Can N95 masks be washed and reused?
Nov 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, N95 masks should not be washed and reused, as cleaning may damage their structure and reduce their protective effectiveness. N95 masks should be considered disposable items and discarded after use. If the N95 mask becomes damaged, deformed, or has been worn beyond the recommended time limit, it should be replaced immediately with a new one to ensure maximum protection.
Generally, N95 masks should not be washed and reused.
N95 masks work based on electrostatic adsorption, using specialized filtration layers to capture airborne particles such as bacteria and viruses, thereby effectively preventing pathogen invasion. After washing, the structure of an N95 mask may be damaged, for example, with loosened elastic straps or a damaged filter layer, making it unsuitable for further use. Structural damage to the N95 mask can reduce its protective effectiveness and increase the risk of infection. Additionally, if the N95 mask has been used in high-risk environments such as hospitals or epidemic areas, or if its surface has visible contaminants that may contain viruses or bacteria, these contaminants may not be completely removed even after cleaning, posing an infection risk.
N95 masks should be considered disposable and discarded after use. If an N95 mask is damaged, deformed, or has been worn beyond the recommended duration, it should be replaced immediately with a new one to ensure optimal protection.
