Stanford Researchers Confirm N95 Masks Can Be Sterilized and Reused by Leaving in Oven for 30 Mins at 70C (Tested w/ E. Coli)

brokenglish on 25/03/2020 - 13:08
Last edited 25/03/2020 - 13:24

TL;DR:
70C / 158F heating in a kitchen-type oven for 30 min, or hot water vapour from boiling water for 10 min, are effective decontamination methods.

This is tested with E. Coli.
The study is NOT done to show the resistance of SARS COV-2 to disinfection.
The study is done to show that some methods of disinfection do not compromise the filtration power of a N95 mask.

Please don't start another bushfire.

Academic Report: https://stanfordmedicine.app.box.com/v/covid19-PPE-1-1
Source (and more interesting discussions): https://www.reddit.com/r/worldnews/comments/foc0fu/stanford_…

DISCLAIMER: the article has not been peer-reviewed; it should not replace individual clinical judgement and the sources cited should be checked. The views expressed in this commentary represent the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the Stanford University School of Medicine. The views are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Thought I would share, this is an absolute bargain.

EDIT: formatting

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • hmac on 25/03/2020 - 13:12
    +4

    The biggest problem with this is that it is tested with E.coli.

    There is absolutely no evidence showing it has the same effects with COVID-19. Infact posting this is spreading wrong information as each virus/bacteria can survive in different environments at different temperatures.

    N95 masks can be sterislised from E.coli ONLY with that method. Nothing else.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2020 - 13:14

    Turned my reusable shopping bag into a shrinkie.

  • triviums on 25/03/2020 - 13:29
    +1

    Please change title to say E.coli only

  • WreckTangle on 25/03/2020 - 13:31
    +2

    Do i need to oil the oven tray first?

    • c64 on 25/03/2020 - 13:38
      +4

      a bit of fresh rosemary on the tray also gives it a pleasant fragrance

  • c64 on 25/03/2020 - 13:37

    The study is NOT done to show the resistance of SARS COV-2 to disinfection.

    so what is the point of this thread?

    • brokenglish on 25/03/2020 - 13:39

      Why not read the next sentence?

      The study is done to show that some methods of disinfection do not compromise the filtration power of a N95 mask.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2020 - 13:41
        +3

        Yeah, but E Coli is a living bacteria, not a virus.

        • triviums on 25/03/2020 - 13:46

          N95 wasn't designed specifically for viruses. They were designed to filter out airborne particles.

          • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2020 - 14:33

            @triviums: But the purpose of the mask at present is to filter out COVID-19.

            Context.

            • triviums on 25/03/2020 - 14:38

              @[Deactivated]: The study showed that:

              some methods of disinfection do not compromise the filtration power of a N95 mask.

              from this study a researcher might be interested in using their time finding out if a method of disinfection exists that does not compromise the filtration power of a N95 mask if it has been exposed to a virus.

              EDIT:

              Context.

              This may not be directly relevant to COVID-19, but it is relevant to using masks for bushfires. There is a chance we will experience another bushfire season like the one we just had. Bacteria growth on masks would be the main concern when using masks in bushfires for extended periods of time.

              • HighAndDry on 25/03/2020 - 15:33
                +1

                @triviums:

                a method of disinfection exists that does not compromise the filtration power of a N95 mask if it has been exposed to a virus.

                But that's a moot point if that method of disinfection is ineffective for covid-19.

                but it is relevant to using masks for bushfires.

                Also false. These are methods of disinfection. The mask would be compromised in bushfire use because it'll be clogged and filtration becomes compromised.

                Methods of disinfection do not restore the filtration ability of the mask, it only disinfects it.

                • triviums on 25/03/2020 - 15:49

                  @HighAndDry:

                  Also false. These are methods of disinfection. The mask would be compromised in bushfire use because it'll be clogged and filtration becomes compromised.

                  Methods of disinfection do not restore the filtration ability of the mask, it only disinfects it.

                  You do indeed have a point there.

                  However, there could be a scenario in a bushfire or any other event where sweat or some other source of bacteria has found its way onto the masks. Assuming the filtration ability of the mask hasn't been compromised it could be a valid way to disinfect the masks.

                  • HighAndDry on 25/03/2020 - 15:52

                    @triviums: After reading the study, it's not aimed at the average everyday user, it's for frontline healthcare professionals who need to (by protocol) use a new mask for each individual patient/procedure.

                    This might allow their facility (hospital/clinic/stadium-turned-into-quarantine-zone) to disinfect and re-use masks if there is a shortage.

                    But they tested with E. Coli, presumably medical facilities will themselves make sure it's effective for covid-19 too before implementing it.

  • elgrande on 25/03/2020 - 14:21

    Mixing face masks with food.. what could possibly go wrong!

    • kahn on 25/03/2020 - 14:45

      Are you planning on using a face mask as a cake mould? That's genius!

      • elgrande on 25/03/2020 - 17:03

        Yes, I can eat on the go..

  • kahn on 25/03/2020 - 14:34

    That's exactly how I sterilise my toilet paper.

    • paraneoplastic on 25/03/2020 - 14:37

      On the 2nd time around, you get a nice emblazoned pattern for free - crispy too

  • paraneoplastic on 25/03/2020 - 14:39
    +1

    I'll throw a spanner into the mix, if we know that covid19 being a fomite dies within 6 - <8hrs, couldn't you just take of the mask and use it after 8 - 10 hrs?

    • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2020 - 15:08
      +1

      To catch that spanner…

      Whilst the N95 mask can be used well beyond the specified 6-8hr, especially if the main purpose is against COVID-19, the components that make up the filter and seal degrade with use and exposure (ie. Moisture and light).

      If the filter is clogged and air isn't passing through the membrane sufficiently, the air will find a way through the seals therefore bypassing the filter entirely, or if the seals fail directly.

      • HighAndDry on 25/03/2020 - 15:37
        +1

        Yeah, this "article" only says these methods of disinfection do not (further) compromise the filtration power of a mask. They don't, in any way shape or form, restore the filtration power of the mask and the mask is still subject to its usual longevity.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2020 - 15:37
          +1

          You found the pickle.

          • HighAndDry on 25/03/2020 - 15:49
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: Oh I get the point of the study now.

            They're effectively trying out potential ways of disinfecting masks in the context of frontline healthcare professionals needing to use new N95 masks for each procedure for each patient, in situations where they don't have access to enough masks etc.

            • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2020 - 17:09
              +1

              @HighAndDry: Yeah. I would say they the study is useful for a hospital setting.

              Confusing and potentially arming the average person with misinformation.

      • paraneoplastic on 25/03/2020 - 16:30

        Yeah that's true wouldn't reuse when swabbing or treating people, i meant mroe for the general public.

        Just imagine the inoculum gathered from a few covid19 juicy sneezes

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