Cleaning a COVID-19 mask in a SoClean CPAP mask cleaning machine
May 14, 2020 11:12:21 #
bpulv
Loc: Buena Park, CA
Can a microbiologist or other doctor tell me if putting my face mask in my SoClean machine, which uses ozone as the cleaning agent, along with my CPAP mask properly clean my face mask during the COVID-19 emergency?
May 14, 2020 11:46:33 #
Sorry, I do not have the answer for you, but that is a good question.
May 14, 2020 20:07:12 #
bpulv wrote:
Can a microbiologist or other doctor tell me if putting my face mask in my SoClean machine, which uses ozone as the cleaning agent, along with my CPAP mask properly clean my face mask during the COVID-19 emergency?
Our local news did a segment on a local ambulance service because they have dedicated two rigs and crews for patients suspected covid 19. They said that they sterilized with ozone after every run. Claimed it took 10 minutes and the gas reached every crevice. No details on concentration levels or environmental issues.
I routinely use mine on things like tooth brushes and dental bite guards. Have also done removable shoe insoles.
I’d advise caution with covid though, because if not successful, you’ve just introduced directly into your lungs.
The task force did mention mask sterilization earlier, but have not heard any more. No one is talking about it ( because it would be too simple??)
May 14, 2020 22:51:14 #
bpulv wrote:
Can a microbiologist or other doctor tell me if putting my face mask in my SoClean machine, which uses ozone as the cleaning agent, along with my CPAP mask properly clean my face mask during the COVID-19 emergency?
In my second career working with Ammonia refrigeration systems; piping, compressors storage tanks etc. I had to pass a mask fitness tests annually that proved the integrity of mask. No beards and what ever else it took to ensure a tight seal. May I assume you've ruled these issues out?
May 15, 2020 01:07:05 #
May 15, 2020 08:15:05 #
From what I understand, time is a great sterilizer. Have several masks and take turns using them. Letting them sit out in the hot sun will speed up the destruction of the virus.
May 15, 2020 08:20:15 #
Don't know about sterilizing a mask with ozone, but I would point out that ozone does a number on rubber. If your mask has elastic straps you would probably have to replace them after sterilizing with ozone.
May 15, 2020 08:22:20 #
In addition to what Jerry recommended, I've also seen posts that said leaving masks on the car dash with the external side up so the sun hits it might be helpful.
May 15, 2020 08:43:28 #
I'm certainly no expert, but I think that ozone would indeed sterilize a cloth mask at least to some degree. However, I wouldn't even consider putting one in with my CPAP mask! Although ozone should kill the virus, it doesn't work instantly and if the cloth mask was infected, putting it in the SoClean machine would circulate the infection/virus throughout your CPAP machine during the process of disinfection and there is no guarantee that it will get it all in one treatment. Since virtually all the air I breath during sleep comes from the CPAP system, there is no way that I'd put anything else, especially something that is likely to be infected in the SoClean unit for any reason. It's your call, but it's not worth taking the chance of infecting my CPAP an/or SoClean system for a disposable mask.
May 15, 2020 09:26:38 #
yssirk123 wrote:
In addition to what Jerry recommended, I've also seen posts that said leaving masks on the car dash with the external side up so the sun hits it might be helpful.
Masks worn by the public are really designed to keep any virus in, not out. They're there to protect others, not you. So you might want to come out after a while and turn the mask over.
May 15, 2020 09:57:43 #
DirtFarmer wrote:
Masks worn by the public are really designed to keep any virus in, not out. They're there to protect others, not you. So you might want to come out after a while and turn the mask over.
Good thinking - will do that, thanks.
May 15, 2020 10:55:37 #
Leaving the mask on the car dash doesn't work well, because it is the ultra-violet light within sunlight that does the sterilizing. Car windshields block UV rays. If it's extremely hot out side, the heat that penetrates into the car helps in the sterilization process but the dash is no better a place than the console or the seat.
May 15, 2020 13:13:46 #
I still wonder if the virus can pass through the masks because the virus' overall size is quite smaller than the masks material gaps from a microscopic level. I was told the mask gaps is about 10X larger than the virus. But, of course, I may be wrong.
May 15, 2020 14:03:45 #
lbrande wrote:
I still wonder if the virus can pass through the masks because the virus' overall size is quite smaller than the masks material gaps from a microscopic level. I was told the mask gaps is about 10X larger than the virus. But, of course, I may be wrong.
That’s one of the reasons why it’s said they won’t make you ‘bulletproof’. I think the salient point is their preventive benefit ie they will lessen the radius of the ‘splatter’/contamination zone around an infected person whom coughs, sneezes or even just talks near you.
May 15, 2020 14:20:29 #
David Martin
Loc: Cary, NC
lbrande wrote:
I still wonder if the virus can pass through the masks because the virus' overall size is quite smaller than the masks material gaps from a microscopic level. I was told the mask gaps is about 10X larger than the virus. But, of course, I may be wrong.
Wearing a mask is intended to block you from broadcasting the virus to others, and is not intended to protect you. While the mask will not block individual virus particles, it will block the droplets you exhale, which may contain virus. Since this is not 100%, it still makes sense to maintain distance between people. And although a non-N95 mask will significantly reduce the spread of droplets released during normal breathing, it will not so effectively block aerosols produced by coughing or sneezing. And many folks do not realize that masks with valves do not block anything coming from the wearer of the mask, and provide no protection to others whatsoever.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.