General Discussion

KY_EnviroGuy

(14,811 posts)

50. No. Many chemicals can damage the fiber matrix of NIOSH approved masks.....

Thu Nov 26, 2020, 07:02 PM

Nov 2020

such as N95s and N100s and perhaps change their filtration characteristics.

I would only use lab-tested methods to clean or enhance a mask.

Best to just have spares and rotate between two or three masks, allowing a few days of "rest" time between uses to allow any captured virus particles time to be rendered neutral.

If you're using cloth masks, it's possible a light coating of the fabric with an oil-based compound could improve filtration, similar to techniques used in industry (even in the home, that's used for some lawn mower air filters), but such methods should be lab tested for effectiveness with sub-micron virus particles. If not done properly, coatings can actually reduce filter effectiveness.

KY

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I have a rather dumb sounding question: Would spraying the front of my mask with Purell [View all] CTyankee Nov 2020 OP

No because you won't be able to breathe through it then mr_lebowski Nov 2020 #1

Lysol spray would be better Vivienne235729 Nov 2020 #2

OMG the stench would asphyxiate me and would linger. Use plain isopropyl then let it evaporate. lagomorph777 Nov 2020 #14

Get a KN95 mask on line. Chinese version of an N95 mask. I use mine... LAS14 Nov 2020 #3

I get NOISH N95 masks from Texas Safety Supply. They have elastic cloth straps and last a long time. TheBlackAdder Nov 2020 #13

I looked on their site and everything seemed to be out of stock. phylny Nov 2020 #49

Sorry, but KN95s are generally as useful as paper masks. sir pball Nov 2020 #15

Angela Merkel wears KN95. moondust Nov 2020 #27

They CAN be up to spec, as I said. sir pball Nov 2020 #32

The respirators have exhalation valves. LisaL Nov 2020 #41

It's trivial to cover the valve with a square of fabric sir pball Nov 2020 #48

Probably not. The Velveteen Ocelot Nov 2020 #4

thank you for the science behind this. It is very enlightening. CTyankee Nov 2020 #7

I tried Lysol a couple times and then I switched to this stuff. tanyev Nov 2020 #5

That could be decreasing the filtration ability of the masks. LisaL Nov 2020 #43

I don't care what anyone says, I spray my clothes and outer wear with Lysol before stepping outside Boogiemack Nov 2020 #6

I see some people that wear a face mask and a face shield. Blue_true Nov 2020 #11

We got some simple, cheap face shields at Costco hamsterjill Nov 2020 #37

I tried safety glasses early on, but most fog up, even when I Blue_true Nov 2020 #39

Your nose wire probably isn't the right grade. Ms. Toad Nov 2020 #59

I have fogged up while wearing an N95 mask from 3M. Blue_true Nov 2020 #61

If you don't have a tight seal, your glasses will fog. Ms. Toad Nov 2020 #64

N95s do have a heavy nose wire, it made imprints in my face. nt Blue_true Nov 2020 #66

I'm suggesting it is too heavy to bend to conform to your face. Ms. Toad Nov 2020 #67

These don't seem to fog. hamsterjill Nov 2020 #60

Depends. Blue_true Nov 2020 #8

What is the light test? n/t moonscape Nov 2020 #9

I found this: Arkansas Granny Nov 2020 #17

Take the mask, hold it up to a bright light source and look through the part Blue_true Nov 2020 #18

Thanks! n/t moonscape Nov 2020 #57

For Alcohol... ProfessorGAC Nov 2020 #20

Thanks, I didn't know about the agitation effect. Blue_true Nov 2020 #22

If It's Long Enough, It Would ProfessorGAC Nov 2020 #25

OR mask guidelines Runningdawg Nov 2020 #10

and get a DUI in the process Demonaut Nov 2020 #12

Not For Long ProfessorGAC Nov 2020 #16

I wear a face shield and a mask for extra protection. Yavin4 Nov 2020 #19

I have been thinking about adding a face shield. Blue_true Nov 2020 #24

You really should protect your eyes with face shield, goggles or glasses. LisaL Nov 2020 #42

Good. I wear glasses. CTyankee Nov 2020 #56

Same here... LuckyCharms Nov 2020 #35

It might cause more air intake along any gaps. Buckeye_Democrat Nov 2020 #21

I think that people keep forgetting how this Rice4VP Nov 2020 #23

I don't understand the anti-mask people. Blue_true Nov 2020 #26

I Keep 2 On My Gear Selector ProfessorGAC Nov 2020 #30

Oh please don't do that!! Talk about irritation to the mucous membranes of your bronchial tree Thekaspervote Nov 2020 #28

A square of paper towel on the inside would be better. GoCubsGo Nov 2020 #29

Nylon, At That Molecular Density... ProfessorGAC Nov 2020 #31

Panty hose is supposed to go over the mask to seal gaps. LisaL Nov 2020 #44

I Know ProfessorGAC Nov 2020 #45

Yep. GoCubsGo Nov 2020 #65

When I go to a high risk area, LuckyCharms Nov 2020 #33

either add one of those plastic shields (which I see for sale in the drug store now) IcyPeas Nov 2020 #34

Alcohol (the main ingredient in Purell and other sanitizers) evaporates very quickly, The Velveteen Ocelot Nov 2020 #36

Spot On! ProfessorGAC Nov 2020 #46

Are you able to expose your mask to unfiltered sunlight Maru Kitteh Nov 2020 #38

As far as I can tell, no. LisaL Nov 2020 #40

I spray both sides my cloth masks with 70% alcohol between uses. denbot Nov 2020 #47

No. Many chemicals can damage the fiber matrix of NIOSH approved masks..... KY_EnviroGuy Nov 2020 #50

Why don't you use pick up or delivery service? cwydro Nov 2020 #51

It evaporates so not useful. What you can do for zooks Nov 2020 #52

It evaporates so not useful. What you can do for zooks Nov 2020 #53

I have a package of them from my pharmacy. I use masks more than once per mask. CTyankee Nov 2020 #55

It's not good to breathe toxic odors BainsBane Nov 2020 #54

No. The alcohol evaporates rapidly. Crunchy Frog Nov 2020 #58

This mask is impregnated Mosby Nov 2020 #62

Thank you! It's good to know this! CTyankee Nov 2020 #68

Honestly... SlogginThroughIt Nov 2020 #63

I think it is a bad idea. Purell has chemicals besides alcohol GulfCoast66 Nov 2020 #69