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Do N95 Masks Really Expire?

With masks in short supply during the pandemic, people are questioning whether N95 masks expire. Are expired masks (but otherwise untouched) still effective? Surprising results from a peer-reviewed study have led some to question N95 expiration dates.

Why Do Masks Have Expiration Dates?

Manufacturers mark their masks with expiration dates. For example, 3M says their masks have a 5-year shelf-life when the respirators are stored in their original packing and in proper climate conditions (-4F to 86F, not exceeding 80% RH). That leads some to conclude that masks are less effective after this date.

Can I wear an expired N95 face mask?

 

The motivation behind the expiration date is that a mask’s effectiveness depends on having a good fit. Over time, it is possible for the elastic bands and nose pieces to start to degrade. If the straps and other structural pieces are degraded, the masks will fit less well.

Do N95 Masks Expire?

Let’s take a look at some peer-reviewed studies diving into whether N95 masks expire.

Do Expired Masks Perform Worse?

Researchers at the University of North Carolina and the EPA investigated this idea by testing brand new and 10-year-old expired 3M N95 face masks. Importantly, the researchers tested the masks on real people’s faces, rather than manikins.

N95 Mask Fit Test

 

These fit tests are important because they take into account the part that people most suspect would degrade–the straps and other pieces that influence fit. The test compares the number of particles inside the mask while a person is wearing it versus the number of particles outside the mask.

10-Year-Old Expired N95 Masks as Effective as New

Surprisingly, the expired N95 masks were within one percent as effective as the brand new masks–essentially indistinguishable.

Do N95 Masks Expire?

It’s important to note that this was a relatively small study. The researchers tested six different masks in two model numbers. However, there was no evidence of a meaningful reduction in effectiveness.

N95 Masks More Robust Than Once Thought

This data adds to other tests finding that N95 masks last longer than some people have thought. Longevity tests have found less than a 1% decrease in fit effectiveness in pollution masks worn every day for 30 days.

Still, the masks — called N95 filtering facepiece respirators — may still offer protection against the coronavirus even after their expiration date, according to experts. 

"N95 masks really don't expire in terms of their functionality. The only part that is subject to damage over time are the elastic bands that attach the mask to the user's face, which can be damaged by sunlight," Dr. John Balmes, professor of environmental health science at Berkeley Public Health, told Business Insider in an email.