Can I still use the mask if it is full of water? How to deal with the mask if it is full of water?

We all know that masks are a kind of protective equipment that is in short supply recently. Almost everyone wears a mask when they go out, so as to avoid infection with the new coronavirus. After wearing the mask for a long time, there will be a lot of water inside. So can the mask still be used if it is full of water? Let's take a closer look!

Can I still use the mask if it is full of water?

Generally speaking, if the mask is full of water, it needs to be replaced in time and cannot be used anymore. When the mask is wet, the tissue fibers inside will be easily deformed, and the protective effect will be greatly reduced.

The air exhaled by the human body has a certain humidity. When the medical protective mask becomes wet, the effect of isolating the virus will be reduced. This is why this kind of mask has a lifespan of only 4 hours. For most people, they will not wear a mask for 4 hours in a day. It is enough to replace the disposable mask every day, which can reduce the amount of masks used.

When should you change your mask?

Replace the mask in time in the following situations:

1. When respiratory impedance increases significantly;

2. When the mask is torn or damaged;

3. When the mask cannot fit tightly to the face;

4. The mask is contaminated (such as blood stains or droplets);

5. Used in individual wards or in contact with patients (because the mask is contaminated);

Wrong way to disinfect masks

Microwave ovens and steamers are not a reliable way to disinfect masks.

Viruses are afraid of heat, so can we use microwave ovens or steamers to heat and disinfect used masks? The Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that the various "weird" disinfection methods circulating on the Internet are not advisable. Because whether you use a microwave oven, electric oven or steamer to heat the mask, it will damage the internal structure of the mask to varying degrees, and the mask can no longer be used.

Other recommendations for wearing masks

1. When the public needs to wear masks in daily work and life, it is generally recommended to wear disposable medical masks.

2. Disposable medical masks should be replaced promptly when they become wet or dirty.

3. Do not throw away disposable medical masks anywhere after use. They should be handled according to the requirements for household waste classification.

4. Pay attention to hand hygiene before wearing and after removing the mask.

5. Wash your hands according to regulations before wearing a mask, and avoid touching the inside of the mask when wearing it. Replace the mask in time if it is dirty, deformed, damaged, or has an odor.

6. If you need to reuse the mask, you can hang it in a clean, dry and ventilated place, or put it in a clean, breathable paper bag. Masks should be stored separately to avoid contact with each other.