Can KN95 masks be reused?
Nov 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, whether KN95 masks can be reused mainly depends on their usage environment and maintenance conditions. In low-risk exposure settings, they generally can be used repeatedly. However, in high-risk exposure settings, reuse is not recommended. It is advised to pay attention to assessing the mask's condition during use and replace it immediately if any issues are detected.
Generally speaking, whether KN95 masks can be reused mainly depends on their usage environment and maintenance conditions. In low-risk exposure environments, they generally can be used repeatedly. However, in high-risk exposure environments, they should not be reused.
In daily life, such as in open outdoor areas, when maintaining a safe distance from others and there is no obvious risk of virus transmission nearby, KN95 masks can be used multiple times under clean and dry conditions. After each use, place the mask in a well-ventilated, dry area, avoiding direct contact with contaminants. Using a UV disinfection box or following the manufacturer's recommended disinfection method can extend the mask's service life.
However, in medical environments or high-risk areas during an epidemic, due to the high concentration of viruses and bacteria, the KN95 mask's filter layer can easily become contaminated with particles, thus reducing its protective effectiveness. Therefore, in these environments, KN95 masks must be used only once and should not be reused. If the mask becomes soaked inside or outside for any reason, its protective effectiveness will be significantly reduced. In such cases, the mask must be replaced immediately and cannot be used further.
To ensure protective effectiveness, it is recommended to carefully assess the condition of the KN95 mask during use and replace it immediately if any issues are detected.
