Tips for Reusing Masks
- Place mask in Tupperware container at end of use
- Spray mask with lysol
- Leave Tupperware container open or punch holes into lid to allow mask to dry before next use
- Sterilize N95 mask by placing in ziploc bag, holding over steam from boiling water for 10 mins.
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide and UV light are great options, but let’s be real, none of us have access to this at home. Holding your N95 mask over boiling water is a safe and affordable option to decontaminate a mask while maintaining its filtering abilities.
Battelle is using vaporized hydrogen peroxide to eliminate viral growth on exposed masks, bringing decontamination to zero in ~ 10 minutes, increasing the use of the same mask up to 20 times. Yes, ultraviolet light (260-285 nm) can decrease contamination to below the acceptable level, but it takes longer to do (approximately an hour) and is not safe for home use.
Tips to Improve Mask Seal and Decrease Contamination
- Place NoSting Barrier Film to skin in contact with mask
- Apply tape or tegaderm onto skin at edges of mask after barrier film dries
- Place a surgical mask over N95 mask
The barrier film and tape helps protect your skin and provides a better seal, decreasing the amount of particles that can enter your mask. Keeping your mask clean helps decrease the risk of contamination when taking your mask on and off with reuse.
