Evaluation of Decontaminated N95 Respirators 

Date Tested: 6/30/2020 – 7/6/2020 

Respirator Model(s): 3M 1860, 3M 1870+, Halyard 46727 

Tests: Filtration with NaCl (modified version of STP-0059), Manikin Fit Factor with Static Advanced Headform, and Strap 

Integrity with Tensile Testing

Decontamination Method:

1) Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) - Respirators were decontaminated using the pre-set cycle (Cycle 1) of Stryker’s

STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer using hydrogen peroxide and ozone sterilants, at 41°C. After a full cycle the chamber was

evacuated and ventilated. Decontamination procedure was repeated 5 times.”

2) Methylene Blue + Light - Respirators were sprayed with a solution of 10μM concentration of methylene blue in deionized

water. Respirators were sprayed, using a spray bottle, from 6 inches away, using 4 sprays on the top and 2 sprays underside

which accounted for 7-8mL of solution. Respirator surfaces and straps were evenly coated with the solution. Coated

respirators were immediately placed in the light source of 50,000 Lux intensity for 60 minutes. Respirators were dried, with

a fan, for 30 minutes. Decontamination procedure was repeated 5 times.

3) Dry Heat - Performed in an SH-642 environmental chamber. The chamber can control a minimum relative humidity of

30% for temperatures <85 °C. The samples were heated in the chamber at 75 C for 60 min per cycle and 5 cycles heat

treatment were performed. 3M 1870+ was decontaminated in original packaging. 3M 1860 and Halyard 46727 were

decontaminated without packaging.

Decontamination Cycles: 5 cycles 

While decontamination and reuse of FFRs are not consistent with standard and approved usage, these options 

may need to be considered when FFR shortages exist. This assessment was developed to quantify the filtration 

efficiency and manikin fit factor1 of an N95 respirator that has been decontaminated. This assessment is not to 

determine the effectiveness of the decontamination procedure at killing pathogenic microorganisms. The results 

provided in this report are specific to the subset of samples that were provided to NPPTL for evaluation. These 

results may be used to update the CDC guidance for Crisis Capacity Strategies (during known shortages). 

109 respirators that were unworn and not subjected to any pathogenic microorganisms were submitted for 

evaluation. This included 30 respirators that were subjected to 5 cycles of the VHP decontamination process, 30

respirators subjects to 5 cycles of the methylene blue decontamination process, 30 respirators subjected to 5 

cycles of the dry heat decontamination process, and an additional 19 respirators that served as controls. Figure 

1 photos document the procedures used. The samples were tested using a modified version of the NIOSH 

Standard Test Procedure (STP) TEB-APR-STP-0059 to determine particulate filtration efficiency. The TSI, Inc. 

model 8130 using sodium chloride aerosol was used for the filtration evaluation. For the laboratory fit 

evaluation, a static manikin headform was used to quantify changes in manikin fit factor. The TSI, Inc. 

PortaCount® PRO+ 8038 in “N95 Enabled” mode was used for this evaluation. Additionally, tensile strength 

testing of the straps was performed to determine changes in strap integrity. The Instron® 5943 Tensile Tester 

was used for this evaluation. The full assessment plan can be found here. 

1The American Industrial Hygiene Association defines the Manikin Fit Factor as “An expression related to the amount of leakage measured through the 

face or neck seal of a respirator mounted to a manikin under specified airflow and environmental conditions. If the challenge to the seal is an airborne 

substance, it is the ratio of its airborne concentration outside the respirator divided by the concentration that enters the respirator through the seal. If the 

challenge is airflow or air pressure, conditions and assumptions for quantifying leakage must be specified. Leakage from other sources (e.g., air purifying 

elements) must be essentially zero. The respirator may be mounted to the manikin without sealants; be partially sealed to the manikin; or be sealed to the 

manikin with artificially induced leaks.” 
Filtration Efficiency Results: All treated respirators measured more than 95%. See Tables 1, 4, and 7.

Manikin Fit Factor Results: The manikin fit factor showed passing fit factors (greater than 100) for all respirators 

evaluated. See Tables 2, 5, and 8.

Strap Integrity Results: The straps of the 3M 1860 (VHP, 5 cycles) were frayed in several locations, and 

significant deterioration was observed (see Figure 1). The 3M 1860 (VHP, 5 cycles) showed increases in force in 

both the top and bottom straps. 

No visual degradation of the straps of any other model/decontamination method was observed. Inconsistent 

changes were shown between the top and bottom straps with the top strap showing a decrease in recorded 

force and the bottom strap showing an increase in force for the 3M 1860 (Methylene Blue, 5 cycles). The 3M 

1860 (dry heat, 5 cycles) and Halyard 46727 (all methods) showed decreases in recorded force for both the top 

and bottom straps. The 3M 1870+ (all methods) showed increases in recorded force for both the top and 

bottom straps. See Tables 3, 6, and 9. 

Other notes: The nosepiece foam on the 3M 1860 (VHP, 5 cycles) was discolored (turned from gray to brown).
Figure 1. Laboratory Test Photos
Table 1. Filter Efficiency Evaluation – 3M 1860

Notes:

• The test method utilized in this assessment is not the NIOSH standard test procedure that is used for certification

of respirators. Respirators assessed to this modified test plan do not necessarily meet the requirements of STP0059, and therefore cannot be considered equivalent to N95 respirators that were tested to STP-0059.

Respirator Model, 

Decon Method, # 

of cycles

Treated 

Sample #

Flow Rate

(Lpm)

Initial Filter 

Resistance

(mmH2O)

Initial Percent 

Leakage (%)

Maximum 

Percent 

Leakage (%)

Filter 

Efficiency 

(%)

3M 1860, Control

RMOH221 85 8.4 0.517 1.02 98.98

RMOH222 85 8.7 1.77 2.23 97.77

RMOH297 85 9.1 0.468 1.10 98.90

RMOH298 85 9.9 0.387 0.747 99.25

3M 1860, VHP, 5

Cycles

Min Fil Eff: 97.67%

Max Fil Eff: 98.97%

RMTH252 85 8.3 0.920 1.60 98.40

RMTH253 85 8.1 0.649 1.42 98.58

RMTH254 85 8.4 0.548 1.03 98.97

RMTH255 85 7.8 0.839 1.54 98.46

RMTH256 85 8.3 0.779 1.35 98.65

RMTH257 85 8.2 0.660 1.41 98.59

RMTH258 85 8.6 1.87 2.33 97.67

3M 1860, 

Methylene Blue, 5

Cycles

Min Fil Eff: 98.34%

Max Fil Eff: 99.00%

RMNH226 85 9.2 0.470 0.998 99.00

RMNH227 85 8.4 0.583 1.04 98.96

RMNH228 85 8.9 0.685 1.13 98.87

RMNH229 85 8.0 0.876 1.66 98.34

RMNH230 85 8.9 0.566 1.00 99.00

RMNH231 85 8.9 0.738 1.09 98.91

RMNH232 85 9.2 0.556 0.996 99.00

3M 1860, Dry 

Heat, 5 Cycles

Min Fil Eff: 98.32%

Max Fil Eff: 99.02%

RMSH239 85 8.7 0.524 0.990 99.01

RMSH240 85 8.6 0.644 0.984 99.02

RMSH241 85 9.1 0.618 1.09 98.91

RMSH242 85 8.1 0.781 1.27 98.73

RMSH243 85 8.5 0.833 1.30 98.70

RMSH244 85 8.2 0.886 1.68 98.32

RMSH245 85 8.4 0.755 1.17 98.83
Table 2. Manikin Fit Evaluation – 3M 1860

Manikin Fit Factor of Decontaminated N95s

Respirator Model, Decon 

Method, # of cycles

Treated

Sample #

mFF Normal 

Breathing 1

mFF Deep 

Breathing

mFF Normal 

Breathing 2

Overall 

Manikin Fit 

Factor

3M 1860, Control

Static Advanced Medium 

Headform (Hanson 

Robotics)

RMOH223 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

RMOH224 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

RMOH225 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

3M 1860, VHP, 5 Cycles

Static Advanced Medium 

Headform (Hanson 

Robotics)

RMTH259 146 100 127 121

RMTH260 183 132 150 152

RMTH261 138 100 100 110

3M 1860, Methylene

Blue, 5 Cycles

Static Advanced Medium 

Headform (Hanson 

Robotics)

RMNH233 186 167 144 164

RMNH234 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

RMNH235 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

3M 1860, Dry Heat, 5

Cycles

Static Advanced Medium 

Headform (Hanson 

Robotics)

RMSH246 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

RMSH247 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

RMSH248 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

Notes:

• Per OSHA 1910.134(f)(7), if the fit factor as determined through an OSHA-accepted quantitative fit testing protocol

is equal to or greater than 100 for tight-fitting half facepieces, then the fit test has been passed for that respirator.

• This assessment does not include fit testing of people and only uses two exercises (normal and deep breathing) on

a manikin headform.

• This assessment is a laboratory evaluation using a manikin headform and varies greatly from the OSHA individual

fit test. This headform testing only includes normal breathing and deep breathing on a stationary (non-moving)

headform; therefore, fit results from this assessment cannot be directly translated to using the standard OSHAaccepted test. Instead, this testing provides an indication of the change in fit performance (if any) associated with

the decontamination of respirators.
Table 3. Strap Integrity Evaluation – 3M 1860

Tensile Force in Respirator Straps of Decontaminated N95s

(recorded force values are at 150% strain)

Respirator Model, Decon 

Method, # of cycles Straps from Treated Sample # Force in Top Strap (N)

Force in Bottom 

Strap (N)

3M 1860, Control

RMOH221 2.660 2.617

RMOH222 2.635 2.511

RMOH297 2.946 2.711

RMOH298 3.081 2.989

Control Strap Average 2.831 2.707

3M 1860, VHP, 5 Cycles

RMTH252 3.568 3.396

RMTH253 3.379 3.829

RMTH254 3.874 3.377

RMTH255 3.950 3.637

RMTH256 3.279 3.869

Decontaminated Strap 

Average 3.61 3.622

% Change

((Deconned - Controls) / 

Controls)

27.52% 33.80%

3M 1860, Methylene Blue, 5 

Cycles

RMNH226 2.782 2.766

RMNH227 2.657 2.769

RMNH228 2.663 2.814

RMNH229 2.882 2.586

RMNH230 2.651 2.858

Decontaminated Strap 

Average 2.727 2.759

% Change

((Deconned - Controls) / 

Controls)

-3.67% 1.92%

3M 1860, Dry Heat, 5 Cycles

RMSH239 2.656 2.659

RMSH240 2.690 2.605

RMSH241 2.742 2.654

RMSH242 2.739 2.696

RMSH243 2.718 2.754

Decontaminated Strap 

Average 2.709 2.674

% Change

((Deconned - Controls) / 

Controls)

-4.31% -1.22%
Table 4. Filter Efficiency Evaluation – Halyard 46727

Notes:

• The test method utilized in this assessment is not the NIOSH standard test procedure that is used for certification 

of respirators. Respirators assessed to this modified test plan do not necessarily meet the requirements of STP0059, and therefore cannot be considered equivalent to N95 respirators that were tested to STP-0059. 

Respirator Model, 

Decon Method, # 

of cycles

Treated 

Sample #

Flow Rate

(Lpm)

Initial Filter 

Resistance

(mmH2O)

Initial Percent 

Leakage (%)

Maximum 

Percent 

Leakage (%)

Filter 

Efficiency 

(%)

Halyard 46727, 

Control

RHOH221 85 10.9 0.509 0.524 99.48

RHOH222 85 11.0 0.866 0.873 99.13

RHOH297 85 10.9 0.828 0.834 99.17

RHOH298 85 10.8 0.875 0.875 99.13

Halyard 46727, 

VHP, 5 Cycles

Min Fil Eff: 97.89%

Max Fil Eff: 99.33%

RHTH252 85 11.2 0.708 0.708 99.29

RHTH253 85 11.4 1.63 1.67 98.33

RHTH254 85 11.4 0.975 1.02 98.98

RHTH255 85 10.8 0.721 0.725 99.28

RHTH256 85 11.2 0.663 0.687 99.31

RHTH257 85 11.7 0.666 0.668 99.33

RHTH258 85 11.0 1.62 2.11 97.89

Halyard 46727, 

Methylene Blue, 5

Cycles

Min Fil Eff: 97.24%

Max Fil Eff: 99.44%

RHNH226 85 11.5 0.626 0.647 99.35

RHNH227 85 11.0 2.66 2.76 97.24

RHNH228 85 11.4 0.585 0.601 99.40

RHNH229 85 11.1 0.562 0.562 99.44

RHNH230 85 10.7 0.745 0.756 99.24

RHNH231 85 11.3 1.00 1.02 98.98

RHNH232 85 11.4 0.946 0.974 99.03

Halyard 46727, Dry 

Heat, 5 Cycles

Min Fil Eff: 98.76%

Max Fil Eff: 99.54%

RHSH239 85 11.3 0.770 0.789 99.21

RHSH240 85 10.5 1.22 1.24 98.76

RHSH241 85 10.9 0.572 0.588 99.41

RHSH242 85 10.3 0.646 0.664 99.34

RHSH243 85 10.9 1.04 1.07 98.93

RHSH244 85 11.0 0.647 0.662 99.34

RHSH245 85 11.5 0.454 0.465 99.54
Table 5. Manikin Fit Evaluation – Halyard 46727

Manikin Fit Factor of Decontaminated N95s

Respirator Model, Decon 

Method, # of cycles

Treated

Sample #

mFF Normal 

Breathing 1

mFF Deep 

Breathing

mFF Normal 

Breathing 2

Overall 

Manikin Fit 

Factor

Halyard 46727, Control

Static Advanced Large 

Headform (Lunar Studios)

RHOH223 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

RHOH224 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

RHOH225 200+ 150 151 164

Halyard 46727, VHP, 5

Cycles

Static Advanced Large 

Headform (Lunar Studios)

RHTH259 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

RHTH260 177 153 147 158

RHTH261 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

Halyard 46727,

Methylene Blue, 5 Cycles

Static Advanced Large 

Headform (Lunar Studios)

RHNH233 N/A*

RHNH234 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

RHNH235 200+ 159 164 173

Halyard 46727, Dry Heat, 

5 Cycles

Static Advanced Large 

Headform (Lunar Studios)

RHSH246 165 149 142 152

RHSH247 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

RHSH248 158 130 126 137

*strap broke (at interface with respirator body) during donning- could not be fit tested

Notes:

• Per OSHA 1910.134(f)(7), if the fit factor as determined through an OSHA-accepted quantitative fit testing protocol 

is equal to or greater than 100 for tight-fitting half facepieces, then the fit test has been passed for that respirator.

• This assessment does not include fit testing of people and only uses two exercises (normal and deep breathing) on 

a manikin headform. 

• This assessment is a laboratory evaluation using a manikin headform and varies greatly from the OSHA individual 

fit test. This headform testing only includes normal breathing and deep breathing on a stationary (non-moving) 

headform; therefore, fit results from this assessment cannot be directly translated to using the standard OSHAaccepted test. Instead, this testing provides an indication of the change in fit performance (if any) associated with 

the decontamination of respirators. 
Table 6. Strap Integrity Evaluation – Halyard 46727

Tensile Force in Respirator Straps of Decontaminated N95s

(recorded force values are at 150% strain)

Respirator Model, Decon 

Method, # of cycles Straps from Treated Sample # Force in Top Strap (N)

Force in Bottom 

Strap (N)

Halyard 46727, Control

RHOH221 2.382 2.416

RHOH222 2.418 2.501

RHOH297 2.380 2.448

RHOH298 2.448 2.466

Control Strap Average 2.407 2.458

Halyard 46727, VHP, 5 Cycles

RHTH252 2.092 2.046

RHTH253 1.959 2.012

RHTH254 2.023 2.002

RHTH255 1.968 1.966

RHTH256 1.923 1.960

Decontaminated Strap 

Average 1.993 1.997

% Change

((Deconned - Controls) / 

Controls)

-17.20% -18.76%

Halyard 46727, Methylene 

Blue, 5 Cycles

RHNH226 2.341 2.419

RHNH227 2.375 2.449

RHNH228 2.383 2.359

RHNH229 2.384 2.426

RHNH230 2.383 2.455

Decontaminated Strap 

Average 2.373 2.422

% Change

((Deconned - Controls) / 

Controls)

-1.41% -1.46%

Halyard 46727, Dry Heat, 5 

Cycles

RHSH239 2.317 2.303

RHSH240 2.329 2.321

RHSH241 2.292 2.321

RHSH242 2.298 2.388

RHSH243 2.314 2.310

Decontaminated Strap 

Average 2.31 2.329

% Change

((Deconned - Controls) / 

Controls)

-4.03% -5.25%
Table 7. Filter Efficiency Evaluation – 3M 1870+

Notes:

• The test method utilized in this assessment is not the NIOSH standard test procedure that is used for certification 

of respirators. Respirators assessed to this modified test plan do not necessarily meet the requirements of STP0059, and therefore cannot be considered equivalent to N95 respirators that were tested to STP-0059. 

Respirator Model, 

Decon Method, # 

of cycles

Treated 

Sample #

Flow Rate

(Lpm)

Initial Filter 

Resistance

(mmH2O)

Initial Percent 

Leakage (%)

Maximum 

Percent 

Leakage (%)

Filter 

Efficiency 

(%)

3M 1870+, Control R3OH221 85 8.2 0.918 1.16 98.84

R3OH222 85 8.1 0.515 0.583 99.42

3M 1870+, VHP, 5

Cycles

Min Fil Eff: 99.52%

Max Fil Eff: 99.89%

R3TH252 85 7.8 0.084 0.280 99.72

R3TH253 85 8.9 0.030 0.114 99.89

R3TH254 85 7.7 0.293 0.484 99.52

R3TH255 85 7.6 0.115 0.348 99.65

R3TH256 85 8.2 0.263 0.447 99.55

R3TH257 85 8.0 0.038 0.137 99.86

R3TH258 85 7.7 0.031 0.165 99.84

3M 1870+, 

Methylene Blue, 5

Cycles

Min Fil Eff: 99.64%

Max Fil Eff: 99.88%

R3NH226 85 7.5 0.047 0.124 99.88

R3NH227 85 7.5 0.036 0.128 99.87

R3NH228 85 7.3 0.110 0.212 99.79

R3NH229 85 7.7 0.042 0.221 99.78

R3NH230 85 7.4 0.068 0.318 99.68

R3NH231 85 8.5 0.358 0.358 99.64

R3NH232 85 7.6 0.026 0.156 99.84

3M 1870+, Dry 

Heat, 5 Cycles

Min Fil Eff: 98.60%

Max Fil Eff: 99.81%

R3SH239 85 7.3 1.12 1.40 98.60

R3SH240 85 7.0 0.039 0.296 99.70

R3SH241 85 8.3 1.21 1.21 98.79

R3SH242 85 7.1 0.248 0.409 99.59

R3SH243 85 7.1 0.117 0.287 99.71

R3SH244 85 7.0 0.030 0.189 99.81

R3SH245 85 7.0 0.287 0.473 99.53
Table 8. Manikin Fit Evaluation – 3M 1870+

Manikin Fit Factor of Decontaminated N95s

Respirator Model, Decon 

Method, # of cycles

Treated

Sample #

mFF Normal 

Breathing 1

mFF Deep 

Breathing

mFF Normal 

Breathing 2

Overall 

Manikin Fit 

Factor

3M 1870+, Control

Static Advanced Medium 

Headform (Hanson 

Robotics)

R3OH223 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

R3OH224 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

R3OH225 200+ 177 185 187

3M 1870+, VHP, 5 Cycles

Static Advanced Medium 

Headform (Hanson 

Robotics)

R3TH259 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

R3TH260 200+ 179 184 187

R3TH261 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

3M 1870, Methylene

Blue, 5 Cycles

Static Advanced Medium 

Headform (Hanson 

Robotics)

R3NH233 151 153 134 146

R3NH234 166 148 166 160

R3NH235 183 148 193 172

3M 1870+, Dry Heat, 5

Cycles

Static Advanced Medium 

Headform (Hanson 

Robotics)

R3SH246 200+ 189 200+ 197

R3SH247 118 120 106 114

R3SH248 200+ 181 179 186

Notes:

• Per OSHA 1910.134(f)(7), if the fit factor as determined through an OSHA-accepted quantitative fit testing protocol 

is equal to or greater than 100 for tight-fitting half facepieces, then the fit test has been passed for that respirator.

• This assessment does not include fit testing of people and only uses two exercises (normal and deep breathing) on 

a manikin headform. 

• This assessment is a laboratory evaluation using a manikin headform and varies greatly from the OSHA individual 

fit test. This headform testing only includes normal breathing and deep breathing on a stationary (non-moving) 

headform; therefore, fit results from this assessment cannot be directly translated to using the standard OSHAaccepted test. Instead, this testing provides an indication of the change in fit performance (if any) associated with 

the decontamination of respirators. 
Table 9. Strap Integrity Evaluation – 3M 1870+

Tensile Force in Respirator Straps of Decontaminated N95s

(recorded force values are at 150% strain)

Respirator Model, Decon 

Method, # of cycles Straps from Treated Sample # Force in Top Strap (N)

Force in Bottom 

Strap (N)

3M 1870+, Control

R3OH221 1.703 1.813

R3OH222 1.718 1.607

Control Strap Average 1.711 1.71

3M 1870+, VHP, 5 Cycles

R3TH252 1.907 1.828

R3TH253 1.955 1.849

R3TH254 1.950 1.901

R3TH255 1.861 1.990

R3TH256 1.904 1.996

Decontaminated Strap 

Average 1.915 1.913

% Change

((Deconned - Controls) / 

Controls)

11.92% 11.87%

3M 1870+, Methylene Blue, 5 

Cycles

R3NH226 1.658 1.975

R3NH227 1.604 1.997

R3NH228 1.674 2.028

R3NH229 1.971 1.908

R3NH230 1.950 1.871

Decontaminated Strap 

Average 1.771 1.956

% Change

((Deconned - Controls) / 

Controls)

3.51% 14.39%

3M 1870+, Dry Heat, 5 Cycles

R3SH239 1.831 1.768

R3SH240 1.877 1.718

R3SH241 1.877 1.729

R3SH242 1.857 1.765

R3SH243 1.921 1.692

Decontaminated Strap 

Average 1.873 1.734

% Change

((Deconned - Controls) / 

Controls)

9.47% 1.40%