Sanitization Instructions

Disclaimer: this is an improvised PPE device for investigational use only.

Updated Instructions are Available on the User Guide Page

Materials Required

MasksOn PPE Device which includes parts:
- Detachable Heat and Moisture Exchange Filter (HMEF) filter (should be removed before sanitization)
- Adapter (the adapter is still under development and the product you have may look different than in reference images)
- HEAD SEA VU DRY snorkeling mask
Sterilization wipes (if you are cleaning and reusing the filter)
Two 2-gallon or larger buckets (one for bleach solution, one for liquid dishwashing soap solution)
Household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite)
Liquid dishwashing soap
Liquid measuring instrument (e.g. measuring cup)
Scrubbing tool
Metal tongs or similar grasping tool
Paper towels
Sanitation PPE (gloves, gowns, face splash shield)

1. Use your institution’s sanitization protocols

Please follow your institution’s sanitation protocols. If your institution does not specify how to clean this mask, follow these instructions.
⚠️The masks may arrive in unsterilized bags. Institutions should not be reusing those bags for mask storage unless the bags are sanitized separately.

2. Preparation

Perform hand hygiene and don appropriate sanitation PPE (gloves, gowns, face splash shield).

3. Disassemble the device

Remove the filter from the adapter. Do not remove the adapter or the valve inside the adapter from the mask. The filter is removed easily from the adapter and will not pull the adapter from the mask. If the adapter does come out, place it back in.Components of the mask Filter adapter removed from the mask.
Remove all tape from the chin port of the mask and throw away Tape or tegaderm patch on chin port of snorkel mask

4. If the HMEF filter is being reused, clean the exterior of the filter housing

⚠️Follow your institution’s protocol for the reuse and cleaning of the HMEF filter.
Clean the exterior of the filter housing with sterilization wipes on the outside only. Do not get the filter wet. If the filter gets wet, dispose of it and replace with a new filter.
Once dry, place the filter in a clean, sealable plastic bag.

5. Prepare soap and bleach solutions

Prepare a soap solution by pouring 15cc / ½ oz of liquid dishwashing soap into the first bucket containing one gallon of room-temperature water. Mix well.
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing 160cc / 5 oz bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) into the second bucket containing two gallons of room-temperature water. This should be ~ 1000 ppm concentration.

6. Clean in soap solution

Fully submerge the mask and adapter in the liquid dishwashing soap solution and scrub with a cleaning tool (scrub gently on the inside of the mask).
Remove the mask and rinse it in running water to remove the soap solution before putting in the bleach solution. Be sure to rinse all surfaces and shake off excess water (with repeated cleanings, excess water may dilute the bleach solution).

7. Clean in bleach solution (according to CDC guidelines)

1. ⚠️Avoid bare skin contact with the bleach solution
2. Using metal tongs or similar tool, fully submerge the mask and adapter in the bleach solution. Use the tongs to turn the mask over until it is face down and gently agitate it to dislodge air bubbles so the bleach reaches all surfaces of the mask. Submerging the mask in the bleach solution
3. Keep the mask submerged in the solution for at least 10 minutes.

8. Rinse and dry mask

Remove the mask and rinse it under running water. Be sure to rinse all surfaces, including under all flaps and edges.
Dry off the mask using paper towels or air dry (hanging the mask upside down drains water well). Be sure that the outside of the adaptor piece is completely dry before inserting a filter.
Store the mask in a non-contaminated area according to your institution’s protocols.
Once completely dry, re-tape the front chin port of the mask before next use.

(Left) Image of the mask vent covered with the tegaderm patch. (Right) An alternative but acceptable version of the tegaderm patch.

9. Clean up sanitization process

Follow your institution’s procedures for disposal of soapy water and bleach solutions.
Remove any PPE worn during sanitation and perform hand hygiene. Follow your institution’s protocol for disposing of sanitation PPE for COVID-19.
Change equipment if showing signs of use (Filter: difficulty breathing, physical damage; face mask: shows cracks, fails fit tests on two different individuals).

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