Reusable Elastomeric Respirators in Health Care

Liverman, Catharyn T.; Yost, Olivia; Rogers, Bonnie; Clever, Linda Hawes

doi:10.17226/25275

Cited by 19 publications

(25 citation statements)

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“…The results of this test are summarized in 22. These results indicate that the change in Inspiratory CO2 throughout use of the device, in exertion that simulates that of most healthcare work, is negligible and in line with NIOSH standards [19]. Subjective comfort/discomfort was rated from 1 of complete discomfort to 10 of complete comfort.…”

Section: Exercise Testsupporting

confidence: 59%

“…Subjectively, it appeared comfortable but took a small adjustment period to adapt to breathing to a comfortable level. At this time, we would recommend a periodic (every 5-10 minutes) deep forced exhalation to purge the mask of any CO2 buildup, which is quite similar to previously proposed solution for elastomeric respirators [19].…”

Section: Carbon Dioxide Testingmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…However, the sealing ability of the snorkel masks on dry skin is unknown. Per CDC and NIOSH regulations on the use of elastomeric respirators, a fit test can be performed in the same manner as N95 respirators to ensure seal and safety to use for an individual [19]. At this time, we recommend that all practitioners seeking to utilize these masks perform a fit test under standard N95 fit test conditions.…”

Section: Fit Testing and Sealmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The accumulation of CO2 can vary greatly in snorkel masks as the connections between the inhalation and exhalation arms, the design of one-way valves, and possibly attached cartridges are very versatile. Also, the issue of CO2 buildup is not unique to full face mask snorkels nor to elastomeric respirators, but is a known factor in the continuous use of disposable N95 respirators as well [19]. For example, Lim et al, 2006 found that up to 1 3 of healthcare workers in the SARS outbreak reported headaches during use of N95 (presumably from hypercapnia) and that 4 hours of continuous use of N95 is associated with headaches [18].…”

Section: Carbon Dioxide Testingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Pneumask: Modified Full-Face Snorkel Masks as Reusable Personal Protective Equipment for Hospital Personnel

Kroo

Kothari

Hannebelle

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Here we adapt and evaluate a full-face snorkel mask for use as personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers, who lack appropriate alternatives during the COVID-19 crisis in the spring of 2020. The design (referred to as Pneumask) consists of a custom snorkel-specific adapter that couples the snorkel-port of the mask to a rated filter (either a medical-grade ventilator inline filter or an industrial filter). This design has been tested for the sealing capability of the mask, filter performance, CO2 buildup and clinical usability. These tests found the Pneumask capable of forming a seal that exceeds the standards required for half-face respirators or N95 respirators. Filter testing indicates a range of options with varying performance depending on the quality of filter selected, but with typical filter performance exceeding or comparable to the N95 standard. CO2 buildup was found to be roughly equivalent to levels found in half-face elastomeric respirators in literature. Clinical usability tests indicate sufficient visibility and, while speaking is somewhat muffled, this can be addressed via amplification (Bluetooth voice relay to cell phone speakers through an app) in noisy environments. We present guidance on the assembly, usage (donning and doffing) and decontamination protocols. The benefit of the Pneumask as PPE is that it is reusable for longer periods than typical disposable N95 respirators, as the snorkel mask can withstand rigorous decontamination protocols (that are standard to regular elastomeric respirators). With the dire worldwide shortage of PPE for medical personnel, our conclusions on the performance and efficacy of Pneumask as an N95-alternative technology are cautiously optimistic.Key points: Full-face snorkel masks are adapted for use as Personal Protective Equipment during the COVID-19 crisis, using a custom adapter that facilitates the attachment of inline medical-grade respiratory filters or NIOSH industrial respirator filters. This solution was designed as a reusable stopgap solution for healthcare workers to help address the short-term global N95 respirator shortage.

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Section: Exercise Testsupporting

confidence: 59%

Section: Carbon Dioxide Testingmentioning

confidence: 89%

Section: Fit Testing and Sealmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Carbon Dioxide Testingmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Pneumask: Modified Full-Face Snorkel Masks as Reusable Personal Protective Equipment for Hospital Personnel

Kroo

Kothari

Hannebelle

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Cela est vrai pour tous les pays touchés par l'épidémie de COVID qui sévit dans le monde depuis décembre 2019, y compris les USA où le numéro de JAMA on line du vendredi 20 mars 2020, en accès libre, fait le point sur l'épidémie et ne cache pas les pénuries de matériel de protection pour les soignants américains [2]. Ceci en sachant qu'un rapport [3] établissait les stocks de matériel à prévoir en cas d'épidémie, et soulevait le problème des masques réutilisables et non plus à usage unique.…”

unclassified

Hygiène des mains et masques contre COVID-19 : oser le dégradé ?

Cochereau

Lamirel

2020

Journal Français d'Ophtalmologie

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Elastomeric half‐mask respirator disinfection practices among healthcare personnel

Hines,

Thurman,

Zhuang

et al. 2023

American J Industrial Med

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BackgroundDisposable N95 respirator shortages during the COVID‐19 and 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemics highlighted the need for reusable alternatives, such as elastomeric half‐mask respirators (EHMRs). Two US medical organizations deployed reusable EHMRs during the COVID‐19 response. In addition to wipe‐based disinfection following patient care episodes expected per local policies at both organizations, postshift centralized cleaning and disinfection (C&D) was expected at one site (A), permitting shared‐pool EHMR use, and optional at the other (Site B), where EHMRs were issued to individuals. Using a survey, we evaluated disinfection practices reported by EHMR users and predictors of disinfection behaviors and perceptions.MethodsSurveys assessed EHMR disinfection practices, occupational characteristics, EHMR use frequency, training, and individual‐issue versus shared‐pool EHMR use.ResultsOf 1080 EHMR users completing the survey, 76% reported that they disinfect the EHMR after each patient encounter, which was the expected practice at both sites. Increasing EHMR use, recall of disinfection training, and work in intensive care or emergency settings significantly influenced higher reporting of this practice. 36% of respondents reported using centralized C&D, although reporting was higher at the site (A) where this was expected (53%). Confidence in cleanliness of the EHMR following centralized C&D was not influenced by individual versus shared‐pool EHMR issue.ConclusionsMost EHMR users reported adherence with expected post‐care individual‐based disinfection of EHMRs but did not necessarily use standardized, centralized C&D. Future efforts to limit reliance on behavior related to respirator disinfection may improve EHMR implementation in healthcare to avert dependence on single‐use, disposable N95 respirators.

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Reusable Elastomeric Respirators in Health Care

Cited by 19 publications

References 0 publications

Pneumask: Modified Full-Face Snorkel Masks as Reusable Personal Protective Equipment for Hospital Personnel

Pneumask: Modified Full-Face Snorkel Masks as Reusable Personal Protective Equipment for Hospital Personnel

Hygiène des mains et masques contre COVID-19 : oser le dégradé ?

Elastomeric half‐mask respirator disinfection practices among healthcare personnel

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