Can medical masks be used many times? Note when using?

Medical masks are used every day, popular with people today, especially when there is a strong outbreak of corona disease. So can a medical mask be reused and how many times? Let's find out below.

1. How many times can medical masks be used?

There are many types of medical masks on the market, in terms of reuse criteria, there are 2 types of medical masks that are reusable and disposable. Disposable type is cheap, sold more popular, convenient, so it is used more widely.

Medical masks for single use usually have 1-3 layers, recommended by the manufacturer to be used only once, if reusing this type of mask, its effectiveness will be greatly reduced.

In addition, the mask removed in a bag, on the table, ... will increase the pollution if worn on the face, making the face more dirty, increasing the risk of harmful bacteria entering the body.

Medical masks also contain activated carbon produced by advanced technology of the United States, Japan, Korea or imported from these countries.

This mask has activated carbon fibers that prevent dirt, toxic gases, flu bacteria, ... can be used 1-2 times but need to be carefully preserved to limit dirt.

2. Types of medical masks should buy

N95 respirator

This is rated as the best protective mask with almost 100% protection. They are capable of preventing viruses from reaching over 95% of microparticles from 0.3 microns or less and preventing bacteria from reaching 100%.

Besides, N95 can also prevent dust and pollen 100%. However, this mask will be more difficult for the user to breathe (if wearing it is easy to wear, it may be worn in the wrong way or bought a fake).

Medical masks

This type is most recommended because of the 98% altitude protection that is easy to breathe, easier to wear than the N95 mask. They are layered, including a liquid membrane that retains respirable drops from the user's breath, and is waterproof.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent more than 95% of viruses and more than 80% of bacteria in the environment. In addition, the ability to prevent dust and pollen is also in medical masks with more than 80% for you.

FFP1 mask

This respirator has a high level of protection about 99%, used in a low-dust environment, can prevent viruses and bacteria by more than 95%, and filters at least 80% of particles up to 0.6 microns and workplace exposure limits not to exceed 4 times (OEL).

Carbon mask

This type is rated for intermediate protection (more than 70%), of which only 10% against viruses and bacteria.

Besides, masks can also prevent dust and pollen from the air by more than 50%. According to this parameter, carbon masks are less commonly used in the prevention of Corona viruses than in the above types.

3. Notes on using medical masks

With medical masks, the manufacturer recommends using only 1 time, you should use it only once, should not be reused many times to ensure safety for your health, protect the respiratory system, your skin. I am better.

When using activated carbon medical masks, if you reuse them again, you should limit contact with the surface of the mask and be careful for the next use to avoid further dirt on the mask. Harmful to wear.

Medical masks usually only avoid dust, harmful bacteria, but cannot protect against the sun, can be used with cloth masks, which can be reused many times, until the cloth is torn or old, you should discard it.