Introduction

In the context of a pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, many healthcare facilities are lacking a steady supply of masks. Currently, global demand is so high that suppliers cannot meet it. Many countries are affected at the same time, resulting in high demand, low production and interrupted delivery chains. As COVID-19 spreads over the globe, it is increasingly affecting developing countries with limited resources for public health. This is posing some serious challenges to managing the spread of the pandemic and to providing care to people affected. Protecting the health of the nursing staff is paramount in this fight, and it is essential to find viable alternatives to the scarcity of masks. This emergency situation warrants the taking of extraordinary measures to minimize the negative health impact from an insufficient supply of masks [1]. The decontamination and reuse of healthcare workers’ (HCWs’) N95/FFP2 masks is a promising solution [2,3,4,5,6].

This approach is currently being explored in a number of countries around the world, and an increasing number of decontamination methods are being studied and analyzed in the scientific literature. Some studies have shown positive and convincing results, suggesting that the reuse of disposable masks can be a safe and implementable temporary solution to address the shortage of masks during the current pandemic [6,7,8,9].

Before choosing the method for decontamination, a number of elements must be taken into account. A large part of the process of safely decontaminating and reusing masks has nothing to do with the decontamination process at all. Simply the process of safely collecting masks, decontaminating them, and getting then back safely to the HCWs, requires the establishment of a complex internal logistics system that is not detailed in most articles. A circuit must be put in place between the HCW giving their used mask for decontamination and the HCW recovering a sterilized mask ready for use. In addition, because of the numerous opportunities for damaging the integrity or function of the mask as well as the inherent risks of contamination, setting up this collection and redistribution system is just as important as the decontamination itself.

This article has two objectives. The first is to focus on the logistical implementation of such a system in its entirety. For this, we relied heavily on the results and advice from our laboratory at the University Hospitals of Geneva and Faculty of Medicine (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland, and our partner laboratories. The second is to summarize and analyze the different available methods for decontamination, using both the data available in the literature, as well as some yet unpublished data. The approved methods are scored according to a number of variables: efficacy, risks, cost, time, complexity, and reusability. The overall aim of the article is to provide the reader with a quick overview of the various methods for decontamination and the potential issues that need to be taken into account when deciding to reuse masks. We are convinced that this will help people make informed decisions for their own institutions. The only masks referred to in this article are the FFP2/N95 type, and we do not make any recommendations concerning other types of masks.

Methods

Our paper aims to look at the practical aspects of implementing mask decontamination as well as the individual methods. The logistics of mask selection, collection, and redistribution are crucial, no matter which decontamination method is chosen, and we have detailed this process in the discussion section.

For the sake of clarity, we will use the word "decontamination" to mean either disinfection or sterilization in this first part of the article. We will distinguish between the methods of sterilization and the methods of disinfection in the “Methods of disinfection and sterilization” section.

In order to have a clear understanding of the research that has already been done, we conducted a systematic literature review (“Decontaminating N95/FFP2 masks for reuse during the COVID-19 epidemic: a systematic review”) which is published separately. This review aimed to find out what the tested methods for decontaminating N95/FFP2 masks were, and what impact do those methods have on the microbiological contamination and on the physical integrity of the masks. We used the papers that were included, as well as some of the papers that were excluded but useful, for example which may have tested fit and filtration of masks post decontamination, but where the outcome wasn’t a microbiological assessment of the decontamination. We used the results from our laboratory and from the systematic review to inform the section of the paper on the different available methods and the analyses of these methods according to the variables defined in the introduction.

We analyzed all of the methods that successfully sterilized or disinfected the masks studied, without being detrimental to their fit or filtration capabilities. We briefly mention the unsatisfactory methods in the “Others” section. The search strategy is accessible on: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPEROFILES/193309_STRATEGY_20200619.pdf

Results

The literature is quite poor currently, with only 35 published studies looking at the microbiological results of different methods of decontamination of the respirators. Still, there is starting to be a major growth in publications around this subject that are looking at all aspects of mask reuse from logistics, to healthcare worker acceptance, to costs and effects on the physical characteristics of the masks.

Table 1 shows criteria for excluding the reprocessing and reuse of masks according to the parties concerned. Figure 1 summarizes a visual guide for reprocessing and reuse using emojis. Our results are detailed in Table 2. UVGI, hydrogen peroxide, steam, ozone, ethylene oxide, dry heat and moist heat were the methods that were deemed sufficiently satisfactory for consideration by healthcare institutions.

Table 1 Reprocessing and reuse of N95 masks: exclusion criteria, organized by the parties concerned
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Fig. 1
figure 1

Visual guide for reprocessing and reuse of respirators using emojis

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Table 2 Table of different decontamination methods according to the defined variables (see Fig. 1 for scoring with emojis.)
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The criteria are as follows: efficacy of the method of disinfection, risks for HCWs and for the staff in charge of disinfection, costs involved, time required for a complete cycle, complexity of the process and possibility of sterilizing the masks several times (while maintaining their properties). This assessment is arbitrary. The symbols used in this paper and their meaning are detailed in Fig. 1. The comparison of the different disinfection/ sterilization methods is shown in Table 2.

Our systematic review found one experiment each with Benzalkonium Chloride wipes, Non-antimicrobial detergent wipes, peracetic acid dry fogging system (PAF), UVA, and a combination of UVGI with medium humidity heat. It found two experiments for each of the methods using Ethylene oxide, hypochlorite, gaseous hydrogen peroxide with peracetic acid, and UVGI with dry heat, and three each using ozone, steam and ethanol.

We found nine studies that looked at decontamination with dry heat, 11 that tested gaseous hydrogen peroxide, 13 studies using moist heat, (five of which were generated using a microwave) and 15 that looked at UVGI decontamination (see Table 3).

Table 3 Results of the systematic review
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Discussion

Collection and distribution: a circular system

Although the literature that has emerged in response to COVID-19 has paid close attention to the different methods of mask decontamination, it is poor in recommendations concerning the collection and distribution system that this process inevitably involves. Decontamination of masks is only useful if part of an effective and safe system for collecting, decontaminating and distributing the masks. It is therefore important to detail the various stages, actors and selection criteria necessary for the proper functioning of such a system.

Mask selection and exclusion criteria

Usually, a medical device is washed and disinfected before sterilization can take place, as this ensures safety if a device is used for different patients or HCWs. If these preliminary steps are not possible (as is the case with mask reprocessing), then collection and distribution must be individualized because safety cannot be guaranteed. Even if the decontamination process is effective for SARS-CoV-2, it may not be for spores or mycobacteria, especially in the presence of soil that might not be visible to the personnel inspecting the masks.

Before speaking about the different methods of decontamination and their individual qualities or challenges, it is important that we discuss selection and exclusion criteria for the masks. A selection filter must be applied so that only eligible masks undergo decontamination. As mentioned previously, not all masks can be reused (Table 1). It is important to mention that selection of criteria is to a certain extent arbitrary. We based ourself on the existing methods, which does not mean every criteria is scientifically proved necessary.

Selection begins with the people who are wearing the mask. The clarification of the selection criteria must be understood by the users and carried out with them. This step is crucial because any error at this level could compromise the process. It is also important to note that the quality of the masks can vary a great deal from one manufacturer to the next and may affect the results of the decontamination process. Some decontamination methods can only be performed with high quality masks. If this is the case for a specific decontamination method, this information will be detailed in the section that speaks about the individual methods.

The Swiss Society for Hospital Sterilization (SSSH) and their European counterparts agree that the masks must be free from visible soil or stains [4, 13]. These can include blood, nasal secretions or other bodily fluids, or even the stain of lipstick. In these cases, the mask must be discarded; it cannot be decontaminated and reused. Likewise, any visible damage to the mask or deterioration of the support system (elastic bands), also exclude the mask from reuse [4, 10, 11].

It is important that each mask is reused by the same HCW who used it in the first place [12]. The name of the mask’s owner (or any other annotation providing identification) must be clearly labeled on the mask. If there is any doubt about who it belongs to or if it is impossible to return the mask to its owner, it should be discarded [11]. This is justified by the risk, despite of being low, of transmitting bacteria, fungi or any other microorganisms between the different HCWs. As the decontamination of masks is not usually practiced, the lack of perspective forces us to be careful.

Some decontamination methods allow the mask to be used more than twice. This obviously involves more than one decontamination cycle. In these cases, in addition to the above criteria, the mask must be correctly annotated with the number of cycles. It must not previously have completed the maximum number of decontamination cycles possible with the specific method of decontamination used. If the maximum decontamination number for a mask is reached, or there is any question about the number of cycles that the mask has undergone, then it should be discarded.

Some articles suggest systematically disposing of all masks that are used by HCWs or in wards that are exposed to SARS-CoV-2 [13]. We are recommending a different course of action for a number of reasons. To begin with, it is likely that the overwhelming majority of N95 or FFP2 masks currently being used in a healthcare facility are used in COVID wards. Throwing them away would therefore not solve the shortage problem. In non-pandemic situations, these types of masks are often used in the presence of diseases such as tuberculosis, that are more difficult to disinfect than SARS CoV-2. In a scenario with limited options, it would therefore be more prudent to decontaminate a mask that is potentially contaminated with SARS CoV-2 than those carrying the mycobacterium causing tuberculosis, for example.

Although generally recommended for medical equipment, is not recommended to clean the masks prior to decontamination, and there are no validated protocols from the manufacturers. The polypropylene filter material loses its hydrophobic layer when wet, meaning that cleaning can affect the filtration properties of the mask [11].

Step 1: collection

Doffing is a critical step where healthcare professionals could contaminate themselves. It is important that healthcare workers make sure to perform hand hygiene before doffing their mask, and after preparing it for collection. Staff must collect the masks and transport them to the reprocessing site. It is crucial that systems are in place to guarantee their personal safety throughout this activity. In most circumstances, handling these masks with gloves and a mask is sufficient. It is important to note that the composition of the masks and their eligibility for decontamination with the chosen method should be known by the people responsible for infection prevention and environmental hygiene.

The next step is that the used masks which have been deemed eligible for decontamination by their owner are put in a bag or pocket that is compatible with the decontamination system. Each mask has its own pocket (which we will broadly refer to as a “bags”). In the Nebraska study, the personnel put their used masks in plastic bags before they are brought into the UV treatment room [6]. In Switzerland, they are placed in a Tyvek disinfection sheath that has been previously welded on one side or in a Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) plastic bag. In this particular instance, the sleeves were used for sterilization with hydrogen peroxide vapor, while the bags were intended for sterilization by ethylene oxide [14].

Once in their bags, the owners write the date and the serial number on the bag (or other ways to identify them). This must be done with a specific marker, the ink of which is compatible with the decontamination process. In Switzerland, if the bag has two different sides, it is requested that these inscriptions be made on the plastic side and not the paper side [14]. This is because some decontaminating agents may penetrate the paper side, leading to the risk of the ink penetrating and staining the mask. Additionally, the tip of the marker can create tears if used on the paper side, which affects the sterile barrier [15].

The bags are then placed in plastic boxes or similar containers. They are labeled with the names of the wards they belong to as well as the contents (masks to be decontaminated). It is recommended to use different colors for boxes containing the used masks and those containing the decontaminated ones. It is also recommended used and disinfected boxes of masks are stored separately to reduce any risk of cross contamination [14].

Once appropriately bagged, labelled, and put in containers, these containers are transported to the place of storage or decontamination by the staff in charge of the reprocessing. In order to best preserve the integrity of the masks, it is preferable to shorten the storage time as much as possible. The humidity and the presence of microbes form a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria and the growth of molds. The presence of mold makes masks ineligible for decontamination, and the must be discarded if any is present [13]. Therefore, efficiency of the transport of the masks is crucial, and it can be advantageous to have a room for drying them.

Once brought to the decontamination area, the personnel in charge must check each mask again according to the same criteria as above (Table 1). Additionally, they should eliminate those with hair on them or with a problem with the inscription (if the inscription missing, illegible, in the wrong place, or made with the wrong marker). In Switzerland, the time required for this task has been estimated at 3 min per mask, including the work sealing the bags [14]. This human and financial cost of the workforce is therefore not negligible.

Step 2: decontamination

The decontamination of the masks must guarantee that: masks maintain their filtering and mechanical properties after treatment, that the reprocessing procedure destroys the viral load and other potentially pathogenic microorganisms, and that there is no residual toxicity on the mask or in the work area after reprocessing.

The decontamination techniques are detailed in the second part of this article. It is crucial that the system used allows staff to know how many cycles of decontamination a mask has undergone. It should be mandatory that the personnel in charge of decontamination systematically marks the number of cycles performed on a precise location on the mask. This must be done after decontamination and can easily be achieved with a specific marker dedicated to this task. If the space on the mask is limited, one could imagine using other ways of marking the masks compatible with the decontamination process. Before commencing their distribution, the personnel must sort the masks again, and eliminate any which are physically altered or deformed (either on the mask or its support system) or whose number of decontamination cycles are uncertain [12]. An alternative to this method is that the HCWs receiving their masks checks the condition of their mask according to the previous criteria [7].

For healthcare centers that can afford it, it is advisable to regularly test the filtering properties of a sample of individual masks that have undergone the decontamination process. This makes it possible to rapidly detect whether the process is carried out correctly or not.

Step 3: redistribution

As with their collection, the distribution of the decontaminated masks must be closely monitored. It is also important to store the masks in a dry place [12]. At the end of the decontamination process, the masks of the same caregiver are grouped in a single sterilized plastic bag. Reprocessed masks belonging to the same ward are stored in a plastic case or airtight container (ideally of a different color) than the one containing the worn masks. The box should be labeled with the name of the ward to which it belongs and with its contents. It is advisable if possible to add 30 g of silica gel packets to every 10 masks in the storage boxes in order to keep them as dry as possible [12].

The containers are then transported to the ward and collected by their owners. It goes without saying that the mask must be put on and adjusted by the wearer only after performing proper hand hygiene [2]. An additional fit check could help to identify further potential reprocessing damages.

Communication within the healthcare facility is important as well so that HCWs know where they can go to get their masks and how to inspect them. It is strongly recommended that the masks be nominative and that they therefore return to their former owner, reasons for this are explained in the section “Selection and exclusion criteria” [12].

As such decontamination and reuse of masks is not applied in normal situations, the lack of perspective warrants increased precaution. At HUG, the decontamination pilot project revealed that 27.6% of 341 masks recovered did not complete the cycle [14]. Half of the masks that could not complete the cycle had either an inscription in the wrong place or a stain. Although perfect recycling is impossible and the different methods have their limits, sorting errors must be avoided in order to ensure the efficient function of the circular decontamination system (see Table 1).

Methods of disinfection and sterilization

The remainder of this article will focus on the analysis of the various methods available for the sterilization and disinfection of masks. Firstly, the difference between decontamination, disinfection and sterilization must be clarified. Decontamination is the neutralization or removal of dangerous substances, radioactivity, or germs from an object, area or person [16]. Disinfection is the antimicrobial reduction of the number of viable micro-organisms to a level previously specified as appropriate for its intended further handling or use [16]. Sterilization is a defined process used to render a surface or product free from viable organisms, including bacterial spores. It also frequently includes the objective of allowing the maintenance of the sterile state [16].

For the sake of clarity and in order to make the comparison easier, the analysis is guided by different criteria and quantified by emojis. We used emojis, because these pictograms can easily be used to transfer concepts and ideas worldwide and they might be conveyed more quickly and effectively than words [17]. Adding emojis to the biomedical literature has been suggested as substitutes for words to augment medical literature. Emojis enable users from different countries to communicate in a standardized way with single compact characters that circumvent language barriers. Using this visual language may be less time-consuming and a way to break down language barriers in the medical literature and make the key ideas in healthcare more accessible to all [18].

It is important to note that when referring to the number studies found in the literature for a specific decontamination method, we are only referring to ones that were included in our systematic review on the subject. This means that only studies that looked at decontaminating N95/FFP2 masks, the microbiological efficacy of a particular method and which had a control were included.

Dry heat

This method is quite accessible to healthcare institutions in limited resource environments. Simple dry heat generally results in disinfection, not sterilization, although one study explored a two-step dry heating method that resulted in sterilization [7].

Results were mixed, and generally it is agreed that moist heat has a better microbiological outcome than decontaminating with dry heat. It is possible to use the dry heat cycle of washer-disinfectors for the dry heat sterilization of masks, and one study showed that certain high temperature drying programs are sufficient to deactivate the virus [7]. In another study the authors found that thermal disinfection at 90 °C for 5 min led to important mask deformation [19]. It is important to note that washing programs of those machines may not be used for the masks, as water will degrade them. It may be advantageous to use washer-disinfectors for dry heat mask disinfection, because these machines have a self-decontamination function that drying cabinets or ovens do not have.

Ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide decontamination has shown some promising results with a high log reduction without affecting fit and filtration, and was studied in two experiments in the systematic review (see Table 3) [20, 21]. An ethylene oxide sterilization method (1 h at 55 °C) was tested in a pilot project at HUG [14].

Hydrogen peroxide

Gaseous hydrogen peroxide was tested in numerous studies, sometimes in combination with peracetic acid, and often with very successful results (see Table 3). It is used in vapor (HPV) aerosol (aHP) or ionized (HPi) forms. Though there are some differences that could be important when choosing a system for decontaminating large rooms, these are less important in the context of mask decontamination. HPV generally has a higher ppm, higher humidity and longer evaporating time than aerosolized. In HPi, the liquid is ionized, which helps it stick more easily to surfaces once aerosolized. The capacity of masks’ sterilization with gaseous hydrogen peroxide diffusion is strongly demonstrated in the literature. This method is recommended by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States as well as by the Swiss Scientific Task Force regarding COVID-19 [11, 12, 22]. For this type of sterilization, it is important that the masks do not contain cellulose, as it absorbs the hydrogen peroxide, and thus damages the masks’ physical integrity [11]. When this method was tested in a pilot project carried out at HUG, the eligible masks for sterilization were placed by their owners in individual Tyvek disinfection sheaths that had previously been welded on one side.

Moist heat (without pressure)

It is important to distinguish between the two distinct methods of moist heat decontamination and steam sterilization. The latter is acquired by steam programs in autoclaves with pressure, while moist heat can be generated by different manners and does not include pressure. Oven generated moist heat, microwave-generated steam and rice cooker moist heat are the treatments considered as “moist heat decontamination” in this paper. Though generally more primitive than steam sterilization, this method is quite accessible to healthcare institutions in limited resource environments.

Decontamination by steam generated in a microwave should be considered because of its high accessibility and its high efficacy [2, 23]. Its presence in the article is therefore justified by its potential use in health centers with limited resources. It is important to note that the metal bars present on certain models of masks for improving fit around the nose may cause sparks if put into a microwave [2]. Numerous studies affirm that no or little changes in mask integrity and fit were observed after exposure [23,24,25].

Ozone sterilization

Ozone is used in a number of disinfection applications in industry, and is known for being very effective, though often causing the degradation of materials [26]. Though there isn’t a large body of literature, some work on this was started during the SARS epidemic in China [27]. Three recent studies in the literature tested the use of ozone. Though microbiological outcomes and fit/filtration results of the facepieces were good, two of the studies showed degradation of the elastic straps that attach to the facepiece of the mask (see Table 3). This method would need to be tested on the specific mask in order to ensure the absence of deformation of the straps.

Peracetic acid dry fogging system (PAF)

Only one study in the literature tested this on its own [20], though an additional two used peracetic acid in conjunction with gaseous hydrogen peroxide (see Table 3). Though initial results were very good, this method requires further study. As we have very little data on this method, we did not include it in Table 3, but preferred to list it in this section than in the “Others” section, because the method is quite promising.

Steam sterilization (with pressure)

Steam sterilization refers to sterilization with saturated water vapor at different lengths of time and temperatures with a pre-vacuum. Three studies looked at it in the literature used for the systematic review, and results were quite mixed (see Table 3). Though this method is approved by some European national bodies, others argue that this method may alter the filtering properties of masks and affect their integrity vary according to their quality [7, 28]. This method works better on some types of masks than others [4]. The infrastructure needed for this type of disinfection is already in place in some institutions, as vaporization is sometimes used for the disinfection of mattresses [7].

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI)

The method of disinfection by exposure to UV-C rays was the first method of decontamination studied as a response to the respirator shortage in the COVID-19 pandemic [6]. We found over 18 studies that tested UVGI, two in conjunction with heat (see Table 3). Results were mixed, though one study did reach sterilization [29].

Others

Other sterilization and disinfection methods are discussed in the literature. We did not analyze them in detail in this article for the following reasons:

Alcohol disinfection NOT RECOMMENDED—reduces the filtering capacity of masks [11].

Benzalkonium Chloride disinfection NOT RECOMMENDED—reduces the filtering capacity of masks [30].

Chlorine disinfection NOT RECOMMENDED—reduces the filtering capacity of the masks though possibly not badly enough to go below acceptable levels [8, 11]. More importantly, chlorine residues on the masks endanger the health of the HCWs [3, 4, 31]. One study concluded that further research with lower concentrations of chlorine chemical methods for neutralizing residuals would be worth looking into [3].

Dry microwave oven irradiation NOT RECOMMENDED—can partially melt the masks and thus not recommended without modifications [31]. Dry microwave oven irradiation needs improvement before decontamination and subsequent reuse.

Formaldehyde gas NOT RECOMMENDED—Though it has been tested in an unpublished study referenced in a white paper [32], formaldehyde is known to fix proteins, which would exclude it form use in most institutions due to concerns about prion diseases.

Gamma irradiation NOT RECOMMENDED—may affect the electrostatic properties of the mask fibers and reduce their filtering capacity [33, 34].

UV-A disinfection NOT RECOMMENDED—not microbiologically effective [35].

Washing masks or using detergent NOT RECOMMENDED—There are no validated protocols from the manufacturers. Washing with soapy water may affect the electrostatic properties of the mask fibers or even deform them [36].

Limitations

It should be noted that the proposed solution of reusing masks designed for single use would not be considered outside of the context of a health crisis, and that the selection of the criteria used was to a certain extent arbitrary. The two main concerns are the legal implications of reprocessing single use material and the safety of doing so. The scientific literature is poor relating to this subject, and different models of masks may react differently to decontamination. Much of the work studying disposable mask reuse has been conducted as quickly as possible in real-life contexts to address an urgent need as safely as possible. Although a few preliminary summaries of the findings have been proposed, this field of research is in full expansion because of the crisis, and today’s knowledge is rapidly evolving. The data in this article is therefore not exhaustive. It only reflects the information we have at present, and tries to make recommendations to the best of the current knowledge.

One major issue that we did not explore is institutions’ reprocessing capacity. At HUG, at the height of the pandemic, approximately 3000 FFP2 masks were used every day—a number that is not easy to reprocess with the internal capacity available, regardless of the method.

The goal of this paper is to facilitate the understanding of the challenges and benefits of the different methods, not to prioritize one method over another. In this way, we aim to help healthcare facilities choose the methods best suited to their individual contexts and available resources.

It is important to highlight that if microbiological results in the literature vary significantly for a particular method, then it doesn’t necessarily mean that the method is bad. The experiments we analyzed for our systematic review were of varying quality, using different protocols, strengths of intervention (UV dose/ppm/ temperature, etc.) as well as different test organisms.

Our analysis focuses primarily on the practical aspects of implementing the methods of decontamination, rather than the intrinsic functions of said methods. It is therefore important to highlight that the implementation of a mask decontamination system is the responsibility of the facility in which it is implemented. We recommend that institutions contact the manufacturers of the masks they use before setting up a mask decontamination system [2].

Conclusions

Regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, it is reasonable to say that no single intervention will be able to avoid mask shortage at a moment when demand is exponential and supply chains are disrupted. This challenge must associate industrials as the European EN 149 standard already allows the multiple use if validated by the manufacturer. Some countries, such as the USA [37] have official national recommendations for reprocessing solutions and factsheets to help healthcare professionals balance the benefits and the risks of such a strategy, and others are undoubtedly in the works. Leaving all the decisions and choices at the institutional level is risky, as not all the settings have the same ability for managing such a complex process.

All of the analyzed methods have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on the resources, priorities and individual environments of the healthcare facilities looking to implement them. Ultraviolet irradiation, hydrogen peroxide vapor, and steam sterilization have been recommended by the CDC as promising methods of mask decontamination, while hydrogen peroxide and ethylene oxide are the preferred methods for disposable mask decontamination of the Swiss Society of Hospital Sterilization [2, 4]. Though this may be true for some facilities’ environments, it is certainly not true or even possible for all of them. The more limited the resources are in a healthcare environment, the higher the likelihood that a facility will implement a simple or low-cost solution. Our review provides a basic overview of the different methods and does not mean to be a totally exhaustive resource. We encourage healthcare facilities to contact local experts as well as the manufacturers of their masks and decontamination equipment that they may have at their disposal for additional guidance and information.