Reusing A N-95 Disposable Mask. Best Way ?

[Down1]

Since I only have a limited supply I need to know what to do after using one at the grocery store.

Thanks.

[midnight rambler]

I've used a solution of bleach mixed for household uses according to the label on the bleach bottle spritzed on the outside of the mask. I was also considering using 70% isopropol alcohol spritzed on the mask.

Spectrism made a post on this -

http://gold-silver.us/forum/showthread.php?101969-Field-update-from-my-sister&p=962603#post962603

[midnight rambler]

I went to the source, I contacted 3M. I was calling to see what 3M would recommend as far as disinfecting for repeated uses, but especially regarding the Cool Flow valve and if spritzing with a household bleach solution or 70% isopropol alcohol would suffice for disinfection purposes on the outside of the mask and if either bleach solution or alcohol would harm the Cool Flow valve. I was advised by the 3M guy that applying ANY liquid to a N95 mask would reduce it's efficacy. I retorted, "Well, every time the mask is used in a suspected HAZMAT environment then the mask itself becomes a bio-hazard, at which point he said, "If you think it's bio-hazard then it should be disposes of." I pointed out to him that's highly unlikely we're going to be doing that considering there's none in the pipeline. He went on to say the mask could continue to be used until it was too dirty to be used. Again I pointed out the bio-hazard issue and he had no answer except to say "Don't try to disinfect the mask." WTH?? I was thinking that SURELY 3M could have developed SOME protocol for disinfecting particle respirators, but no. I'm guessing it's a liability issue for them and they don't want lawsuits.

So your choices are: use a disinfecting agent on your mask at your own risk (screw it I'm going to continue doing it), or let it sit in a safe place outside for 10 days.

[vacuum]

Here's the protocol I'm using:

Step 1: Lightly spray it with a solution of 25% hydrogen peroxide, and 75% water
Step 2: Put it in the oven at 150 degrees for two hours. (this by itself probably works for the virus)

If you really want to disinfect, what you can do is buy an ozone machine and put the mask in a sealed container with the ozone machine running. Anything organic will be completely eliminated.

[midnight rambler]

Here's the protocol I'm using:

Step 1: Lightly spray it with a solution of 25% hydrogen peroxide, and 75% water
Step 2: Put it in the oven at 150 degrees for two hours.

Honestly, just step 2 will likely deactivate the virus just fine. It won't completely disinfect things like bacteria, but should work for the virus.

All my 3M masks have the Cool Flow valve, I'm thinking the heat will ruin it.

H2O2 currently in short supply.

[vacuum]

All my 3M masks have the Cool Flow valve, I'm thinking the heat will ruin it.

H2O2 currently in short supply.


Also see above for my edit about using an ozone machine.

[Jewboo]

I went to the source, I contacted 3M. I was calling to see what 3M would recommend as far as disinfecting for repeated uses, but especially regarding the Cool Flow valve and if spritzing with a household bleach solution or 70% isopropol alcohol would suffice for disinfection purposes on the outside of the mask and if either bleach solution or alcohol would harm the Cool Flow valve. I was advised by the 3M guy that applying ANY liquid to a N95 mask would reduce it's efficacy. I retorted, "Well, every time the mask is used in a suspected HAZMAT environment then the mask itself becomes a bio-hazard, at which point he said, "If you think it's bio-hazard then it should be disposes of." I pointed out to him that's highly unlikely we're going to be doing that considering there's none in the pipeline. He went on to say the mask could continue to be used until it was too dirty to be used. Again I pointed out the bio-hazard issue and he had no answer except to say "Don't try to disinfect the mask." WTH?? I was thinking that SURELY 3M could have developed SOME protocol for disinfecting particle respirators, but no. I'm guessing it's a liability issue for them and they don't want lawsuits.

So your choices are: use a disinfecting agent on your mask at your own risk (screw it I'm going to continue doing it), or let it sit in a safe place outside for 10 days.

This. All cooties die after a time and even in a closet or pocket a mask will become uninfecting..........so give coronavirus 20 days to die to be safe. My N-95 3M masks with the valve are going to be recycled for 20 days until they LOOK unclean.

:D

[midnight rambler]

Just ordered an ozone generator. I've used this exact model before, I borrowed it from a friend with a used car lot. He uses it to get rid of tobacco odor in cars. I had bought a used truck formerly owned by a smoker, it stunk to high heaven. I ran the ozone generator overnight for at least 5 nights and 99% of the odor was eliminated, however once in a while I can still pick up a very slight odor.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Commercial-Industrial-Ozone-Generator-3500mg-hr-Air-Purifier-Mildew-Odor-Control/372677088405?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[Down1]

If Corona dies on cardboard in a day and plastic and metal after 3 days then wouldn't just putting it in a plastic bag for 5 days in a room above freezing kill it ?

[midnight rambler]

If Corona dies on cardboard in a day and plastic and metal after 3 days then wouldn't just putting it in a plastic bag for 5 days in a room above freezing kill it ?

How would any of us know?? ???

Are you willing to gamble?

REMEMBER: Reduce your viral load!

[Hitch]

What about putting them in the microwave?

https://www.livescience.com/1248-study-microwaves-kill-kitchen-germs.html

[Steal]

I plan on spritzing with .91% alcohol, no water. Should evaporate fast. Scored a few 32 oz bottles at target.

[midnight rambler]

I plan on spritzing with .91% alcohol, no water. Should evaporate fast. Scored a few 32 oz bottles at target.

70% is the sweet spot, not 90-91 or 50. Suggest you get equivalent amount of 50% and make 70%.

[Steal]

would have figured higher octane is better? had choice of 70 or 91, only got 1 of the 70. Why? if dont mind my ignorance on subject.

[midnight rambler]

would have figured higher octane is better? had choice of 70 or 91, only got 1 of the 70. Why? if dont mind my ignorance on subject.

Found that info by doing a web search as to best alcohol to use for disinfecting because I had no idea. I also was thinking 90% was the ticket but I was entirely wrong until about 3 weeks ago.

[BrewTech]

would have figured higher octane is better? had choice of 70 or 91, only got 1 of the 70. Why? if dont mind my ignorance on subject.
Alcohol requires a certain amount of h2o present to be transported through the cell wall, if I remember correctly. Same with other sanitizers (acids)

[Jewboo]

Alcohol

NOT FOR EVERYONE (https://starecat.com/content/wp-content/uploads/chinese-man-smoking-a-cigarette-through-hole-in-face-mask.jpg)

[midnight rambler]

NOT FOR EVERYONE (https://starecat.com/content/wp-content/uploads/chinese-man-smoking-a-cigarette-through-hole-in-face-mask.jpg)

For his safety he'd have to be a chain smoker. lol