Masks have a shelf life, and the length of time depends on many factors, such as fabric material, technology, user habits and so on. The shelf life of disposable masks is generally two years, and it is best to use them within the shelf life. Disposable masks beyond the shelf life are not recommended. Try to sterilize them.

The life of the mask depends on the materials and technology produced by the manufacturer, and also on the use and maintenance methods of the user.

1. Fabric: Because the mask is in direct contact with the face and mouth, its air permeability, skin softness, elasticity and durability are the main factors that determine the service life of the mask. Among them, the air permeability is directly related to the cleanliness of the mask. Only by ensuring the cleanliness of the mask can the mask play its protective role and will not become a hotbed of germs.

Good skin softness can avoid itching and allergies when the face rubs against the fabric, and can also extend the use time of the mask to a certain extent. As for flexibility and durability, it is more related to whether the shape of the mask remains unchanged.

2. Technology: With the high incidence of air pollution such as smog, the intensity of air pollution is increasing. Now, to improve the life of masks, we must constantly update and improve the technology. This not only needs to introduce new filter technology, but also needs to improve the fitting technology between mask and face.

3. Usage habits: If the fabric and technology of a mask reach excellent standards, the shelf life is about 2 years. However, if the use and cleaning methods of masks are not carried out in accordance with scientific methods, their service life will be greatly reduced.

In daily life, the most commonly used mask is a disposable mask. Disposable mask is made of more than three layers of non-woven fabric, filter paper and lead-containing carbon fiber cloth. Mainly divided into disposable double-layer masks, disposable non-woven mask, disposable three-layer masks and disposable activated carbon masks, which can be used in hospitals, beauty salons, pharmaceutical factories, schools and public places.

Disposable masks can prevent respiratory tract infections, bacteria and viruses to a certain extent, especially in the period of novel coronavirus, which made disposable masks a necessary protective equipment for people to go out.

It should be noted here that disposable masks have a shelf life, usually two years. Before the outbreak, people were rarely used to wearing masks, so we must pay attention to the production date when buying disposable masks.

At the same time, pay attention to whether there is a disposable mask on the outer packaging. Medical surgical mask? The marking of words. Disposable masks not only have a shelf life, but also an expiration date.

In general, if used outdoors, such as subways, buses, supermarkets, shopping malls and other public places, disposable masks need to be replaced every 4-6 hours. However, if it is in a new pneumonia virus epidemic area, it is recommended to replace it every 2 hours in time.