Deep_sleep said...
Does anybody know if you can reuse surgical masks?
When I search for it they say no.
"Simpler surgical face masks, made of a specialized paper-like material, should not be reused as they may capture and trap infected particles, nor can they be effectively washed or sanitized with any cleaning product."
But as I have mail and groceries in a bag for 5 days before I touch them, I dont understand why that wont work here also.
My plan is to have 30 masks so we can use one each every day for a week, then let them be in a paper bag for a week. Using these when going for a 30-40 min walk outside, saving the better masks for when I need to go in to a store.
Your plan sounds logical!
I have a few new N95's and some I used in my shop. And I have an an actual fitted respirator with screw on cartridge filters if the sh/t hits the fan. If I wore that, the whole store might evac, so works in two ways. (ha ha)
Thing is, masks must fit tight around cheeks and nose to guard against airborne. Bad fitted masks will only work for direct spray (cough, sneeze ect.). Bearded guys must shave. Higher bridge noses are harder to fit.
Some "authorities" dont like to elaborate on their answers, assuming the public is to stupid to understand, in fact, some of the public is actually smarter than the "authorities" (who are trained to repeat outdated info).
If someone has less masks, placing them in a medium sized plastic bag (about
5-8 liters) after use, then sprayed with Lysol (North American brand disinfectant) with the bag tight around nozzle, could make them reusable in 36 hrs, as long as the mask is dry by then. Dont spray the mask directly. Use common sense.
Disclaimers: If your sensitive to smells, dont do this. Masks even smell when new though.Try at own risk. We are now breathing at own risk.