How to Extend the Life of Your N95 and KN95 Masks

ByMike Hall

At the start of the pandemic, many of us purchased reusable fabric masks to aid in the fight against COVID spread—they’re more environmentally friendly than disposables, can be made locally, and come in a variety of creative designs.

However, ever since the highly infectious Omicron variant was discovered, we have been urged to wear a properly fitted respirator as the first line of defence N95, KN95, or FFP2 mask. These, however, have a limited shelf life, and it may be disorienting for many environmentally conscious individuals to return to a more wasteful product.

While it is too early to estimate how many disposable masks end up in landfills, we do know that textile waste is already a significant problem. Given that waste generation is likely to increase as we defend against Omicron, are there ways to reduce waste without jeopardising our health?

Utilising masks to their full potential

Since mid-2020, it has been recommended that N95 mask provide the best protection against corona virus. They typically fit the face more snugly and provide a higher level of filtration than fabric masks, shielding the wearer from aerosols and droplets.

However, supply chain constraints, shortage concerns, and earlier variants’ lower transmission rates meant that the comparatively ineffective fabric and surgical masks were suitable for use in lower-risk settings. This is no longer true when the Omicron variant is used.

If you own N95 masks, one simple way to reduce waste is to safely extend their life. It is recommended in hospital settings to avoid using them beyond one day and to discard them if they become soiled or moist.

This, however, is not feasible for the general public, particularly during times of scarcity. There are several methods for safely reusing N95 masks, all of which are recommended by the mask’s inventor. Additionally, there are reusable options available, such as elastomeric respirators.

In non-medical settings, the most straightforward method of reuse for disposable respirators is to rotate the mask every three or four days, storing it in a clean paper bag when not in use.

Hands should be thoroughly washed before and after touching your mask, and your mask should be kept dry – if it becomes wet, discontinue use. Consider numbering your masks to ensure they do not get mixed up.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States recommends using N95 masks up to five times before discarding them (if they have been kept clean and are in good condition). However, it is critical to keep in mind that the long-term effects of cleaning and reuse are unknown.

There is no reason to discard fabric masks. Keeping a backup of your favourite fabric masks in your car, bag, or pockets is critical, as any mask is preferable to no mask in low-risk and fleeting contact situations, such as outside.

When compared to a single fabric or surgical mask, double masking – layering your fabric mask over a disposable surgical mask – provides increased protection. Additionally, fabric masks will protect against other droplet-based diseases, such as the flu.

Consider single-use plastic hospital gowns

Environmentally sustainable healthcare is a new field devoted to identifying alternatives to healthcare waste, its environmental impact, and how we educate health professionals about sustainable practices.

For instance, research indicates that there is potential to expand the “tiered approach,” which provides additional protection options based on low- or high-risk environments.

For instance, incorporating reusable gowns when necessary could help keep people safe, alleviate strain on supply systems, and contribute to waste reduction.

Textile scientist Meriel Chamberlin is leading this effort, collaborating with clinicians to develop compliant, safe, and reusable textile gowns that provide protection and comfort while having a lower environmental impact than disposable gowns.

Sustainable alternatives to masks are also being developed. This includes masks and filters made from agricultural crop waste that degrades naturally.

Additionally, research is being conducted to identify processes for re purposing discarded single-use face masks as materials for road pavements.

Six strategies for mitigating our daily waste even in the midst of a pandemic, people are averse to waste. The number of people around the world who took part in “Plastic Free July” went from 250 million in 2019 to 326 million in 2020.

There are numerous methods for reducing waste without jeopardising your health. The trick is to focus on behaviours that are within your control, such as reducing your reliance on single-use plastics. Consider the following to help offset your daily waste from disposable masks:

  • Switching to refillable cleaning products to reduce reliance on single-use packaging (there are even delivery options).
  • If you’ve switched to online grocery delivery, opt for paper over plastic bags and reuse or compost them at home.
  • When dining at home, consider re purposing leftovers, prioritising older food, and avoiding over-purchasing to minimise food waste.
  • If you shop online more frequently, look for second-hand retailers and peer-to-peer platforms that repurpose pre-owned items (there are delivery options for this too).
  • Before discarding household items (clothing, furniture), consider selling or donating them online – you’d be surprised at what other people find useful.