Anyone know how often to change n95

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   I've been seeking an answer for awhile concerning the lifespan of my N95 masks. Lately, there's been quite a bit of press about moisture inside the masks rendering them ineffective. I've heard that they'll last anywhere from just one hour to 8 hours per user. Does anyone have any concrete information or links concerning how often we should change the mask once it is in use? Thanks in advance!

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Legacy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Valued Member Location: Ohio Joined: April 20 2006 Status: Offline Points: 329	Post Options Post Reply Quote Legacy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Anyone know how often to change n95 Posted: August 03 2009 at 5:45pm
	I've been seeking an answer for awhile concerning the lifespan of my N95 masks. Lately, there's been quite a bit of press about moisture inside the masks rendering them ineffective. I've heard that they'll last anywhere from just one hour to 8 hours per user. Does anyone have any concrete information or links concerning how often we should change the mask once it is in use? Thanks in advance!
	I do everything my Rice Crispies tell me to....

hero Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Experienced Member Joined: December 17 2008 Location: tenn Status: Offline Points: 10	Post Options Post Reply Quote hero Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August 03 2009 at 6:04pm
	That will be a hard question to answer. Hope this helps. Facemasks are not intended to be used more than once. If your mask is damaged or soiled, or if breathing through the mask becomes difficult, you should remove the facemask, discard it safely, and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your mask, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Wash your hands after handling the used mask. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/MedicalToolsandSupplies/PersonalProtectiveEquipment/ucm055977.htm

Legacy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Valued Member Location: Ohio Joined: April 20 2006 Status: Offline Points: 329	Post Options Post Reply Quote Legacy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August 04 2009 at 8:18am
	Thanks, hero!
	I do everything my Rice Crispies tell me to....

rickster58 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Joined: March 09 2009 Location: Sydney Status: Offline Points: 4875	Post Options Post Reply Quote rickster58 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August 04 2009 at 3:35pm
	Hi Legacy, I started to reply yesterday to your question but got sidetracked. Mask manufacturers like 3M, Alpha ProTech and Kimberley Clark have never published guidelines the time period in which you should change your mask. I believe they omit this data to cover their a*ses. As I alluded to in my previous post, the build up of water vapour on the inside of the mask is the prime reason for changing masks. Each person exhales differing quantities of water vapour. This is affected by climatic conditions, and the level of physical exertion the person wearing the mask is enduring. So if you and I were wearing masks and I had been running and you had not, I would have a greater build up of water vapour inside my mask that you would. In Australia, Doctors, healthcare professionals and dentists change their masks often, every 30-60 minutes, with dentists usually changing masks between patients. I'm sure this is the same in most westernized countries. My company provides masks to police, emergency services and hospitals in Australia. We always advise them to change masks :- 1. when they become soiled or dirty 2. when they are exposed to a hazardous substance 3. when they become damp from exhalation 4. after contact with a person with a transmissable disease. 5. when they fail to fit correctly For the average Joe not exposed to workplace hazards the time between changing masks can be best summed up by these guidelines. 1. if the masks gets wet or feels damp - change it immediately 2. if you are located in an area that is experiencing an infection outbreak- change your mask more regularly 3. If you are caring for a sick person - change your mask at every interaction 4. Use your common sense......masks are designed to protect you, not to be worn all day If there is a possibility you have been exposed to a virus, change your mask.

Silke Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Valued Member Joined: September 16 2006 Status: Offline Points: 129	Post Options Post Reply Quote Silke Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August 04 2009 at 5:28pm
	Rickster: You are correct. Good post. Deb

abcdefg Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Valued Member Joined: September 19 2008 Status: Offline Points: 578	Post Options Post Reply Quote abcdefg Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August 06 2009 at 2:06am
	Also change your clothes. If you are out running errands and someone coughs and sneezes by you it can get on your clothes and live, you can take your mask off and dispose of it properly, wash your hands etc and then touch your sleeves to push them up and then rub your eyes and you have infected yourself. I purchased several of the one dollar raincoats, if things get bad enough we will go out wearing those as covers over clothes and we will for sure wear them in conjunction with masks and goggles in dealing with sick people.