UNDERSTANDING THE EXPIRY DATE OF DISPOSABLE FACE MASKS

Respirator masks tend to offer a higher level of protection compared to medical and surgical face masks and as they are close fitting, typically Fit Tested (fit testing) and Fit Checked, designed to protect both, the wearer and the wearer’s environment. Respirators are designed to filter out small particles, so they are recommended for use in hospital and clinical environments.

While face masks and respirators are still commonly used in healthcare/clinical settings and certain work or dusty/polluted environments they were a common part of everyday life during the COVID-19 pandemic as a measure to reduce the spread of the virus. Although it is likely that you would have donned your masks yourself during that time, did it ever cross your mind to check whether the masks are expired?

Do face masks expire?

In a nutshell - yes, face masks do expire. In Australia, manufacturers are required to print Year of Manufacture, a Date Code, or other means of traceability on the outer packaging. Most face masks and respirators have a shelf life of around three to five years, but it is always best to refer to the packaging, or manufacturer’s guidelines for the expiration date.

And while it is important to avoid using expired masks, it is also worth inspecting the condition of your face mask before use. Check for visible signs of wear and tear, like fraying, holes or broken or stretched elastic bands. If your face mask has expired, damaged or damp, it is probably not going to offer the level of protection you are after. In this case, you are generally better off disposing of your mask and swapping it for a fresh, new mask instead or only using the mask in low-risk environments.

Face mask

Why do masks have expiration dates?

From deterioration to regulatory obligations, there are several reasons why face masks expire:

• Material degradation: over time, the face mask materials, like the nose pieces and elastic bands deteriorate, impacting the effectiveness of the mask. If your face mask does not provide a secure fit, it can leave you at risk of exposure to contaminated air, viruses, bacteria, and disease. Exposure to environmental factors like humidity, sunlight and heat can cause these materials to slowly break down, making the mask less effective.
• Filtration efficiency: like the face mask materials, the filtration efficiency of the mask can decrease with time as a result of electrostatic charge decay. This is especially important for masks designed to filter out very small particles, such as respirators. The ability of the mask to effectively capture and block particles can decline with time, which can compromise its protective function.
• Quality assurance: manufacturers set expiration dates as a part of their quality control, testing and assurance processes. These dates are based on laboratory testing and calculations of how long the mask is expected to maintain its specified performance levels.
• Regulatory compliance: the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requires manufacturers to provide expiration dates for all medical devices supplied in Australia, including surgical masks and respirators. This ensures that the product meets the relevant safety and efficacy standards within a defined timeframe.
• User safety: expiration dates also serve as a reminder for users to regularly check and replace their masks to ensure they are using products that offer the intended level of protection. This safety measure helps to prevent the use of masks that may have degraded or become less effective over time.

While masks do have expiration dates, it is important to note that the actual shelf life may vary depending on factors such as storage conditions, the specific materials used in the mask and how well the mask has been maintained. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidance and replace masks that have passed their expiration date or have visible signs of wear and tear to ensure they continue to provide the expected level of protection.