The article mentions microwaves melting the masks.
Microwaves work by heating the water in food. They don't work properly on paper.
The dryer is a much better alternative.
Not an expert, but I'd be wary of using a microwave at least for the plastic type filters. If the plastic filter fibers absorb microwaves, it might turn out that the smaller fibers get melted without affecting the bulk structure enough to easily notice.
A steamer on a stove seems like a safer bet.
There is a metal clip on the respirator for fitting.