The validity period of unopened medical masks is 2-3 years. The specific production date and expiration date, or restricted usage period, should be visible on the outer packaging of the medical mask. Expired medical masks cannot effectively prevent bacterial and viral infections, therefore they cannot be used.
Medical masks are usually disposable and sterile. When medical masks expire, their filtration capacity, adsorption capacity, airtightness, sterility, and product quality may all have certain defects.
Medical masks may not be able to effectively filter out dust, particulate matter, viruses, bacteria, and other substances in the air after expiration. Expired medical masks have poor ability to adsorb droplets, aerosols, and droplets in the air.
The airtightness of expired medical masks cannot be guaranteed, which may cause air leakage and cannot guarantee their sterility before use. The quality of expired medical masks cannot be guaranteed, and there may be situations such as strap detachment during use, which cannot guarantee safety.
For unsealed medical masks, attention should be paid to sealing to avoid behaviors that may affect the protective effect of the mask, such as contamination, moisture, and exposure to sunlight.
Medical masks are disposable items that can be carried for 4-6 hours per mask. If damage, pollution, etc. occurs, it needs to be replaced in a timely manner to avoid affecting the protective effect.
Before wearing a mask, it is important to avoid reusing it. Wash your hands frequently before and after wearing the mask to avoid direct contact between your hands and the contaminated surface outside the mask.
