Can IIR type masks be used multiple times?

1. What is an IIR type mask?

IIR type mask is a medical surgical mask that complies with the EN 14683:2019 standard. It belongs to the category with a higher level of protection in the classification of medical masks and is mainly used in medical environments or places with high hygiene requirements.

Material of IIR type mask:
Outer layer (anti-liquid splash): polypropylene non-woven fabric (waterproof);
Middle layer (filter layer): melt-blown fabric (filters bacteria and particles);
Inner layer (moisture-absorbing layer): skin-friendly non-woven fabric.

2. Can IIR type mask be reused?

(1). Situations where reuse is not recommended

Medical/high-risk environments (such as hospitals and laboratories): After contact with patients or contaminants, the mask may carry pathogens, and reuse will increase the risk of cross-infection. Once the liquid penetration protective layer (R level) is contaminated (such as droplets, blood), the protective performance will be significantly reduced. Physical damage or contamination: If the mask is damaged, damp, has increased breathing resistance, or is contaminated with secretions, it must be replaced.

(2) Risks of reuse

Degradation of protective performance: Wearing for a long time will cause the fiber structure to loosen and the filtration efficiency to decrease;
Accumulation of respiratory moisture may breed bacteria.
Deterioration of fit: The elasticity of the nose clip and ear straps will decrease, affecting the airtightness.

3. Precautions for wearing Type IIR masks correctly

Type IIR surgical masks are a high-protection medical surgical mask. Proper wearing can effectively block the spread of droplets, blood and bacteria. The following are detailed wearing steps and precautions to ensure the best protection effect.

(1) Preparation before wearing

Inspect the mask: Confirm that the mask meets the EN 14683:2019 Type IIR standard. Check whether the packaging is intact and not damaged or contaminated. Observe whether the mask has obvious stains or moisture.
Clean hands: Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and running water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer to avoid contaminating the mask.

(2) Correct wearing steps.

Distinguish the front and back and the upper and lower edges
Outer layer (waterproof layer): usually blue or green, hydrophobic, and liquid-proof.
Inner layer (moisture-absorbing layer): white, skin-friendly and soft, fits the face.
Nose clip (metal strip): located at the upper edge of the mask, used to pinch the bridge of the nose.
Unfold the mask and adjust the ear straps
Pinch the ear straps (or head straps) with both hands and unfold the mask to avoid touching the inner layer.
Fit the face
Cover the mouth, nose and chin: Make sure the mask completely covers the mouth and nose, and the lower edge covers the chin.
Press the nose clip: Use the index fingers of both hands to press the metal strip to make it fit tightly against the bridge of the nose to prevent air leakage.
Adjust the tightness:
Ear hook type: Adjust the tightness of the ear straps to avoid being too tight or too loose.
Head-mounted type: First fix the upper head strap, then tighten the lower head strap.
Check the tightness
Breath test: Exhale gently to check if there is any air leakage at the edge of the mask. If there is air leakage, readjust the nose clip and ear straps.

(3). Precautions when wearing

Avoid the following incorrect operations:
Touching the outer layer of the mask: Do not adjust or touch the outer layer frequently after wearing to avoid contaminating your hands.
Exposing the nose or chin: The protective effect will be greatly reduced if the mask does not completely cover the face.
Reuse or long-term wear: IIR type masks are disposable and it is recommended to replace them every 4 hours or when they become wet.

(4). The correct way to remove the mask

Only touch the ear straps/headband: Avoid touching the outer layer that may be contaminated.
Remove slowly: Remove gently and do not shake the mask to prevent the spread of droplets.
Discard immediately: Put it in a closed trash can to avoid secondary contamination.
Wash your hands again: Clean your hands thoroughly after removing the mask.