Best Mask For COVID: Can You Reuse Your KN95, N95 Masks?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week issued new masking guidance where the agency classified masks by the level of protection they offer the wearer.

Officials for the CDC said that “loosely woven cloth products” protected wearers the least while well-fitting KN95s and N95s offer the highest level of protection

"Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting (National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety)-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection," the recommendation read.

Despite changing its mask recommendations, the CDC did not specify whether people can reuse their KN95s or N95s. However, other public health experts have weighed in.

Should a KN95 or N95 mask be thrown out after wearing it?

According to CNN’s Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, respirator masks, which are expensive, can be reused for weeks. However, the expert noted that the number of times a person can reuse their mask depends on its condition and how often it was used.

Additionally, health experts advise against reusing a mask when it is dented, out of shape or soiled. It is also advised to replace the mask when it has been sneezed on.

Can you clean a respirator?

It is not advisable to clean face masks. Spraying it with water could, instead, damage the masks, according to Dr. Wen. For safety, people can have two or three masks that they use in rotation.

Can children wear respirators?

While there are KN95s and N95s available for children, health experts still remind people that fit is important. If the respirators do not fit a child’s face, or they do not feel comfortable wearing them, a surgical mask with a cloth mask on top, or “double masking” are effective alternatives, according to Dr. Maureen Tierney, chair of the Department of Clinical Research and Public Health in the Creighton School of Medicine.

Americans are expected to receive free N95 masks from pharmacies and community health centers by early February, the White House said in a statement. The Biden administration will roll out 400 million masks from the country’s Strategic National Stockpile. Each person would be given up to three N95 masks.