July 7, 2022
You should be able to use N95 and KN95 face masks a few times, experts said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said health-care workers can wear an N95 mask up to five times, but how often the average person can safely wear one varies depending on how it’s used. Using the same mask to run to the grocery story, for example, is different than wearing it all day at work; the amount of time a mask is worn is more important than how frequently it’s worn. With every breath you take in an N95, particles accumulate on the mask and can degrade its performance. The elastic band on the mask can wear out and not fit snugly around your face. The mask might also get dirty, especially if you’re using it to exercise. If you notice any of these changes to your mask, it’s time to stop using it.
(Source: The Associated Press)
