A few months back, we mentioned that using your home oven to decontaminate disposable N95 respirators wasn't exactly ideal, but we did share a method for those who were determined to try it. Recently, however, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has come up with a better approach—using a programmable pressure cooker with a sous-vide setting, such as the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, to sanitize these masks at home. This technique allows you to reuse an N95 mask up to five times.
If you happened to pick up a multi-cooker during the pandemic because we suggested trying sous-vide cooking, you might feel a bit smug about having the right tool for the job now.
### Why the Multi-Cooker Method Works
N95 masks are designed to be single-use for good reasons. However, due to the severe shortage of these masks during the coronavirus pandemic, many essential workers had no choice but to find ways to reuse them. The Instant Pot method is something you should reserve for emergencies—don't make it a regular practice.
In fact, the DHS FAQ states, “The only time one should consider decontaminating them for reuse is in critical supply shortage situations where there is a need for respiratory protection and mask supplies are not sufficient to provide protection to those who need it.â€
This method works by rapidly heating and maintaining the masks at 149 °F (65 °C) for 30 minutes. The key here is the moist heat, which is what effectively sanitizes the masks. A paper bag is crucial for this process because it allows some steam to penetrate the mask without soaking it with too much moisture.
While this method should work for most N95 masks, it's important to note that it hasn't been approved by the FDA and isn't suitable for other types of masks.
### How to Use an Instant Pot for Mask Decontamination
To sanitize your masks at home using an Instant Pot, you'll need the following:
- An Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus or another programmable pressure cooker with a sous vide feature.
- A rack for the cooker, which usually comes with the unit.
- Small binder clips to adjust the height of the rack.
- Distilled, bottled, or filtered water.
- Paper bags small enough to fit inside the cooker.
- Staples or paperclips to seal the bags.
- Disposable gloves.
The process is straightforward, and you can decontaminate up to three masks at once:
1. Pour about half an inch of water into the bottom of the pot.
2. Place the rack inside the pot, ensuring it's elevated enough to keep the paper bag out of the water. If necessary, attach small binder clips to the bottom of the rack to raise it.
3. Nest up to three masks inside a paper bag. It's recommended to wear gloves during this step and handle the masks with only one hand.
4. Dispose of the gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.
5. Roll up the top of the bag and seal it using a staple or paperclip.
6. Position the sealed bag on the rack inside the cooker and secure the lid.
7. Set the sous vide function to 149 °F (65 °C) for 30 minutes.
8. Start the cooking cycle.
After the cycle ends, remove the bag (ensuring the cooker is not pressurized), take out the masks, and let them air-dry for an hour in a clean area.
Once the mask is dry, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage. If it passes inspection, it’s ready to wear again!
This method offers a safer alternative to home ovens and ensures that you can extend the life of your N95 masks in critical situations. Stay safe!
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