[TerryL]

i have a bunch of used disposable face masks. if the covid-19 virus can survive for at most a few days on a surface, can i just air my used masks for about 2-3 weeks and then re-use them?

also, i found a few n95 masks that i bought about 10 years ago. they might have been used, i cannot remember, but they look okay. would they be safe to reuse?

[DechanDawa]

I too have thought about reuse. I wore one then hung it up with the thought of reusing it. But then I realized I would probably not want to put it on again so threw it away.

[TerryL]

i called the state health dept's virology dept but no one answered. but read online yesterday that the virus can stay on a surgical mask for 7 days. i am keeping my used ones in a paper bag, just in case.

[DechanDawa]

I would not reuse them -- based on the latest information. I am even going to throw away the cloth masks I make after one use.

[Nammu]

I reuse mine cause I have no choice, it's that or go without.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by Nammu

I reuse mine cause I have no choice, it's that or go without.

Yes but you can make them out of cloth and wash them. It might not be safe to reuse non medical surgical type masks. It's a travesty medical professionals are being forced to do this...and they are getting sick. I am high risk. I can't take chances. No one should...but it is a personal choice, of course.

[Sometimes psychotic]

We are reusing after airing at least 24 hours....they are essentially paper and this virus only last 24 hours on cardboard so....better than no mask...

[TerryL]

i have made some fabric ones too. using this easy non-sew washable way.

as for filters to slip inside the fabric, can use paper towels, hepa vacuum bags, coffee filters,or even just extra fabric in front of the nose area. i wash the fabric mask after each use and throw the filter away. someone suggested boiling the mask instead of having to run the washing machine each time.

i am hanging on to my used surgical masks just in case they become reusable after a waiting period.

[TerryL]

i just read one has to be careful if one is using a homemade mask with a filter. the filter could contain things that could harm our health. eg paper towels could contain formaldehyde, chlorine, bpa. and there is a debate as to whether hepa vacuum bags contain fiberglass. nothing is simple...