How often do disposable respirators need to be replaced?
The key rule in disposing of your face mask or respirator is; if it was worn in the potential presence of a viral contaminant, the face mask or respirator should be considered contaminated with infectious material and the face mask, face mask filter or respirator should be discarded, followed by a regimen of hand hygiene such as washing your hands and / or hand sanitizer. It is very important not to touch the outside of the device and safely dispose of the face mask.
If a sufficient supply of respirators is not available, healthcare facilities may consider reuse as long as the device has not been obviously soiled or damaged (e.g., creased or torn). Data on reuse of respirators for SARS are not available. Reuse may increase the potential for contamination; however, this risk must be balanced against the need to fully provide respiratory protection for healthcare personnel.
If N-95 disposable respirators are reused for contact with SARS patients, implement a procedure for safer reuse to prevent contamination through contact with infectious droplets on the outside of the respirator.
Consider wearing a loose-fitting barrier that does not interfere with fit or seal (e.g., surgical mask, face shield) over the respirator.
- Remove the barrier upon leaving the patient’s room and perform hand hygiene. Surgical masks should be discarded; face shields should be cleaned and disinfected.
- Remove the respirator and either hang it in a designated area or place it in a bag. (Consider labeling respirators with a user’s name before use to prevent reuse by another individual.)
- Use care when placing a used respirator on the face to ensure proper fit for respiratory protection and to avoid contact with infectious material that may be present on the outside of the mask.
- Perform hand hygiene after replacing the respirator on the face.