You know that feeling when you put on your trusty old fish N95 mask and suddenly remember it’s been years since you last cleaned it? If you let it sit too long without a good disinfecting wash, the buildup of dust and grime can compromise the mask’s effectiveness and make it harder to clean when you finally do get around to it.
That’s why it’s important to follow these quick tips on how to keep your fish N95 mask in tip-top shape so you can use your mask for as long as possible and never have to worry about your safety again!
What You Can Do When You First Get Your Fish N95 Mask
When you first get your mask, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the mask for any rips or tears and make sure all parts are firmly attached. Next, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly put the mask on.
You should be careful not to allow the inside of the mask to touch your face or nose, as this can lead to infection. Also, be sure that there is a good seal around your nose and mouth, otherwise, when you wear it it will leak and render it ineffective.
Where You Should Store Your Fish N95 Mask
It is important to store your mask so that it is not unnecessarily exposed to sunlight, which can deteriorate the materials of the mask. When not being worn, masks should be stored out of direct sunlight and in a cool dry place with adequate ventilation. Masks may also be stored on hooks or hangers near an air source or the edge of a window sill near the floor for circulation, away from direct sun exposure.
Tips on how to keep your fish-type N95 mask in tip-top shape: A simple way to maintain your mask is by wiping off any sweat or dust before storing it. Once per week you should wash and disinfect your mask using detergent, soap, water, and bleach.
Washing Your Fish N95 Mask
Masks get dirty. Especially masks with filters such as the popular fish-style masks that cover your nose and mouth. Here are some tips on how to keep your mask in tip-top shape:
According to the CDC, wash your hands before handling the mask so you don’t transfer dirt and germs from your hands onto the mask (don’t forget to wash after handling the mask too!).
Use warm water and mild soap if available, otherwise, just use cold water–DO NOT USE HOT WATER! Rinse well with clean water. Pat dry or allow to air dry. Store at room temperature in a clean container away from animals or other people’s masks, preferably out of direct sunlight.
Don’t store inside plastic bags unless they’re completely sealed first! If you’re going to be storing it for more than three days make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned first so bacteria doesn’t grow on it while it’s waiting for you to use it again.
Safety Precautions
Breathing contaminated air or a substance can be extremely dangerous, and should not be taken lightly. Below are some tips on how to keep your fish masks N95 in tip-top shape:
You should regularly check the condition of your mask to make sure that it is being worn correctly. An improper fit could result in the facepiece pressing against parts of your face and blocking your mouth or nose, increasing the chance of exposure if there’s a leak. A proper fit will cover most of your head with only small openings for the eyes, mouth, and nostrils.
After wearing the mask you should always wash your hands before eating, drinking, or smoking as this will reduce contamination on your hands which may get transferred to food/drink and cigarettes when touched by other people.