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FFP2 masks: This is how you can use the corona protection several times

2021-01-23T09:46:28.910Z


The FFP2 mask has partly become mandatory due to the corona pandemic. But how often can such a mask be used and how do you clean it?


The FFP2 mask has partly become mandatory due to the corona pandemic.

But how often can such a mask be used and how do you clean it?

  • In the

    Corona

    * pandemic

    , wearing an

    FFP2 mask is

    mandatory in some places.

  • However, the face mask should not be

    worn for

    more than

    eight hours

    .

  • A study from Münster shows: masks can be

    disinfected in the oven

    .

Update from Saturday, January 23rd, 2021, 10:20 am:

There are many recommended cleaning methods for

masks of

all kinds - but some should be avoided.

In addition to treatments in the washing machine, in saucepans, in the dishwasher or with a UV lamp,

cleaning

the

FFP2 mask

with

disinfectants

and

alcohol

should also be avoided.

According to a report by the consumer

magazine Oekotest

, the Robert Koch Institute advises

against

it, as disinfectant

sprays

and alcoholic substances

significantly reduce

the filter effect of the cellulose and the fleece and thus also the protection against

corona

.

In addition, you should not keep the mask in the

freezer

, because the

viruses

in the mouthguard are not killed and can even survive longer in the fabric.

Obligation to wear a face mask during the corona crisis: Methods for multiple use of the FFP2 mask

Update from Thursday, January 14th, 2021, 4:50 p.m.:

FFP2 masks

are actually

intended for one-time use

to protect against possible

corona infection

.

However, since this can quickly

turn

into

money

, the question arises whether the masks can be used several times after all.

In

any case,

researchers from the

Münster University of Applied Sciences

and the

Westphalian Wilhelms University of

Münster are convinced: Yes, it is possible.

They describe two

methods for doing this

.

First of all, it should be said that the following procedure is only suitable for

foldable FFP2 masks

.

If you want to

give

the

trick

a chance, try the following: After wearing the mask, let it dry until the next day.

When the mask is dry, a sheet of

baking paper

should be laid out on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, the

oven

must be

preheated

to

80 degrees top and bottom heat

.

+

In some federal states, the mask requirement has been tightened.

(Archive photo)

© Fleig / Eibner-Pressefoto / Imago Images

Protection against corona: FFP2 masks must be properly disinfected

Since the actual temperature in the oven may differ from what is displayed, the researchers recommend

checking

the temperature with a

thermometer

.

Because if the oven is too cold, the

viruses

remain

active

.

If it is too warm, the

mask

can be

damaged

.

If the

temperature

is right, the mask is placed on the

grid

and then pushed onto the middle rail in the oven.

The FFP2 masks should stay there for an hour.

It is important that the

corona

masks can still be distinguished from one another afterwards, as these should only be used by the same person.

The

FFP2 masks

can be reprocessed up to five times, but then at the latest they have to be

disposed of with

household

waste.

Corona study: plan enough time to dry the FFP2 mask

Dimensionally stable models with a basket or

filter

can only be reprocessed in another way: by air drying.

This would

require

at least seven of

the

FFP2 masks

for daily use

.

They are hung on a hook after use, where they dry for a week.

It is advisable

to mark

the

hooks

or masks according to the days so that you don't get confused.

This method can also be

repeated

a maximum of five times

before the mask goes into the

trash

, according to the researchers.

However, if the mask is particularly stressed, coughed by other people or used, the

FFP2 mask should be disposed of immediately

.

According to the

scientists

,

alternative treatments using saucepans, dishwashers, microwaves,

washing machines

or a UV lamp are

not suitable for reprocessing the

corona

masks.

Fight against Corona: FFP2 masks are becoming mandatory

First report from Thursday, January 14th, 2021, 2:19 p.m .:

Kassel -

You

are an everyday companion

in the

Corona crisis

: Wearing

mouth and nose protection

is mandatory in public buildings, shops and also in many inner cities.

Leaving

the house without a

corona mask

at the

beginning of 2021

is unthinkable for many people.

The more the population adheres to the mask regulation, the better the spread of the

coronavirus

can be contained.

+

The correct use of FFP2 masks determines their effectiveness against corona.

There are a few important rules to follow when wearing the mask.

(Symbol image)

© Michael Weber / imago-images.de

The

Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) 

recommends wearing certified

FFP2 masks

.

These masks will be

mandatory

in shops and public transport in

Bavaria

from January 18, 2021

.

However, the wearer can

make many mistakes

when using the

FFP2 mask

.

Corona in Germany: Government relies on FFP2 masks

At the behest of the federal government, shortly before Christmas, from December 15, 2020, people over 60 could

pick up

three

FFP2 masks

free of charge

.

FFP2 is the abbreviation for Filtering Face Piece.

This type of mask has the advantage that it not only prevents the wearer's aerosols from escaping, but also protects the wearer himself from aerosols in the air.

Fabric

masks

or scarves do not offer this filter protection.

They only protect others from the carrier's viruses.

Conversely,

FFP2 masks

with a valve only protect the wearer, but not the environment.

Because the air you breathe gets outside unfiltered.

Use FFP2 masks correctly: Only then will they protect against corona

In order for the FFP2 masks to

protect

wearers and the environment from the

coronavirus

, users should observe two important conditions.

First, the masks must be worn correctly in order to achieve their full filter effect.

The mask must also

comply with EU guidelines

.

Counterfeit masks keep appearing on the market.

In addition, supermarkets repeatedly have to start recalls for masks that do not meet the legal requirements.

Firmly put on corona mouth and nose protection: Beards have a problem with FFP2 masks

According to the

Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,

certified FF2P masks must

filter 94 percent of all aerosols from the air.

Customers can tell from the CE mark

whether a

corona mask

meets all EU requirements, indicating that the product has been successfully tested (conformity assessment procedure).

The identification consists of a

four-digit test institute number,

the

EU standard EN 149

and the address of the provider.

Not all FFP2 masks on the German market carry the CE mark.

So-called

N95 masks

  from the USA and Canada as well as

KN95 masks

 from China do not bear the mark, but still meet European standards.

Dealing with FFP2 masks: Corona is only effectively filtered if used correctly

In case of doubt, just pulling it on can decide whether the

filter effect of an FFP2 mask works or fizzles out

.

Contrary to many different rumors, it is not enough to just pull the mask over your mouth and leave your nose free.

The following rules must be

observed

when wearing an

FFP2 mask

:

  • Masks must be as close to the face as possible

  • Mouth, nose and cheeks must be covered

  • The edges must be close to the skin so that no air can flow through the sides

  • The mask shouldn't slip, it should sit tight

  • Damp masks lose their filter protection and must be changed.

  • The mask shouldn't pinch, because that tempts you to touch your face and spread viruses

Even those who wear an FFP2 mask should

adhere

to the 

hygiene regulations of 

the Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Center for Health Education.

Because the filter effect is not perfect.

The

1.5 meter distance rule

and regular, thorough hand washing are important

tools for containing Corona.

Maximum service life of FFP2 masks: Damp material does not filter corona

In principle,

FFP2 masks are

intended

as single-use masks

.

This means that they have to be changed after they have been used once.

But if you only wear your mask for a few minutes in a shop and take it off again after leaving the shop, you don't have to use a new mask right away.

Breath will make the mask wet over time.

If the mask is soaked, it must be changed

.

Because then

corona viruses

can

get through the fabric.

A tip: wear masks only briefly and at intervals, protects against moisture penetration.

After a short period of wear, the mask can also be dried and aired and then used again after a few days.

FFP2 masks

should be

worn

for a

maximum of

75 minutes at a

time.

However, if you just sit and relax, you can keep it up longer.

In total, FFP2 masks should not be used for more than 8 hours.

This is recommended by the

professional association for health and welfare (BGW).

Remove the FFP2 mask correctly: Corona viruses could stick to your fingers

When the shopping in the supermarket is over, the mask can be taken off again.

However, hand contact can damage the mask and

coronavirus can be left on the fingers or mask

.

Therefore, always only touch the straps of the mask with washed hands and then stow them in a clean place.

Then wash your hands thoroughly for 20 to 30 seconds.

Pants or handbags are only conditionally suitable for transport.

Germs

and

viruses

can hide there.

Viruses could also get into the pocket through the mask itself.

If you then rummage around in it with your fingers, the pathogens quickly get back into your face.

A better place to keep it is a

small sealable plastic bag.

Cleaning FFP2 masks is no problem.

However, an FFP2 mask may not be washed.

Then it loses its filtering effect.

Drying in the oven or microwave is also taboo.

(Philipp Zettler) *

hna.de is part of the Ippen-Digital network.

List of rubric lists: © Fleig / Eibner-Pressefoto / Imago Images

Source: merkur

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