Disposable masks cannot be washed

Disposable masks cannot be washed. It could be reused as emergency if difficult to find a new one, but it’s better to disposal after wearing four hours.  Moisture from air or breath could much reduce the filtering efficience for virus.  Washing a mask will directly damge the filtring layer (Melt-blowing Fabric).

“Wearing a mask is one of the most important and effective prevention and control methods for preventing infectious diseases, and it can effectively reduce the risk of infection with the new coronavirus.” Suggested by Zhang Liubo, chief expert and researcher of disinfection at the China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ordinary people, public transportation drivers , Taxi drivers, sanitation workers, public place service personnel, etc. wear masks while on duty.

Wearing a mask is not only to protect yourself from being infected by others, but also an effective measure to protect people around you when you have respiratory symptoms. It is like setting up a “filter barrier” for your respiratory system. Experts from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the use of disposable medical surgical masks. Cotton masks and sponge masks have no protective effect.

For special groups, pregnant women should pay attention to choosing products with better comfort. Children are in the growth and development stage, and their faces are small, so you should choose child protective masks. The elderly and patients with certain cardiopulmonary diseases should consult with a professional physician before wearing them, and choose a suitable mask under the guidance of a professional physician.

The disposable medical surgical mask is divided into three layers:

• The outer layer has a water blocking effect, which can prevent droplets from entering the mask;
• The middle layer has a filtering effect, and the filtering efficiency of the mask should not be less than 95%;
• The inner layer near the nose and mouth is used to absorb moisture.

Experts reminded that the light-colored side of the medical surgical mask is close to the nose and mouth, and the dark side faces outward. Note that the part with the metal strip should be on top of the mask, don’t wear it backwards. When wearing, after distinguishing the front, back, upper and lower ends of the mask, wash your hands clean and hang the ropes at both ends on your ears. Finally, press the metal strips on both sides of the bridge of the nose with your hands to make the upper end of the mask close to the bridge of the nose, and then stretch the mask downwards so that the mask does not leave wrinkles and covers the nose and mouth.

When removing the mask, try not to touch the outside of the mask. Remember to wash your hands immediately after removing the mask. Masks worn by the general population during normal activities, such as those worn by daily activities such as taking public transportation and grocery shopping in the supermarket, are unlikely to carry the new coronavirus and do not need to be disinfected after use. Masks worn by suspected patients with symptoms such as fatigue and fever should be collected and treated as medical waste.

For disposable masks, wear them continuously for 4 hours, and change them immediately after they are contaminated or wet. The main reason why masks can play a protective role is the filter layer. If the mask is wetted or soiled by secretions, the protective performance will decrease. If the mask is in short supply, it could be reused as emergency after it is naturally dried, but it cannot be washed.

“For high-risk groups who may come into contact with suspected or confirmed cases, in principle, it is recommended to wear medical protective masks (N95 and above) and goggles. Choose N95 medical protective masks, wear them continuously for 4 hours, and replace them immediately after contamination or humidity.” Zhang Liubo We strongly appeal that ordinary people do not need to wear N95 medical protective masks. Good protective equipment should be used on the “blade” and reserved for those who need it more.