Decontaminate N95 masks using low-cost UV chamber – New Basket
This video shows how to install small hooks in the Coral UV sanitizer so that the basket can be used as a shelf for holding N95 respirators (masks). To get the best price on the Coral UV Sanitizer or stainless steel hooks, go to https://disasterpreparer.com/ppe-gear/. I have a discount code for even greater savings!
Dr. Bradley, first thanks for all your research, videos, and books. I believe I have read all your books. I have had this machine for over a month and currently waiting on hooks. I use it by clipping the elastic in existing hooks. Clunky but will do one mask at a time. I don’t get out much so have limited need. After disinfection I put the mask back into the rotation and will not use it for at least a week.
I just installed the hooks according to Dr. Bradley’s instructions and the Coral Sanitizer is definitely working because the masks have a faint toast smell after being sanitized. This method is way better than rubbing alcohol or baking in the oven where it is hard to get the precise temperature right. However, I like options and the oven technique is a good one as a backup assuming you are really careful.
There really needs to be a 6th hook because the basket can easily tip over with only 5 hooks. I also recommend cutting pieces of paper to the specified length because you can’t get a ruler into the concave shape of the Coral UV sanitizer. I used a black sharpie marker to mark the locations on the walls to place the hooks prior to installation. The hooks works all right. Close enough for government work.
My question is will putting your N95 mask in the Sun for several days do the same thing or better. I purchased a extra 300 N95 mask in early January knowing this was coming and have been using one of my seldom used vehicle to sterilize my masks by turning towards the Sun with the front windshield and placing them across the dash for several days in direct sunlight, plus it get very hot in that area of the dash. I like the uv system your using, in fact I install water uv systems in all my families homes that are not on city systems as a precaution. Using 4 filters and a uv light system goes a long way on making sure water is safe for them to drink.
I received my Coral UV Sanitizer a couple of days ago and install the hooks from you and followed your directions to set it up. It took a little while but I finally got all the masks that we’ve been using since the start of this Covid issue sanitized so they can be safely reused. I too think this system will do an excellent job of sanitizing the mask. Thank you for doing the ground work to get the information together to utilize this system.
Just got my UV Sterilizer today I am glad you put out a new video on how to put the hooks in, mine came with the new style basket. Thanks
Question ?
Why not just rest the basket on the floor of the coral uv and then place them on top.
Why go through all this aggravation?
Is it technically required to santitize more effectively?
Hello DP….I like to share information as it comes my way and thought you and your subscribers would find this helpful regarding what the NIH has published on sanitizing masks. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/928877?nlid=135080_4622&src=WNL_mdplsnews_200417_mscpedit_nurs&uac=229510HN&spon=24&impID=2350321&faf=1
Thanks, I received my machine yesterday, just installed the hooks and cleaning my first set of used masks now!
N-95s are not designed for use beyond a day. It’s not just about the filter, but also the elastic material. If you have not yet been fit tested for an N-95, you’re not using it right.
UV degrades the fibers of the N95 mask, causing it to no longer effectively filter particles.