How many times can I use a mask?

[FuzzyLegs]

I have a couple of surgical masks in the cupboard left over from a health issue a few years ago. I've dug them out to use over the CV period.

I wondered how many times can I wear one and it is still effective. Is it one use only?

They are N95's if that is relevant. Not washable.

Just give it to the hospital, you will save lives.

It is supposed to be one use only for up to 8 hours. However I think they should still offer a high level of protection for longer than that, up to when the seal gets loose or the mask gets too moist. Certainly way better than nothing.

They're single use only

Anyone with masks should give them to healthcare workers.

They are supposed to be used for a few hours and then disposed of but if you are just using it briefly when you go to the shop or something then in the US they have been advising people to spray them and then dry them with a hairdryer on high. Better that than nothing at all.

We have been told 4 hours for n95s. But you can’t touch them, take them off in that time etc. you then have to take them off without touching the mask itself and you can put it in the oven to sterilise it (can’t remember details) If you touch the outside of the mask or take it off wrong you will just get the virus on you anyway and it will be a waste of time.

Single use but depends on mask as to how long it can be used, I guess.

How is op meant to give the 2 masks to health care workers?

OK thanks. All three have been worn by me at some point so will be no use for healthworkers. I shall keep re-using them rather than throw them away though.

This is probably a daft question, but I was wondering if you were to put a used mask and gloves in the freezer overnight could you re use them ?

I think its high heat rather than cold that kills the virus

DH has a couple left over from when he worked in the chemical industry. They're past their date but may be better than nothing.

He reckons he could use them alternately if he had to go out, then hang it somewhere warm to dry and for any virus to degrade for a couple of weeks or so. It doesn't fit me.

Viruses survive freezing, at least I know the flu virus definitely does, it is preserved by freezing, hence the hope of finding frozen bodies from the Spanish Flu pandemic to analyse the virus.
I don’t know if the same applies to this coronavirus, but I would imagine it is likely. Heat however, does break it down more quickly.

This is probably a daft question, but I was wondering if you were to put a used mask and gloves in the freezer overnight could you re use them ?

The virus can last longer in the cold. It's quite different to thinking about bacteria breeding in food. Viruses need to be in a host organism to replicate. They physically degrade outside the body, and will do so faster at higher temperatures.

@MangePasTesOnglesVilain There is a lot of talking in other countries that wearing masks by the members of the public also helps to save lives. I think putting pressure on people who wear them is ridiculous. It's like you buying all the soap for yourself to be able to wash hands- if others don't, then they will not be able to wash hands and will be getting ill.

SirVixofVixHall I know it's off topic a bit, but I think they did manage to get frozen bodies and were able to study Spanish flu in the end. I remember reading about it.

Health workers are going to use unsealed masks delivered by the general public are they? Obvioulsy not and they would be incinerated.

Do what you like OP but they're unlikely to provide huge amounts of protection so I wouldn't rely on one. I'd probably wear it to the supermarket if I were going, even if just to make myself feel better. It doesn't harm anyone else.

If nothing else, it makes sure you don't put your fingers in your mouth or pick your nose.

Which may sound flippant but if you've got a habit of biting fingernails when under stress, it's not.

Dont use them at all, waste of time and false reassurance

That's not true:-

smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/

In hospital they are one use only and we don’t accept outside help sorry but how would we know where they came from or if they’ve been contaminated. A lady called my ward on Monday to say she was knitting masks and could we use them. Sweet but no and was sad for her because I’m sure she thought it would help us. I’m not wearing a mask out of work. But when I’m not at work I’m at home.