N95 and KN95 Face Masks: How To Extend Their Life?

Many people purchased reusable fabric masks during the pandemic's onset. They are more environmentally friendly than disposables and can be easily manufactured locally, and come in a variety of artistic patterns.

Due to the Omicron illness, we have been advised to use a properly fitted respirator, such as an N95 masks, KN95 masks, or KF94 masks. These, however, have a limited shelf life, and it may be disorienting for many ecologically conscious individuals to return to a more wasteful product.

While it is too early to quantify how many disposable masks end up in landfills, we do know that textile waste is a serious issue.

How can we minimise waste while remaining safe from Omicron?

Utilising masks to their full potential

Since mid-2020, specialists believe that N95 masks provide the best protection against corona virus. N95 mask provide superior protection against corona virus infection compared to fabric masks. Additionally, they give a more snug fit and increased filtration, protecting the wearer from aerosols or drops.

However, due to supply chain constraints and worries about scarcity, the more effective fabric and surgical masks were only appropriate for usage in low-risk environments. This has been altered by Omicron.

To save waste, you can extend the life of your N95 masks. It is recommended in hospitals to discontinue use after one day and to discard them if they become moist or filthy.

This, however, is impractical for the average person because of the difficulty in obtaining sufficient. There are several safe methods for reusing kn95 Mask, all of which are advised by the mask's maker.

The simplest way to reuse disposable respirators in non-medical situations is to rotate them every three to four weeks and store them in a dry paper bag. After applying a mask to your face, thoroughly wash your hands. It's a good idea to number your masks to avoid confusion.

The US Government recommends that N95 masks be utilized up to five more times before being discarded. Numerous others also use KN95 Masks. It is important to keep in mind that the long-term effects of cleaning and reuse are unclear.

Fabric masks do not have to be discarded. Keep your preferred fabric masks in your car, luggage, and pockets. They are preferable to no mask in low-risk, brief contact situations such as outside.

Double masking (wearing a cloth face over a surgical mask) offers superior protection to single textiles or surgical masks. Additionally, fabric masks protect against other infections transmitted via droplets, such as the flu.

Healthcare sustainability

The rise of disposable masks is indicative of a larger issue becoming more publicly recognised: hospital and other waste.

Consider single-use plastic hospital gowns

Environmentally sustainable healthcare is a new discipline that focuses on finding alternatives to healthcare waste, assessing its influence on the environment, and educating healthcare professionals about sustainable practices.

According to research, the "tiered technique" can be expanded to include people in low- or high-risk scenarios. Including reusable gowns in your daily life, if suitable, will help keep you safe and alleviate strain on your supply system.

Meriel Chamberlain, a textile scientist, is at the vanguard of this partnership with physicians. Her mission is to develop safe, reusable, and compliant textile gowns for patients that provide comfort and protection while having a less environmental impact than disposable gowns.

Sustainable alternatives to masks are being developed. Among these are filters and masques created from biodegradable crop waste. It is being investigated how disposable masks might be recycled into road paving.

Six simple strategies to balance your daily waste

Incredibly, participation in Plastic Free July increased dramatically globally, from 250 million in 2019 to 326 million in 2020.

There are numerous ways to reduce waste that are safe for your health. You must devote your efforts to waste reduction. Consider the following to counterbalance your daily disposable mask waste:

• 1. Switching to refillable cleaning solutions to reduce single-use packaging. Additionally, delivery alternatives are available.

• 2. When purchasing groceries online, use paper bags over plastic bags. They can be recycled at home or discarded.

• 3. To minimise food waste at home, you can recycle leftovers and prioritize older food.

• 4. If you purchase more online, look for consignment shops and peer-to-peer platforms that repurposed lightly used things. There are several delivery choices available.

• 5. Before disposing of household things such as furniture or clothing, consider selling or donating them. You may be surprised by what others find valuable.

• 6. Repair or repurposed any damaged household goods.