Sterilizing "95" Masks

The heat should do it, but it would be better in the direct sunlight because of the uv rays....however it's much better to get a uv light to use to keep your masks sterile...I put mine in a cabinet with a small 8 watt uv bulb, that way it's kept in a cleaner environment...

N95 masks are not for use by the general public. There are multiple reasons for this. First and foremost reason is one must be trained on how to use the mask for them to be effective. Second, when properly used an N95 mask protects the wearer from being infected and not the wearer from infecting others. This attribute is why many N95 masks have those black disc, exhaust valves that make them cooler to wear. A surgical mask or a simple cloth mask prevents the wearer from infecting others. Exactly the scenario of the asymptomatic carriers this disease creates. Ironically, many home made cloth masks are superior to commercial products for many wearers have them custom fitted. Lastly and most relevant to your question, N95 masks are originally designed to be disposed after use. Because of this they are not as durable and are difficult to sterilize without damage.

Get a cloth mask and wash it daily.

I found a couple of N99 masks among my shop supplies. Higher particulate filtration rating than the N95. No exhaust valve. Sturdy construction. Use one about once a week to grocery store, building supply... Still healthy, but low risk area here (Central Ontario).

An N95 and an N99 mask filter out 95% and 99% of the airborne particulates respectively. It doesn't take many particulates (dust, pollen, shop dust, etc.) captured in the surfaces of these masks for them to block needed air flow. This is the pivotal reason these masks should be frequently disposed. Sterilizing the outer surface with ionizing light will not dislodge trapped particles. Washing a cloth covering will dislodge particles. Washing a cloth covering with soap and water sterilizes and dislodges trapped particles.

Save your N99 masks for the work you do in your shop. A cloth covering will be insufficient for this task.

Horses for courses.

What can one wear that will prevent the catching of the disease?

Wait, you'll need a decontamination booth to disinfect the suit before you can remove it.....

Hydrogen peroxide mist ...

And more patience than I have!

It's too bad there aren't inexpensive masks that protect against virus particles coming in as well as possibly virus-laden droplets going out. Human nature being what it is, self-preservation is a much greater incentive for wearing a mask than altruism. Just sayin'.

Aye, therein lies the rub.

For any mask to protect the wearer from viral particles drawn onto the outer surfaces of the mask the wearer must be extra cautious how they remove the mask every time the mask is removed. This is why training is required for using the Nxx masks in a medical setting.

Well, what are people with compromised systems to do? What do the octogenarians, diabetic, and chemo treatment people do? How do they safely go somewhere? Isn't there a gas mask they can use? Or, should they just stay in the house until there is a cure or they die of old age?

Even if the gas mask looks hideous and cost a lot of money, it would be worth it to go out safely.

You can go out any time you want, just stay away from other people...no, further away....further....ok that's good

First, accept the truth that nothing is perfectly safe, even doing nothing.

Second, find someone who can train you the anal retentive techniques of removing contaminated PPE. I had the pleasure of learning this bizarre dance because my job required my skills to enter and repair a machine designed to make a wide spectrum of hot isotopes. Only once in those several dozen entries did frisking reveal I had contaminated myself. I lost a shirt that day. I liked that shirt, too.

My point here is to get a mask you can decontaminate and sanitize. Be conscious that the outer surfaces of the used mask are contaminated until you can wash it with soap and water. By being conscious I mean anything that touches the outside of the mask (hands) must be cleaned and sanitized before coming anywhere near the entry points of your body; eyes, nose, mouth and any open wounds. A mantra I got from that training is contaminated is not the same thing as poisoned. Contamination can be cleaned. Not cleaning a contamination can lead to a poisoning. Be conscious of what is contaminated.

Buying the best equipment and not using it properly is far worse than having the good enough equipment and using it properly.

After my lung transplant, I was issued Halyard 47700 masks and trained in their proper use. Unfortunately, due to supply shortages they are currently unavailable.

I agree with Redfred. Unless you are at high risk, a cloth mask will serve you better.

When the Covid-19 mask use was first recommended, I went out to the garage and found my dust masks, purchased at one or more local hardware stores in years past. I had never heard of N95 masks before this... I was surprised to find that all three of my dust masks were N95s. These were clearly available to the general public. I bought these instead of some cheaper units because I hate having the heat trapped inside my mask.

One of them had been used while sanding, or something like that, so I washed it. I could see no ill affect from washing.

with this pandemic, I believe just about everyone is learning a lot they didn’t know before.

For sure! Unfortunately, quite a few are learning too late!

Epsom Salt kills viruses on contact due to the shape of it's crystals,so after steam sterilizing my n95 mask,I spray it on the outside with a saturated solution of Epsom salt/water and let it dry.It may not help,but it cant hurt.

Oh yes,about the steam sterilizing: I saw an article about using a small container with water,a mesh bag as a support and placing the mask on the mesh and placing into a microwave oven.When the water boils,the steam will sterilize the mask in 2-3 minutes.There are alternate microwave methods such as placing mask in a zip lock bag with 50 ml water and microwaving for 2-3 minutes.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/decontamination-reuse-respirators.html

I have some N-95s from use in my shop. Why not just spray them with the 60%+ alcohol mist to sterilize between uses?

The problem with that, is one has to ensure the sterilization takes effect... if it’s only 80% Effective, it’s useless.

I had posted this before, a local company where I live was working with Michigan Tech to and has developed a mobile sterilization unit, with the process could be monitored.

One problem with trying to use the sun is that very little of the UVC wavelengths required to kill viruses get through the atmosphere and glass (e.g., auto windshield) is a good filter for these shorter UV wavelengths. I believe I've read that the virus can be killed with elevated temperatures--I suspect the interior of an automobile in full summer sun may be hot enough.