How long do N95 masks last?
Most N95 respirators have a manufacturer shelf life of about 5 years (some models list 3), mainly because the elastic straps degrade.
| N95 Respirators | |
|---|---|
| Unopened | About 3–5 years from manufacture (check the box) |
| Once worn | Treat as single use unless the manufacturer says otherwise; replace if damp, damaged or hard to breathe through |
| Ideal storage | Cool, dry, out of sunlight, in the original box. |
Storage tips
- Check the fit: an N95 only works when it seals around the face.
- Store some for wildfire smoke as well as disease outbreaks.
Signs it has gone bad
- Tablets that are discolored, crumbling, sticky or smell unusual (aspirin that smells of vinegar)
- Torn or damp sterile packaging on dressings and gauze
- Brittle elastic, cracked rubber or adhesive that no longer sticks
- Any liquid medicine that has changed color or become cloudy