n95 disposable masks actually DO expire

[Librarian]

Perhaps not the filter material so much, but

The standard shelf life of 3M N95 masks is a maximum of five years from production date. This is also dependent on storage conditions. For example, the masks have to be stored in their original packaging.

"We're usually concerned about some form of degradation in the product, either in the headband or the nose foam

https://www.cemask.com/en/new/new-90-251.html

[SAN compnerd]

Perhaps not the filter material so much, but
https://www.cemask.com/en/new/new-90-251.html

So not the filtration abilities, but the fitment functions.

[H8Mud]

So not the filtration abilities, but the fitment functions.

Kinda one in the same, poor fit=poor filtration abilities

[WarBoyNux]

Kinda one in the same, poor fit=poor filtration abilities

I think he was meaning the filter media filtration capabilities.

[bohoki]

freakin foam failures just like the pressure pads on an 8 track tape

[DesertDave100]

freakin foam failures just like the pressure pads on an 8 track tape

Or the elastic in my tighty whiteys

[FireCloud9]

Release of Stockpiled N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators Beyond the Manufacturer-Designated Shelf Life: Considerations for the COVID-19 Response

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/release-stockpiled-N95.html

[Librarian]

Release of Stockpiled N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators Beyond the Manufacturer-Designated Shelf Life: Considerations for the COVID-19 Response

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019...piled-N95.html

good find!

[norcal77]

So not the filtration abilities, but the fitment functions.

Kinda one in the same, poor fit=poor filtration abilities

[FireCloud9]

good find!

Was trying to find another more in depth study conducted years ago that compared N95 respirators across different brands and storage conditions, but alas, it eludes me.

This isn't it, but it's close enough.

Bottom line: Assuming the right storage conditions, N95s will continue to perform long after their expiration date though performance varies by manufacturer, manufacturing facility and storage conditions.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/ppecase/pdfs/PPE-CASE-Stockpile-10-v2-03012020-508.pdf