A pilot study of the impact of facial skin protectants on qualitative fit testing of N95 masks

Bui, Ai-Tram N.; Yu, Zizi; Lee, Karen; Li, Sara J.; Tsiaras, William G.; Yu, Sherry H.; LeBoeuf, Nicole R.; Mostaghimi, Arash

doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.069

Cited by 18 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 3 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…There is currently very limited data on the impact of skin dressing on N95 respirator fit. A few small studies, which used qualitative fit testing to assess the respirator fit, showed conflicting results [9][10][11] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact on quantitative fit-test results after application of prophylactic hydrocolloid dressing under N95 respirators

Kave

Begg

et al. 2021

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective Discomfort and device-related pressure injury (DRPI) caused by N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are common. The use of prophylactic hydrocolloid dressings is one of the strategies that may improve comfort and reduce DRPI. In this study, we investigated the impact of these dressings on N95 respirator fit. Methods We performed a repeat quantitative fit testing through the Respiratory Protection Program on 134 healthcare workers (HCWs), who applied hydrocolloid dressings on the bridge of their nose under the N95 FFRs that they passed the initial fit test but reported discomfort with. Results We found that the fit test pass rates, with the hydrocolloid dressings in place, for the semi-rigid cup style (3MTM 1860), the vertical flat-fold style (BYD), the duckbill style (BSN medical ProShield® and Halyard Fluidshield*), and the three-panel flat-fold style (3MTM Aura) N95 FFRs were 94% (108/115), 85% (44/52), 81% (87/108) and 100% (3/3) respectively. There was a statistically significant reduction in the overall fit factors for both the vertical flat-fold and duckbill type N95 respirators, after the application of hydrocolloid dressings. Conclusions Hydrocolloid dressings are likely to disturb the mask seal for non-rigid style N95 FFRs, in particular, the vertical flat-fold style and the duckbill style N95 FFRs. Given the risk of mask seal disturbance of N95 respirators as shown in this study, we advocate that any HCW requiring the use of prophylactic dressings should undergo repeat quantitative fit testing with the dressing in place prior to using the dressing and mask in combination.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact on quantitative fit-test results after application of prophylactic hydrocolloid dressing under N95 respirators

Kave

Begg

et al. 2021

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…They found fit testing pass rates ranged from 56% to 88% depending on the skin protectant used; only 36% of their cohort passed with all 5 protectants. 46 Therefore, it is imperative to make sure that these dressings or barrier products do not interfere with the fit and safety of the facial PPE and re-fit testing is necessary especially with N95 respirators to ensure a tight seal. To avoid retroauricular pressure related irritant dermatitis, surgical masks with ear loops can be alternated with masks that tie to the back of the head to limit possible ICD to the tight elastic bands.…”

Section: Facial Ppementioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Dermatoses Related to Personal Protective Equipment Used During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abdali

2021

Dermatologic Clinics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Synopsis The recent coronavirus disease- 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the dramatic rise in use of personal protect equipment (PPE) among healthcare providers and the general public. Herein we discuss the various occupational dermatoses including allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea related to frequent handwashing, disinfecting of surfaces, and prolonged wear of various PPE including face masks, gloves, and gowns. We provide an overview of published PPE-associated occupational dermatoses during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also discuss prevention strategies and treatment options to help patients with these complaints.

show abstract

“…during a sustained pandemic) experience painful abrasions 19 , 20 . Attempts to mitigate this discomfort by using creams, tapes or loosening the straps that hold masks against a user’s face degrade respiratory protection 21 . A recent systematic review of the available literature has identified a need to rigorously investigate all of these issues.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

De novo Powered Air-Purifying Respirator Design and Fabrication for Pandemic Response

Kothakonda

Atta

Plana

et al. 2021

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Importance: The rapid spread of COVID-19 and disruption of normal supply chains resulted in severe shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly devices with few suppliers such as powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). A scarcity of information describing design and performance criteria represents a substantial barrier to new approaches. Objective: We sought to apply open-source product development to PAPRs to enable alternative sources of supply and further innovation. Design: We describe the design, prototyping, validation, and user testing of locally manufactured, modular, PAPR components, including filter cartridges and blower units, developed by the Greater Boston Pandemic Fabrication Team (PanFab). Two designs, one with a fully custom-made filter and housing, and the other with commercially available variants (the "Custom" and "Commercial: designs) were developed. Prototype testing was conducted at academic laboratories using equipment available during COVID-19. The designs and software are in the common domain for use or further modification. Setting: User feedback on the functionality and comfort of the design was obtained at a major US academic medical center. Participants: Feedback on designs was obtained from four individuals, including two clinicians working in an ambulatory clinical setting and two research technical staff for whom PAPR use is a standard part of occupational PPE. Main Outcomes and Measures: Engineering performance was measured using NIOSH-equivalent tests on an apparatus available in university laboratories. Clinical feedback was assessed by (1) comparison to existing PPE; (2) sense of security in a clinical setting; and (3) comfort. Results: Custom and Commercial Designs were developed for filter cartridges and blower units. The two PAPR variants passed testing for PAPR certification using an apparatus available under pandemic shortages. Respondents rated the PanFab Custom PAPR a 4 to 5 on a 5 Likert-scale across every survey question. The three other versions of the designs (with a commercial blower unit, filter, or both) also performed favorably, with survey scores of 3-5. Conclusions and Relevance: Engineering testing and clinical feedback demonstrate that the PanFab design represents a favorable alternative PAPR in terms of user comfort, mobility, and sense of security. A nonrestrictive license promotes innovation in respiratory protection for current and future medical emergencies.

show abstract

A pilot study of the impact of facial skin protectants on qualitative fit testing of N95 masks

Cited by 18 publications

References 3 publications

Impact on quantitative fit-test results after application of prophylactic hydrocolloid dressing under N95 respirators

Impact on quantitative fit-test results after application of prophylactic hydrocolloid dressing under N95 respirators

Occupational Dermatoses Related to Personal Protective Equipment Used During the COVID-19 Pandemic

De novo Powered Air-Purifying Respirator Design and Fabrication for Pandemic Response

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About