Broadly speaking, there are five issues to worry about when reusing masks:
I'd suggest replacing an N95 mask at least once every 5 days, and preferably once every 3 days. I'd suggest 1 hour at 70 °C for decontamination. Additionally:
Additionally, you may want to consider alternatives to N95s. Half-face elastomeric respirators are designed to be reusable, are far more protective than even a properly fitted N95, are much easier to fit properly, and I personally found them much more comfortable than expected. Additionally, they only require replacement filters when breathing becomes difficult, so they cost less in the long run.
Finally, at the highest tier of protection, you can buy powered air purifying respirators for $300 or make your own for $15-30. I don't have any experience with either option, so I can't comment much.
I use an antiviral N95 mask.
https://n95maskco.com/products/respokare-n95-face-mask-30-pack
How well do you think this does against item (1)? And how would it affect your final recommendation?
Finally, at the highest tier of protection, you can buy powered air purifying respirators for $300 or make your own for $15-30. I don't have any experience with either option, so I can't comment much.
The usual problem with (all?, most? of) the personal-use, non-professional PAPRs, including the $300 example you mentioned, is that they haven't been independently tested by anyone.
With the DIY PAPRs you mentioned, you at least know that the filters should work (since they're certified for hospital use) and when you build it, it's easier to ensure that the seals also work.
Virus particles contaminate the mask's surface, and may spread to you while handling the mask.
Is this a big deal, given that COVID doesn't really spread via fomites? Or is the concern: The virus particles will be so close to your mouth that you'll just inhale them off of the mask?
I'd recommend using a mask with an exhalation valve, if you can.
Excellent write-up. Though, I think it's important to note that, if unfiltered, exhalation values can potentially spread disease.
I lack a gears model of how N95/FFP-2 masks works that tells me when it makes sense to change to a new mask. The same goes into how to interact with the mask to maximize it's Does someone have a gears model and a got idea when it makes sense to change masks to a new one?