Standard infection control practice usually requires disposal of masks and respirators after each patient interaction. Particles that may contain viruses, bacteria, etc. get captured on the N95 respirator filter fibers during use and remain on the fibers after use. Handling or storing the respirator after use against particles containing viruses, bacteria, etc. might contribute to result in contact transmission of the disease.

We recognize the existing CDC guidelines recommending respirator reuse: When supplies of N95 respirators are depleted, a combination of approaches can be utilized to conserve supplies while safeguarding health care workers (see full CDC document here).

There is no way of determining the maximum possible number of safe reuses for an N95 respirator. Safe N95 reuse is affected by a number of variables that impact respirator function and contamination over time.

The decision to implement policies that permit extended use or limited reuse of N95 respirators should be made by the professionals who manage the institution’s respiratory protection program.

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To be effective, a respirator needs to be worn correctly and worn throughout the duration of the hazardous exposure.

Don:
 

1. Hold the respirator in the palm of your hand with the straps facing the floor (If using a flat fold respirator; pull open the folds into a cup shape before placing in the palm of your hand).
2. Place the N95 respirator on your face covering your nose and mouth.
3. Pull the bottom strap up and over the top of your head and place at the back of your head below your ears.
4. Pull the upper strap up and over top of your head, and put it behind your head at the crown of your head.
5. Use both hands to mold the nosepiece to fit snugly against your nose and face.
6. Perform a seal check according to manufacturer instructions to ensure there is a good seal against the skin.
    

Doff for disposal: Do NOT touch the front of the respirator.
 

1. Tilt your head forward. Then, use two hands to grab the bottom strap, pull to the sides, then over your head.
2. Use both hands to grab the upper strap, pull to the sides, then over your head. Keep tension on the upper strap as you remove it, which will let the mask fall forward and be removed
3. Wash hands per facility protocol.

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Re-Don:
 

1. Wash hands per facility protocol
2. Apply clean gloves
3. Inspect respirator for holes, tears or other damage or soiling to surface, straps, metal nose strip and nose foam. Get a new respirator if damaged or soiled.
4. Hold the respirator in the palm of your hand with the straps facing the floor (If using a flat fold respirator; pull open the folds into a cup shape before placing in the palm of your hand).
5. Place the N95 respirator on your face covering your nose and mouth. Avoid touching the inside of the respirator.
6. Pull the upper strap and put it behind your head and place at the back of your head.
7. Pull the bottom strap up and over top of your head and put it behind your head below your ears.
8. Use both hands to mold the nosepiece to fit snugly against your nose and face. Perform a seal check according to manufacturer instructions to ensure there is a good seal against the skin.
9. Remove and discard gloves. Wash hands per facility protocol.

Doff for storage and reuse:
 

1. Wash hands per facility protocol
2. Apply clean gloves
3. Tilt your head forward. Then, with gloves on, use two hands to grab the bottom strap, pull to the sides, then over your head.
4. Use both hands to grab the upper strap, pull to the sides, then over your head. Keep tension on the upper strap as you remove it, which will let the mask fall forward and be removed.
5. Inspect respirator for holes, tears or other damage or soiling to surface, straps, metal nose strip and nose foam. Discard respirator if damaged or soiled.
6. Place respirator in facility approved storage for reuse* and wash hands per facility protocol.

Tips for Using a Filtering Facepiece Respirator Video

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CDC provided guidance for used respirator storage: Hang used respirators in a designated storage area or keep them in a clean, breathable container such as a paper bag between uses.

To minimize potential cross-contamination, store respirators so that they do not touch each other and the person using the respirator is clearly identified. Storage containers should be disposed of or cleaned regularly.

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