Feasibility study of reusing surgical masks and evaluation of the effectiveness of different disinfection methods

Abstract

This study assessed various disinfection methods' impact on surgical mask reusability amid the high demand and limited supply of medical surgical masks during the respiratory disease pandemic. Volunteers wore masks for 4 h, and masks were disinfected using methods including moist heat, dry heat, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, alcohol soaking, washing machine cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, or microwave disinfection. Key indicators measured included filtration efficiency, mask pressure, electrostatic charge, tensile strength, and blood penetration. Scanning electron microscopy and 16S bacterial DNA testing were used to evaluate fiber changes and disinfection effectiveness. After three disinfection cycles using any method, masks met Chinese standard YY0469-2011 requirements for filtration efficiency, mask pressure, strength, and blood penetration. However, non-oily particle filtration efficiency significantly decreased with moist heat, alcohol soaking, or machine washing. Bacterial filtration efficiency decreased with dry heat, alcohol soaking, or machine washing. All disinfection methods caused structural changes, particularly with dry heat, ultrasonic cleaning, and microwave disinfection. UV radiation effectively sterilized masks while maintaining filtration performance, making it the preferred method for mask reuse in emergencies.