How Many Hours Should I Change A New Mask?

How Many Hours Should I Change A New Mask? How often should you change into a new mask? This is the question of so many people these days. As we all have to maintain a rule of wearing a mask whenever we go outside, it’s also important to avoid using the same mask every time you go out.

Masks attract a lot of germs and bacteria and they do not have a lifetime guarantee. So you will be unable to wear them till the pandemic situation is over. This before you invest in this important thing, you have to be mindful of the longevity of the material and its workability.

If you use surgical, cloth or N95 all of them has their life and doctors suggest to look for tear and wear in the piece you cover your face with.

The dependence on masks has increased for the ongoing pandemic, and one of the main concerns now is that how often you should replace the mask, and when you should discard it. Let’s find out more about this topic below. Read on – How Many Hours Should I Change A New Mask?

Types of masks:

There are three types of masks available in the market, cloth, N95, and surgical, and all of them have different longevity. However, before you invest in these it’s important to check if the masks are loose if the fabric is worn out or damp.

Doctors also suggest that to get better protection N95 masks are the best, but when you are using a cloth material, make sure it has three layers.

Face masks are not useful when loose, torn, or damp:

If the face mask you are using has loose strings, fogs up your glasses, damp or torn, then it’s time to change it. Changing the mask and using a new one will help you get better safety. The purpose of the masks is that the outside air we are inhaling doesn’t affect us.

If the cover is loose or torn it will be unable to offer better protection. If you use a damaged or damp face cover then it will allow at least 50% of the outside air and you will end up inhaling it.

So, if the mask is loose change it immediately. Some masks come with nose clips which will make sure a perfect fit on your nose. If you are wondering how to check if the life of the mask has ended, then observe if it fogs your glasses.

If the glasses get foggy then the air is getting around the mask, and now you should change it. This is the same for the N95 mask, if it gets torn, damaged, or damp you must change it. Then in the case of surgical masks, they are useful for four to six hours only.

Signs of a damaged mask:

There are few signs to identify a worn-out mask. Other than fogged-up glasses, you can check the ear loops, and check the hold over your face. If the loops are overstretched, then you need to discard them. If the mask has a stronghold on your face and loops are a snug fit then it’s a good one.

According to doctors, the mask must touch all four sides of your face. There must be no gaps. If you are unable to meet the mask at the bridge of your nose then discard it. Lastly, check the material of the mask. If there are holes and tears or it has just one or two layers then it’s not a perfect one.

Rotate through the N95 and then replace the same after thirty days:

Doctors suggest that you must have at least 5 masks in hand at the start of the month, and number them from one to the last, mark them on the plastic cover.

On the first day, you have to use one mask and put it back on the cover. On the second day, open another new mask cover, and when you return put it in the packet. You have to repeat this process till the fifth day.

On the sixth day, you have to again use the first mask. When you complete 25 days, you have to replace the masks with a new packet.

However, while using and rotating the masks, if any one of them comes loose, you must discard that piece. Previously only the doctors were following this rule, but now this safety measure is important for everyone.

How long face masks are wearable?

When you are using reusable masks, you must keep two covers with you. One for even and the other for odd days. On the day you are not using the mask, keep it in the air and sunlight or dry it out under the fan. This will make the mask dry and there will be no moisture. This is also the way any virus will leave the material.

Then when is the right time to replace the mask? Doctors suggest that the moment the mask becomes loose fit, you must replace it. However, you have to choose a mask that doesn’t entirely seal your mouth and nose, and breathing gets problematic. If the cloth of the mask is not able to filter the air, then it’s of no use.

This filtering technique will vary on the type of mask you are using. You can use N95, which is effective according to the doctors. Or you can opt for the cloth material, but it should be three-layered and must offer a snug fit over your mouth. Then, you have to wash the reusable cloth mask after every use and dry it out in the sunlight.

How to remove and store masks:

If you are outside and you have to drink or eat then how should you keep the mask safe? People usually fold it and keep it in their pockets or bags, which is not the right technique.

When you are dining outside, you have to remove the ear loops with sanitized hands, then you have to keep it on an open surface or put it in an air-tight bag. If you consider putting it over your lap, it can also contaminate the mask material.

How Many Hours Should I Change A New Mask? – Conclusion

The best way to discard used or damaged masks is to wrap them in newspapers or plastic bags and then discard them in a trash can. Try to avoid discarding your mask anywhere on the road as it can pose threat to the environment.

We hope you enjoyed and learned something new from this article – How Many Hours Should I Change A New Mask?