How long can we wear a disposable face mask for?
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If you mean a surgical mask like this one, it depends on your context.
If you mean to use it for just everyday use: shopping, working, going for a walk, etc. it can last for many hours. You can wear one for 8–9 hours, disinfect it, let it aerate for a day or two (during which you will use another mask), use it again, repeat.
Usually after the third use, the mask is ready to be thrown away. This is especially true if you are spending lots of time outside, in the open, where viral concentrations are minimal.
To disinfect the mask, you can prepare a sprayer bottle with a 70% alcohol and 30% water solution, spray the mask carefully inside and out, including the straps or ear loops, and let it dry completely, or you may also use the steam from a flatiron (do not get the hot plate make contact with the mask).
Hanging the mask to aerate and dry out, especially if under the sunlight, also helps a lot. Never use a mask that has holes, rips, spots, dirty areas, or that looks felted.
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