Why is there a question? What facts or info are we missing during this COVID19 outbreak?
What do Masks Do?
Surgical masks have long been used by nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers. Disposable paper-type masks are mostly used now in hospitals. However, reusable cloth masks are still used by many people with various chronic illnesses. N95 masks are used in nursing and medical situations and in other industries.
N95 masks and surgical masks are different in how closely they fit and the size of particle they can filter. The N95 type mask keeps out smaller particles and germs and is measured to fit closer around the nose and mouth.
All types can prevent the passage of bacteria, dust, pollen and viruses. To a certain extent.
We use masks for 2 reasons. First: to keep from breathing our germs onto people. And second, to keep germs and other unwanted particles out of our nose and mouth as we breath in.
Again Then, Why is There a Question?
Specifically regarding the COVID19 virus, there are two limitations with masks preventing spread of the virus.
First, the smaller the particle the easier they get through the mask. Viruses are tiny.
Second, masks stop filtering when they get moist. Breath is moist. Therefore the masks stop working at some point. Nursing school taught me after 20 minutes, I’ve heard others say one hour. Either way it is a very short time.
Masks used to decrease the spread of a virus (which spreads primarily by droplets from breath) are mostly to decrease the droplets in the air from someone infected. Because of the lag time when a person can be contagious without showing symptoms, using a mask in public is a cautious measure for other people.
These days there is a third limiting factor which is the availability.
Still…
If you are taking care of someone with a known viral infection which spreads in the air, like COVID19, it just feels right to use a mask. I’ll give you some tips to make it most effective below. If you decide to use a mask in other settings, these tips will also apply for best effect.
Most of these steps apply to a N95 mask also. I am not certain about the filters and the time limits. My hunch is they differ with different brands. Best advice is to check the manual or look up the brand online for specific instructions.
HOW TO USE A MASK
- Put it on before you put on gloves.
- Put it on before entering the sick persons room or area.
- Make sure the mask sits on your face right and comfortably. It must cover your nose and your mouth. If you are using a disposable paper mask, pinch the flexible metal piece over your nose. That will limit your own breath from blowing in your eyes and help the mask stay in place.
- Do not touch the mask again before you are ready to remove it. If something happens and you must adjust your mask, remove your gloves and/or wash your hands, then adjust it and wash your hands again. (In other words, once you have entered the infected area the mask is “dirty” on the outside, just like your hands, and you will take precautions.)
- After 20 minutes the mask is not filtering well. Plan to leave the patient area. If you have finished your task, great. If not, still leave the area and change to a new mask for the best benefit.
- To remove your mask, take off your gloves and/or wash your hands. Then remove the mask, putting it directly in the trash if disposable or in a designated laundry hamper if it is cloth. Wash your hands thoroughly. Then wash your face, or at least wipe around your mouth and nose (where the moisture collected under the mask) with a tissue. Then wash your hands again.
- If you use cloth masks, put it directly into the laundry hamper. Wash normally and then dry on high heat in the dryer. Or hang outside in the sunlight on a line. It is the dryer heat and the UV sun-rays that inactivate the virus making the mask safe to use again.
POSSIBLE HELPS
Studies show that some essential oils kill viruses. It occurs to me that spraying a used mask with a dilute solution of, say, oregano or eucalyptus oil, and then hanging it to dry for a day might make it safe and effective for a second use. This is an extreme measure considered only when you are short of supplies.
Using an essential oil diffuser in the area an infected person is breathing might help lessen their infection, support lung healing, and also enhance the killing of the viruses riding on the breath droplets.
The infected person could wear a mask also, when you are giving close cares. Especially if they are breathing heavy or coughing. Remember the same time limits apply, and that coughing, sneezing, and rapid breathing will increase the amount of moisture hitting the mask.
Another idea is using a coffee filter folded or cut, inserted between your face and the mask. The idea is that the filter will catch more moisture. This means you could discard the filter after 20 minutes, replace it and continue using the same mask. I doubt it would increase the filtering aspect. Just an idea during these unusual circumstances of COVID19, when resources are low. (See link below to the CDC DIY cloth face coverings).
References and additional information:
Do masks protect against the Corona Virus?
