Investigating the effect of different disinfection methods on the efficiency, pressure drop and Figure of merit of medical masks

Background and aim:This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of different disinfection methods on the efficiency,pressure drop and quality of medical masks used by medical staff. Also,the filtration efficiency of medical masks was investigated in the present study Materials and methods:In the present study, 4 models of medical masks used by the treatment staff were selected. Then the masks were disinfected with the disinfection methods recommended by the disease control and prevention centers, including heat methods, autoclave, ultraviolet rays,immersion in 70% alcohol and immersion in sodium hypochlorite.Finally,the effect of each disinfection method on The efficiency, pressure drop and quality of the masks were checked using the test system Results:Based on the results obtained from the study,disinfecting masks using thermal methods, autoclaving, ultraviolet radiation, immersion in sodium hypochlorite, and immersion in 70% alcohol caused changes in efficiency by 5.58%,9.83%,8.15%,13.34%,and20.38%, respectively and Additionally, changes in pressure drop were observed at the rates of12.9, 7, 6.92,183.75,and16.13 Pa respectively.Moreover,the quality factor of masks improved after disinfection in thermal methods and autoclaving,in contrast to other methods.Furthermore, the assessment of filtration efficiency indicated that three out of four types of masks examined had efficiencies lower than 85% Conclusion:Disinfection of medical masks using the heat method was chosen as the best disinfection method due to the least change in efficiency,a slight increase in pressure drop, and availability,and the 70% alcohol immersion method was chosen as the weakest disinfection method due to the decrease in efficiency,increase in pressure drop,and destruction of the mask's structure