Know About Proper Usage, Disposal and Reuse of Mask

• Cloth masks

  Cloth masks can be reused quite easily and freely. Here, all you need to do is ensure that you wash the mask regularly, disinfect it and let it dry completely. Drying a cloth mask is very important and shouldn’t reuse on until it is fully dried and moisture-free.

• Surgical masks

  Given that these are usually meant to be used as disposable masks, it is recommended that you dispose a surgical mask after using it once. However, because of shortage extended usage can be considered. If the surgical mask is dry and has maintained its shape after use, you may be able to reuse it. Storing the mask involves placing it in a clean and breathable container. However, do note that a surgical mask must be reused by the same person and you shouldn’t touch the inside of the mask to avoid contamination.

• N95 respirator masks

  These masks are usually worn by those at risk of exposure and in addition to storing them in dry, clean, breathable containers, such as paper bags, in between uses, here are some helpful pointers. To begin, after use, if dry, not damaged, and uncontaminated, the N95 respirator mask must be sealed away for at least 3 days. This ensures that the virus does not survive at any costs. So, ideally, you should have 4 N95 masks and rotate through them with 3-4 days gaps.

An alternate solution is to sterilise the N95 mask in an oven. Here, you hang the mask in an oven using a clip at 70°C for 30 minutes. Once done, you may reuse the mask. For both these methods, you should only reuse such as mask for a maximum of 5 times before purchasing a new one.

Disposal

In order to avoid further contamination, disposing used masks properly is absolutely vital. To go about it in the right way, here are a few pointers.

• Cloth masks

  With such masks, the best option is to properly wash, disinfect and dry them before throwing them away. Avoid simply discarding them amongst trash as the virus can survive on surfaces for up to a few days.

• Surgical Masks

  To properly dispose these masks, here is a simple step-by-step procedure to follow.

  1. Keep a waste bag handy
  2. Remove the mask chin up without touching the inside of the mask
  3. Fold it into half, covering the inside of the mask. Then fold it into half, to look like a roll, covering the outside surface.
  4. Use the ear loops to tie it up so that it doesn’t unravel
  5. Wrap the mask in either tissue or a polythene bag
  6. Put it in the waste bag and dump in a medical trash can
• N95 respirator masks                                                                                                                                                 To dispose these masks, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
  1. Remove the mask carefully so as to avoid touching the outside and inside surface
  2. Place the mask inside a zip-lock bag or a plastic bag
  3. Secure the bag well
  4. Dispose it in a medical-waste unit
  5. Wash your hands thoroughly

Whether it is a disposable face mask or an N95 respirator, knowing how to use and dispose masks is vital information. This way, you not only protect yourself with the best practices, but also educate loved ones.

With proper mask usage, hopefully, society will be able to stop COVID-19 in its tracks!