The SIBOL-COVID Task Force of UP College of Medicine is undertaking an experimental project of fabricating two disinfection devices for N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) or masks in the hope of extending their use and address the shortage in supply. Aside from the disinfection process, the project would like to make sure that the filtering capacity of the N95 masks is maintained thereby ensuring the safety of our healthcare workers. The project hopes to provide our healthcare centers a more affordable and practical way of disinfecting N95 respirators.

N95 respirators or masks are probably the most used personal protective equipment in this Covid pandemic. Normally, they are intended for one-time use only but the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) acknowledge that in times of shortage, options are available to extend their use. A proper USER SEAL CHECK is MANDATORY for every use of the N95 masks.

The CDC and NIOSH do not approve of routine decontamination and reuse of FFRs as standard of care. However, decontamination and reuse may be needed as a crisis capacity strategy to ensure continued availability. This option may be considered if shortages exist.

Here are a few important FAQs:

How long can I wear my N95 respirator?

At present there is no available research data on how long a disposable N95 respirator can be used. According to CDC, as long as fit and function are maintained, an N95 mask can be worn safely up to 8 hours. 

How do I re-use my N95 respirator?

Limited re-use is the practice if using the same N95 respirator for multiple encounters with patients but removing it (‘doffing’) after each encounter, storing it in between encounters for 72 hours; and putting it on (‘donning’) again prior to the next encounter with a patient. The mask can be hung to dry or stored individually in a breathable container (e.g. paper bag) in between uses. Storage containers should be disposed of or cleaned regularly. 

What if I rotate my N95 respirator?

If mask rotation is to be done, CDC recommends at least 5 masks to rotate each day, allowing them to dry long enough that the virus is no longer viable. When the respirator is dry in 3-4 days, the virus will not have survived; and limited re-use of the masks would be a viable option. 

Dr. Emmanuel Estrella & Dr. Paola Veronica SJ Reyes  |  Published in Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 4