The masks to be used by healthcare workers for protection against COVID-19 are N95/FFP2 and medical masks. N95/FFP2 masks should only be used during aerosol-generating procedures. These procedures have been specified in previously prepared posters and brochures.
According to a meta-analysis investigating the effectiveness of masks in COVID-19; medical masks are sufficient except during aerosol-generating procedures, and N95/FFP2 masks are necessary only during aerosol-generating procedures.
Extended Use of N95/FFP2 Masks
- If the N95/FFP2 mask is visibly contaminated with respiratory or nasal secretions or other body fluids from patients, it should be discarded.
- Any N95/FFP2 mask that is clearly damaged or difficult to breathe through should be discarded.
- To reduce surface contamination, a medical mask or a cleanable face shield can be worn over the N95/FFP2 mask.
- The mask can be used continuously for up to 8 hours without removal between patient encounters.
- For reuse of a personal mask, after performing hand hygiene, the removed mask can be stored in a breathable paper bag or wrapped in a paper towel and kept in a clean environment. The bag or towel should be changed after each use. Use of plastic bags is not recommended for this purpose. Under these storage conditions, the mask should not be used more than 5 times.
- When putting on a used N95/FFP2 mask, clean (non-sterile) gloves should be worn. After the mask is put on and properly fitted to the face, gloves should be removed and disposed of in a waste container.
References
- BARTOSZKO et al. Medical masks vs N95 respirators for preventing COVID-19 in healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials DOI: 10.1111/irv.12745.
- CDC. Recommended Guidance for Extended Use and Limited Reuse of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators in Healthcare Settings. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hcwcontrols/recommendedguidanceextuse.html