High-quality respirators (also known as respirators\), FFP2 or N95, are expensive. But here’s the good news: you can reuse them! This reduces the daily cost of wearing a respirator by extending its lifespan.
PAPER BAG METHOD
When storing your masks, opt for paper bags. This allows the mask to rest properly between uses, helping to keep it clean and ready for next time. You can also organize your bags by days of the week for optimal planning. The mask should rest for 3–4 days before being reused. Personally, I round it up to 7 days and have 7 paper bags labeled with the days of the week—like "Monday."
This was based on the precautionary principle back when we didn’t fully understand how long surface (fomite) transmission lasted. Sealing and long wait times are no longer as necessary now.
NEW METHOD
A recent study showed that after one hour, COVID contamination on respirators can be deactivated. This means that if you touch the outside of your respirator an hour after using it and then touch your face, mouth, or eyes, you likely won’t get infected from that action.
Respirators work best when they are well-fitted and clean. They usually “fail” first at the head/ear straps—the more they’re used, the more the elastic stretches. This makes the fit looser and can increase the risk of leaks.
WHAT TO DO?
1. Let your respirator air out before reusing it, if possible
Hang it in a well-ventilated space:
GOOD: On a shelf in a closet, a hook, or an out-of-the-way shelf
NOT IDEAL: Inside a sealed Ziploc bag
Organizing your respirators by how many times they've been used can help extend their lifespan and keep you safer while spending less.
2. Consider the context when deciding how long to wait before reusing
If it was used in a densely populated area and/or where airborne infectious material was likely (hospital, clinic, unventilated classroom): Consider waiting longer before reuse. Respirators are typically good for about 8 total hours of use in high viral density—so keep that in mind!
If you wore your respirator in a place that wasn’t densely populated or wasn’t known to have much airborne infectious material: After one hour, you can reuse it.
Reminder: Practicing good hand hygiene is always a good idea after handling respirators or other potentially contaminated materials.
3. Use risk factors to determine whether to reuse
Examples of reuse situations based on risk profile:
If you're going to a medical appointment or a crowded indoor space: Consider using a new respirator for a tighter fit.
If you're going to a mostly empty grocery store at off-peak hours for a quick trip: A reused respirator may be fine.
If you’re walking your dog around your neighborhood and don’t encounter many people: Consider using one of your more reused respirators.
Help Your Respirator Last Longer
Minimize respirator use
If you have 3 errands to run, consider not taking off the respirator between them. Keeping it sealed the whole time helps keep you safe during transitions and avoids touching the mask while it may still be contaminated.
This also reduces wear and tear on the elastic straps, helping the respirator remain usable longer.
Managing Heat
Sweat in hot weather is real. If you notice your respirator doesn’t fit your face due to sweat, consider switching to another one if possible.
However, it’s important to note that even if your respirator gets damp, it’s still effective! Once it dries, the impact on its function is minimal—unless it’s fully saturated.