Rotate between masks
Baker recommends rotating through different masks during the week, if you can. If you own two masks, rotate their use daily. At the end of two or three weeks, toss them out and start over with two fresh masks.
If you are wearing a mask every day for in-person work, trade them out at the end of two weeks so each is worn for about 40 hours total, she said.
If you are wearing a mask fairly infrequently to run errands, pick up children from school, or to meet a friend for a walk, you can go three weeks before needing to think about changing them out. If you only have one mask, it is fine to reuse this mask for a week or so, as long as it is kept clean and dry during times it is not in use.
When the straps feel stretched out or the mask is visibly dirty, torn or wet, it’s time to discard it.
Store masks in a clean, dry spot
Until needed, store your masks indoors in their original packaging, in a place where they will not be crushed or distorted.
Delivered weekday mornings, this email provides a quick overview of top stories and need-to-know news, including the latest on the novel coronavirus.Sign up
Though some experts suggest resting the masks in separately marked paper bags for several days to render any virus inactive, Baker says this isn’t necessary.
In general, she said, storing your N95 or KN95 in a dry and clean location like inside a paper bag, a dedicated pocket in a clean, breathable bag or hanging on a coat hook, should work just fine.
“I hang my masks on a dedicated hook on my coat rack — my husband, son, and I have our own hooks to keep them separate,” Baker said.ADVERTISINGSkip AdSkip AdSkip Ad
Be careful not to crush, crumple or fold your respirator. Do not stuff it into a pocket.
For those who work in settings of possible high exposure, Baker recommended storing the masks outside of the high-risk environment and changing them more frequently for better protection.
Don’t disinfect your mask
Do not try to clean or disinfect N95 or KN95 respirators, because you will damage them. The electrostatic properties that an N95 uses to stop viral particles from getting into your nose or mouth are rendered ineffective with water or other cleaning products.
Manufacturer 3M also cautions against putting respirators in ovens or spraying them with disinfectant.
“If someone has attempted to do this, then they should toss that mask and start with a fresh N95, assuming it is no longer going to provide optimal filtration,” Baker said.
More tips:
- Inspect your mask before each use. Always wash your hands before and after handling.
- These masks offer a better fit and more protection when worn on clean shaven faces. The mask should touch skin if possible. Beards, long mustaches and stubble may prevent a tight fit and cause air leaks into the respirator.
- Press down and secure the metal bar at the top of N95/KN95 respirators on your nose bridge to improve the fit and efficacy of the mask.
- An N95 mask with an exhalation valve may keep you safe, but it won’t keep people around you safe from what you may breathe out, Baker says. If you are diagnosed with COVID, these should not be worn for stopping the spread of the virus.