Masks washing

Surgical masks are washable?

Disposable surgical masks are not washable, because the contact between the filtering fabric layer and the water makes them totally ineffective. Given the poor availability of the masks, caused by the Covid-19 emergency, it is possible to disinfect them by spraying a hydroalcoholic solution with 70% alcohol on the surface and leave them to dry in the open air.

Can I reuse autoclaved surgical masks?

It seems that autoclaving causes the filter fabric layer to lose the characteristics for which it was made. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. To know the best way to disinfect disposable masks, you must follow the manufacturer's instructions on the package. Generally they are disposable, but the situation in which we find ourselves makes it difficult to find protection dipsositives. Therefore it is possible (although not recommended) to disinfect the masks and reuse them even if they are disposable.