peterfrey2785]

@@ngeowhoiwan1050 thank you

[@ngeowhoiwan1050]

Glad to help. Stay safe and God bless!

[@peterfrey2785]

@@ngeowhoiwan1050 I have a question. What sense does it make to have fiberglas in a hepa filter? Do you thing a hoover bag has fiberglas elements?

[@ngeowhoiwan1050]

HEPA filters used in vacuum cleaners, car/ house/ office air conditioners, air purifiers and certain types of face masks are made from fiberglass material combination. Be very careful and do not use the vacuum (Hoover) bags as a face mask. Breathing in fiberglass can cause ruptures in your lungs!

[@bizzarrogeorge]

How come there aren't any billionaires starting up n95 manufacturing plants?

[@speedygonzalez1624]

We make idiots rich thats why!

[@pando2333]

To be fair to some of them they’re trying to stop their businesses from going under

[@salavamanianttony6796]

I would like to refer some of the information from this video for my video

[@tempodopop5571]

I have a uv sanitizer. I use it for hotels but I'm gonna use it for my kf94.

[@oliverfasola19]

I wonder what happened to the N100 masks

[@unguidedone]

you say hack but did not mention your compiler settings i am confused

[@crazybusdriver1]

I heard about a company in Ohio that built a machine that sprays the masks with hydrogen peroxide and the masks can be reused as much as 70 times. I hope that works.

[@toddrf4058]

Battelle

[@lisaridy7415]

i know of a company that sell surgical mask you can add them on WhatsApp [phone]

[@esecallum]

Use a $20 ozone gas generator from ebay which gets into all the nooks and crannies...put tube into a box or a small room and ozonate and it will sterilize it....including mask and PPE. simple..

[@KBrown7]

You may be referring to Battelle which is a research place in OH. I have heard the reuse is up to 20x , not 70x. Either way, I don't know which grade of masks it referred to. I would think the highest grade for medical healthcare workers. But then, Never Assume Anything. Lol. It seems with every potential answer there are 10x more things we need to learn.

[@iritr.1322]

You can now order KN95 masks online! They are equally as good as the N95

[@shreyaskulkarni9603]

Can using steam iron work?

[@sheritaneal6770]

Is it possible to put the mask inside of a fabric bag and maybe set it in the dryer on a quick steam setting for 10 minutes or so would it sanitize that because I don’t have a steamer or a UV see light at the moment just wondering if that is an option since my spouse is an essential worker.

[@sheritaneal6770]

UV C light

[@yemail5555]

Have about 2 dozens of N95 masks so my current strategy is the last one you have said: wear one every time I need to go out and then put it in a dry and ventilated place in my house for like 2 - 3 weeks before use the same one next time. Since I only need to go out about once a week, I need 4 masks to do the rotation and have other masks as backups and should be able to sustain long period of time

[@2013Queen]

yemail5555 he is talking to healthcare professionals, who are constantly exposed to the virus

[@badchefi]

yemail5555 best would be to get some cheap surgical masks for yourself and donate the N95's to your local hospital - they need them more than you.

[@samjam6989]

@@badchefi N95s now being recommended. Surgical masks do nothing against omicron. I wear masks all the time am out, like a regular level 3 and still got omicron

[@tousshong9438]

I have an Ozone generator that I recently purchased to get rid off the smoke odors in my car. Can I use that to disinfect or sterilize my masks? I know it's effective in killing spore and molds and other germs so it should be good, right? I mean the ozone attached itself to any viruses or germs and kills them...and it's quick process vs. all the suggestion mention here.

[@MicMaine]

Yes, create a chamber to house the gas or place it in a garage so that you don't breathe in the Ozone gas

[@MicMaine]

Ozone also doesn't breakdown the polypropylene fibers like UV would over time in high doses

[@pratikranjan2222]

Hello, how should I use meds/supplements ordered via online pharmacy ? As they all must have been packed or manufactured during these Corona crisis. So can you please tell for how much time this virus can stay alive on surface of a medicine tablet ? Any ways to disinfect the meds before using ? ... Thankyou

[@esecallum]

Use a $20 ozone gas generator from ebay which gets into all the nooks and crannies...put tube into a box or a small room and ozonate and it will sterilize it....including mask and PPE. simple..

[@misunderstoodanaid2u]

So for a surgical mask I can leave it for 4 days near a window and it will be good to use again on day 5?

[@torenatkinson1986]

Typically regular clear window glass blocks most UV-B rays but only an insignificant percentage of UV-A rays.

[@badchefi]

You can boil surgical masks - I wash with hot soapy water then boil and dry - did it three times with one and the polypropylene seems to hold up amazingly well..

[@SharifulIslam-fp4yk]

Keep in mind:Keeping mask for days(2/3) to auto-die viruses can not clean litters/dusts in the masks

[@anjanamajhi8452]

Coming from somewhere else and putting it into an airtight container is not the solution. Because it gets soaked sweat, vapour ,moisture with dirts. I think inside the mask one can use fresh clothes each time then wash it.

[@chazbo3071fun]

Many of the N95 masks being worn around are industrial grade not medical grade. They protect the wearer but not others around them because they have an exhalation valve. The air you exhale is not filtered at all. No mask with an exhalation valve should be allowed. I bought several high quality N95 masks at Lowe's a few months ago that had exhalation valves without realizing that. To protect others as well as myself, I wear a thick cotton face mask over the N95 mask. The San Francisco Dept. of Health recently banned any type of mask with an exhalation valve.

[@betterwithrum]

#2020 KZbin bots just share mask videos now... and I keep watching them.

[@husansharif984]

What about a heating them in a microwave for 2 minutes. Will that work?

[@bapubhadke6287]

5:44

[@CompassionIsPower]

Careful if the N95 has metal on it b4 using a microwave...

[@biggast]

Thanks for the good info👏👏👏👌👌

[@venus606]

Can N95 mask be sterilized by alcohol 95 degrees and leave it to dry then reuse it or put in sun for 15 mn then reuse it?

[@mercedesmartin6766]

Decontaminating N95 Masks Using Heat One study performed by the University of Tennessee performed a variety of tests using heat and suggested that heating a mask at 70C for 30 minutes can provide decontamination while preserving filter integrity.

[@ngeowhoiwan1050]

There's 2 ways to disinfect and reuse N95 masks! 1) You can use a steam iron. Set the temperature to high and steam all around the mask for about 3-5 minutes. 2) Steam it in a pot. Fill about a quarter or two thirds with water, place the mask on a tray above (about 2-3 inches) the water level and steam about 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and some disinfectant (liquid or tablet type; Important: read the instructions given because different brands have different concentrations) to the water in the steam iron or pot. Let it dry indoors for a day or overnight. Do NOT use bleach for it can break down the N95 mask filter membrane. However; these procedures can only be used for about 10-15 times. Another way to prolong the use of your N95, use a 3-ply surgical mask over your N95; this way you don't have to disinfect your N95 so often (disinfect after about 5 times of use). FYI: N95 (95% filtration) and P100 (99.5% filtration)

[@mercedesmartin6766]

@@ngeowhoiwan1050 I'm not sure but I think I've read that steam can compromise filter durability.

[@ngeowhoiwan1050]

Yes it can! That's why steam cleaning the face mask may not work for all types. Certain mask filter membranes are made from plastic material and high heat can cause it to break down. You can also opt for the cheap inexpensive face mask (3-ply surgical mask). As for the shortages, many Asians buy or make themselves cloth/ cotton face mask; though the filtration is not as good but it still offer some protection and can be washed with soap detergents. What's important is to be wise and make smart choices! Stay safe and God bless!

[@samjam6989]

@@ngeowhoiwan1050 CDC now recommends N95 due to Omicron. Surgical and cloth masks are kind of useless

[@Maranatha621]

Could I use steam cleaning? I have a Tefal steam cleaner.. been using it for coats and shoes after going out for groceries?... anything good for the mask For how long could I do it before disposing the masks for good?

[@tylervasquez192]

That's a good idea 💡

[@ngeowhoiwan1050]

There's 2 ways to disinfect and reuse N95 masks! 1) You can use a steam iron. Set the temperature to high and steam all around the mask for about 3-5 minutes. 2) Steam it in a pot. Fill about a quarter or two thirds with water, place the mask on a tray above (about 2-3 inches) the water level and steam about 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and some disinfectant (liquid or tablet type; Important: read the instructions given because different brands have different concentrations) to the water in the steam iron or pot. Let it dry indoors for a day or overnight. Do NOT use bleach for it can break down the N95 mask filter membrane. However; these procedures can only be used for about 10-15 times. Another way to prolong the use of your N95, use a 3-ply surgical mask over your N95; this way you don't have to disinfect your N95 so often (disinfect after about 5 times of use). FYI: N95 (95% filtration) and P100 (99.5% filtration)

[@skipperrussell2025]

Could you spray the with 70% isopropyl alcohol?

[@Bright-It]

So, I need 4 N95. Mark them 1 to 4 and rotate per week following the calendar. Ex.: April (Mondays) 06, 13, 20 and 26.

[@Born2kill102]

Hello. My english is not good and thats why i missed one thing in the video. He said that reuse is changing a mask after encounters with patients during the shift (who has covid) right? And then after desinfection you can reuse that mask again. But most of the masks are NR (non reusable) in my country. So they can filter stuff only during about 8 hours. The question is: did he say in the video that we can reuse NR masks even after they were used after 8 hours? Or he meant that we can reuse only those masks , that were used less than 8 hours? Sorry for my english again, hope you will understand what i meant.

[@Bright-It]

Louis Bloom I passed your question to him, because, I am not sure about it.

[@Bright-It]

Louis Bloom Which Country are you?

[@Born2kill102]

@@Bright-It Russia. Here are different standarts for respirators. As i know n95 is equal to ffp2 here.

[@badchefi]

Louis Bloom it's not so much that they can - they have to reuse them. I found that the surgical masks made out of polypropylene work really well to be boiled for ten minutes -

[@sandiyonathan]

Is it okay to clean N95 mask with soap?

[@ttakotube]

What about ozone treatment for the masks?

[@fever4174]

Tamas Tako possible but deadly

[@KE6EHH]

Yup been using Ozone for yrs on my cpap system including mask. Recently added a Ozone generator to decon my hospital clothes , mask and gear. Ozone does get into everything and kills. You must let it sit in the ozone for atleast an hour or more for the gas to be effective.

[@lms5951]

I think we'd better rethink the Ozone generator thing...pkease read this excerpt from tbis website: www.inputmag.com/guides/do-not-buy-ozone-generator-for-coronavirus-covid-19 THE SCAM - There are currently 335,000 Google results for “ozone generator covid-19” and 359,000 for “ozone generator coronavirus.” In the graph above you can see that people are suddenly very interested in ozone generators. Here’s what Wikipedia says about ozone generation as a disinfectant: "At high concentrations ozone can be toxic to air-borne bacteria, and may destroy or kill these sometimes infectious organisms. However, the required concentrations are sufficiently toxic to humans and animals that the US FDA declares that ozone has no place in medical treatment[7] and has taken action against businesses that violate this regulation by offering therapeutic ozone generators or ozone therapy.[8] Ozone is a highly toxic and extremely reactive gas.[9] A higher daily average than 0.1 ppm (100 ppb, 0.2 mg/m3) is not recommended and can damage the lungs and olfactory bulb cells directly.[10]" So yes, you can use ozone to kill bacteria, but the coronavirus is a virus, and even if it were a bacteria, huffing the amount of ozone needed to kill it would undoubtedly damage your lungs. But that’s not stopping ozone generator manufacturers from speculating that their products might kill the coronavirus. Take Ozonics for example; here’s what’s written on the company’s blog (emphasis ours): "Ozone is the tri-atomic form of oxygen and is a naturally occurring gas. Ozone is harnessed in scent control applications because it bonds to the molecules it contacts, like scent molecules, and destroys them. The process is the same with airborne bacteria and viruses: when the right amount of ozone is deployed for the right amount of time, it destroys the bacteria and viruses it contacts. This includes viruses like COVID-19. Since the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for days, it’s crucial to have an effective way to disinfect your household." This is wrong. This company, and many of the others that are jumping on this bandwagon, are misleading consumers and trying to capitalize on people’s fear of coronavirus. Don’t get played: follow the EPA and the CDC’s guidelines.

[@KE6EHH]

@@lms5951 Sorry but the article is flawed, Ozone if used properly would kill bacteria and viruses. Key is using it properly. Ozone has been used for cpap cleaning for years now. Thousands of us know ozone works. If used properly. I use an ozone generator to fill a container that has my mask and goggles in it . Fill it up with ozone and let it sit for a while, 4hrs +. Air it out for another 4+ hours. No worries of inhaling ozone as it has dissipated . Again only if you use it correctly.

[@Fre3flyOfficial]

Thank God there are plenty of N95 masks these days! My choice is the company "Protect Life"

[@johnnyb.6405]

Yes indeed. the general population can now find N95 masks. Where do you find the Protect Life masks?

[@davidblaine1994]

@@johnnyb.6405 I got mine from n95mask . video (yes, that's a website :)

[@just_crossthreads]

can I dry heat my mask by sunlight??

[@juvian2758]

What about vapor from boiling water to decontaminate N95 masks ?

[@porpo-donut]

If you are talking about 3M N95 - examine Scientific published papers from the 1950s on in the discovery and industrial application/use of polyprophylene. A type of plastic, that is anti-microbial, so it's used in packaging food now all over the world to keep it fresh or bottling water to keep it safe to drink. In the 1990s, scientists found if polyprophylene was low level heated it could melted and drawn out to create filaments as little as 3microns (6x smaller than you can see) and since this substance holds static charge with slightest heat, vibration or movement such as breath from a person inhaling/exhaling, it can electro static charge and trap something smaller than a micron to these filaments (much like a magnet). Scientists at 3M also tested if these filters could be re-used, found it's not feasibly possible and best for the gen. public not to disinfect as it's possible to release trapped bio-aerosols by cleaning. As late as last month scientists "re-looked" at heating or "boiling" and found temp. as low at 50C starts to structurally change these 10-30 micron filaments..and temp at 70C (158F) "melts them" So, boiling (and I'm talking specifically to Surgical/Health Care 1860/1861 or 1870/1871 - NOT TO ANY 3M Industrial 1820 N95 you buy at home depot or any Kf94 paper pleated loop around your ear w/string mask) at 212F is way above the melting point for these micron size filaments of polyprophylene. This substance also quickly biodegrades outside specific temp. for storage or exposure to UV/Sunlight. CDC has NOT issued ANY Interim guidance for disinfecting/reuse of any N95 Industrial Respirators. THeir guidance is SPECIFIC to health care workers actively treating COVID 19 patients and they are re-suing these respirators with a known risk in doing that. It's simply much more safe to re-use vs. use any other type N95 or wear no mask at all..

[@Raison_d-etre]

To provide an update: CDC no longer believes that the virus transmits via contaminated surfaces. They also found that respirators lose fit after 5 donnings.

[@worldview730]

Is this treatment only for the masks shown in this video, (for first responders)? What about the lesser known knock off KN 95's versions for non first responders, can we use the oven heating method on them as well?

[@bullymaguire632]

You can use the amazing method of "Throwing it away and buying actual n95s that don't have a 60% chance of being fake

[@RonyShawkat]

How do you have hair so good during this lockdown?

[@HDA_III]

I had someone cut my hair during the pandemic. It’s wasn’t perfect but better than the lions mane I had. But how is that revenant to the video?

[@kilroy987]

This could have been a written article.

[@irondiver292]

Excellence.

[@hokutonosword1]

What about drying the masks in sunlight which will function for both drying and disinfecting the masks ?? The only con I can think of if sunlight damages the straps material if left In Hot Sunlight for too long

[@fever4174]

sword ali UV concentration isn’t high enough

[@forrestaiken8311]

Uhh, as simple as microwaving a dish sponge.....glad I don't have 10 yr degree that keeps me seeing simplicity

[@sushilbarua8862]

A paste in head when you feel something high temperatures. Colgate. Ayrbed with neem leaf. Leaf

[@kyjo72682]

What is the reason for not using home oven? What's the difference?

[@isaacp5969]

kyjo72682 its because they were using what ovens would be available in a hospital

[@kyjo72682]

@@isaacp5969 No, they caution against using a home oven (5:40). I'm asking why. Obviously no one has a blanket heating oven at home..

[@isaacp5969]

kyjo72682 👭👩🏽‍🎤💄🌂👽

[@mercedesmartin6766]

Masks can be treated in hot air at 70°C for 30 minutes, and this process can be repeated multiple times without a noticeable loss in FE. But be sure to suspend the masks in the hot air without contacting or nearing a metal surface. The respirator can be hung in the oven using a wood or a plastic clip on the edge of a non-breathing zone or put on a wood grill at least 6” away from any metal surface. Hold the edge of non-breathing zone when doffing the mask, and do not touch the inside part of the mask because your hands might become contaminated at this time if the mask was. After donning the masks, wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water for at least 20 seconds according to CDC guidelines. utrf.tennessee.edu/information-faqs-performance-protection-sterilization-of-face-mask-materials/

[@sinusnovi3826]

@@kyjo72682 I am asking too. But I think they talked about "normal" (non convection) Ovens. I personally used the convecting 75 Celsius (preheated) 30 minutes method with my surgerical and my FFP3 (N95) mask several times.

[@tidyjob1]

i was wondering If you could put masks in dehydrator would that kill virus

[@wongaeh]

static charge is the key to filtering out microscopic particles ain't it? every method stays 70% than reusing isn't suitable for medical staffs. but for general ppl who can't get new masks, ain't that bad.

[@badchefi]

ollie you can make them static again after cleaning - try hair dryer...

[@andreaswijaya89ify]

That just regular OVEN?

[@eamonhannon1103]

Why NOT in a home oven .What is the reason . You stated the important thing was to raise the temperature above 65 Degrees C in an oven . Then you make a statement " Do not use in a home oven . A home oven can raise the temperature to above 65 Degrees C . So these statements appear contradictory . You need to explain WHY it is not recommended to heat the mask in a HOME oven .If you are giving information try to ensure the information is CLEAR !

[@sankalpgaonkar8513]

Can we submerge the used mask in hot water with dettol liquid for 12 hours and than reuse it??

[@esecallum]

Use a $20 ozone gas generator from ebay which gets into all the nooks and crannies...put tube into a box or a small room and ozonate and it will sterilize it....including mask and PPE. simple.. why are you so stupid?

[@sankalpgaonkar8513]

@@esecallum well the question still arrives as there are many places where complete lockdown is observed and thus no delivery boy can access the area.... That's way I raised this question.....

[@robertslocum2555]

Use an iron to steam clean them

[@Sierra0209]

et , en français ??

[@Izakokomarixyz]

If you want to reuse a respirator you should get the ones with replaceable filters. The P100 filters are superior to N95 anyway...

[@badchefi]

Izakokomarixyz you don't see them used in hospitals for a reason.....

[@Izakokomarixyz]

badchefi - Yeah because they’re ill equipped... And yes, I have seen some with half faced respirators and also PAPR’s

[@Izakokomarixyz]

F S - If you’re worried about the viruses stuck inside of the filter perhaps just buy four sets of filters, use one pair each day and on the fifth day you can use the first one you used on day 1, by then most of the viruses inside the filter probably won’t be infectious anymore. Of course sanitizing what you possibly can is also important (not inside the filter) I’m obviously no expert I’m just saying what I would do...

[@sou_theslytherin5203]

Can I just soak them in hot water?

[@trenchantsometimes5149]

YT video Yale finds a way to sanitize N95 masks

[@javiervargas9629]

the best type of protection lol did you forget about p100 and p3 ?

[@DrumFFx]

so how do we clean these N95 masks to remove debris without messing it up.. hot water ?

[@ngeowhoiwan1050]

There's 2 ways to disinfect and reuse N95 masks! 1) You can use a steam iron. Set the temperature to high and steam all around the mask for about 3-5 minutes. 2) Steam it in a pot. Fill about a quarter or two thirds with water, place the mask on a tray above (about 2-3 inches) the water level and steam about 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and some disinfectant (liquid or tablet type; Important: read the instructions given because different brands have different concentrations) to the water in the steam iron or pot. Let it dry indoors for a day or overnight. Do NOT use bleach for it can break down the N95 mask filter membrane. However; these procedures can only be used for about 10-15 times. Another way to prolong the use of your N95, use a 3-ply surgical mask over your N95; this way you don't have to disinfect your N95 so often (disinfect after about 5 times of use). FYI: N95 (95% filtration) and P100 (99.5% filtration)

[@DrumFFx]

Ngeow Hoi Wan I have an idea!! The institute of Yale found that Hydrogen Peroxide gas what about OxiClean !? it is gentle cleaning and powerful at lifting stains and is disinfectant! OxiClean created with sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide it works great every time i ever used it! 🙏🏼

[@ngeowhoiwan1050]

Yes, great idea! Glad that you do some research on this. There are many ways to clean and disinfect face masks but many do not take the trouble to learn or do these sort of things. Many just prefer to discard and buy again. Feel so sad for these people, they just do not want to learn new ideas or information that can be of help to them but cry for help, hoard buying things and create chaos. Happy to know that they are still wise and smart people like you! Stay safe and God bless!

[@vasdgod]

Can we iron them using iron just like how we iron clothes please reply to my comment fast plsplspls

[@vinodhareddy4031]

hyderabadi ?

[@Peachy_Cool_Arrow]

Anybody know how many days can i reuse surgical mask?

[@aigneisEve]

Once you take it off you throw it in the garbage and never use it again. And you need to take it off after 4 hours. Sadly, it's not reusable

[@WattoPhotos]

Just buy a half face mask and a P3 filiter will past months and you can change filiter

[@AudiS4orce1]

Question: Would putting the N95 masks in a HOME OVEN for 30mins at 75 degrees disinfect it or not?!

[@alorisfall2930]

AudiS4orce1 was wondering the same thing!

[@CJAG777]

I think hospitals need to be self-contained they should make n 95 masks at each hospital even if they add on a building to do so it would save from shipping. And waiting. This is a great idea someone should put in place

[@sijuvk]

What world are you living in. This is the least practical solution ever.

[@CJAG777]

@@sijuvk and where do you live china?

[@sijuvk]

carolyn allen what gave you that idea. Im a doctor dealing with covid positive patients so yea it’d be immensely helpful if every hospital could just get a production unit for n95 and PPE. wonder why no one thought of that.

[@CJAG777]

@@sijuvk thank you doctor for your hard work and dedication.

[@pranidhanaabhiyoga6485]

Why don't they use CRBN gas mask ?

[@flipmode00]

its expensive lol and thats my next purchase no more mask lol

[@badchefi]

Very impractical - imagine decontamination on a daily basis - also the increased risk putting it in and off....

[@Blackcatlucky137]

Make mask out of hemp!

[@thewakes1033]

For the average Joe at home, Can we set them in the sun for X amount of time? Then hand in a breathable bag somewhere for a week or something?

[@tevincampbell1735]

UVC lamp can do the job. Pretty cheap at less than $40. Check Amazon and ebay. www.amazon.com/Germicidal-Ozone-Remote-Control-Minutes/dp/B07RPVW5JV Just be careful not to look directly on the lamp or let it touch the skin while in operation or even be in the same location while it's on.

[@alejandradiaz6119]

Can you wash your masks in warm water and soap and then air dry for 2 days ?

[@betterwithrum]

How about direct sunlight for a day?

[@WattoPhotos]

Buy a half face mask and a p3 filiter last months

[@smilingmarly2580]

How many days I can leave the mask away to reuse again? I think 🤔 it's a better way

[@muhamedhisham4952]

ekaro.in/enkr2020042941680507 please use these mask which is having good quality These are reusable

[@joea9222]

Did you have to Waterboard us with non-answers?

[@DanielGomez-cf6vk]

Will Lysol spray work on n95 mask to kill the Coronavirus after it’s dry?

[@karlsmink7037]

Lysol breaks down the electrostatic filtration of the mask because of the alcohol. So,,, no,,, don't do it.

[@08faleti74]

Am glad you asked , I recycle mine by soaking it in a Lysol solution or virucide solution for 12 hours then hang dry for two days. It leaves a slight residue but nothing is compromised.

[@jfitzpatrick6108]

Ultra Long-Winded!

[@nyclassic4ever130]

If washing hands works.. Why not simply hand wash with soap or detergent... Allow to air dry normally? And that's it..... I'm confused... Why wouldn't that work? Doesn't seem to harsh to effect the effectiveness of the mask....

[@08faleti74]

I use this method , I recycle mine by soaking it in a Lysol solution or virucide solution for 12 hours then hang dry for two days. It leaves a slight residue but nothing is compromised.

[@08faleti74]

That is my method! I recycle mine by soaking it in a Lysol solution or virucide solution for 12 hours then hang dry for two days. It leaves a slight residue but nothing is compromised.

[@pedrocaldeira1986]

Inhaling virus-laden breath particles is probably THE MAIN route of contagion and not droplets as experts believe. Can you picture a drop from someone's saliva entering your nostrils? It would probably hit the tip of your nose, your lips, or your eyelids. It wouldn't probably enter your body, although it could happen, but not as often as inhaling one's breath. I know for a fact that when a person relaxes he exhudes gases. The same when he laughs or chuckles. That's why masks or keeping an appropriate distance is so important.

[@fever4174]

Pedro Caldeira actually it’s tiny tiny droplets. It will infect you.

[@pedrocaldeira1986]

@@fever4174 Yeah, it's the gas fresh from one's breath that you inhale. That's why appropriate social distancing is important.

[@fever4174]

Pedro Caldeira exactly. These are usually filled with tiny droplets. For example if you go ”ahhhhhh” onto your hand, you’ll feel warm, moist air. These tiny droplets are also perfect for carrying viruses.

[@marlakohl3213]

Great, not captioned! Inaccessible information for those who can’t hear you

[@matthewjacobs141]

I've been wanting to ask... Will putting a face-mask in the Microwave disinfect it?

[@drd6893]

No but it will start a fire and it’ll destroy the negativie electromagnetic virus and bacteria killer

[@matthewjacobs141]

@@drd6893 Why would cloth catch on fire and what does this mean " and it’ll destroy the negative electromagnetic virus and bacteria killer"

[@hanz05]

@@matthewjacobs141 I think he wanted to say "it will probably destroy the electrostatic forces of the mask which kills/ doent let covid perpetuate through...

[@matthewjacobs141]

@@hanz05 Hanna...The Covid Virus is so small that the openings between the weaves are like a Colander... Besides ...if someone is infected and in the process of spreading the Virus...the inside of the mask is now hot and moist...and the way most people handle their masks, it spreads to one's hands to be spread in that manner...Do you put your mask in your pocket or purse...If you are infected everything in your pock or purse is now infected...IMO Masks worn by untrained people in how to handle a biohazard do more harm than good

[@hanz05]

@@matthewjacobs141 yes u are right.. I just had answered to your question of why not putting the masks in microwave because it may catch fire, that's it.. now I don't usually go out. I just have to attend the classes. When putting the maks out I don't touch it's respirator just take it out fork the strings. Yaa it's right puttinb it in pocket or bag might infect it too! But then what else can we do.. govt hasn't given proper instructions for using masks, they just insist on using it. Sometimes I also fear I might not get covid just because of being in contact with mask🤣🤣 Whatever it is.. we need to take utmost precautions. I try not to put it in bags or things if possible.. just keep it in hand😗 And returning home, keep it in a breathable paper bag for 3 days or 2 days and rotate the masks. If u have any suggestions u can give me..

[@haliShanna]

WHY SOMETHING THAT CAN BE SAID IN 25 SEC TAKES THIS DOCTOR 8 MINUTES HGGUU

[@badchefi]

haliShanna he is creating content for his viewers...

[@ppecheckinfo6504]

You can freely check PPE for valid or fake on site (ppecheck info)