Prospective Evaluation of the Transparent, Elastomeric, Adaptable, Long-Lasting (TEAL) Respirator

Abstract

N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) and surgical masks are essential in reducing airborne disease transmission, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, currently available FFR’s and masks have major limitations, including masking facial features, waste, and integrity after decontamination. In a multi-institutional trial, we evaluated a transparent, elastomeric, adaptable, long-lasting (TEAL) respirator to evaluate success of qualitative fit test with user experience and biometric evaluation of temperature, respiratory rate, and fit of respirator using a novel sensor. There was a 100% successful fit test among participants, with feedback demonstrating excellent or good fit (90% of participants), breathability (77.5%), and filter exchange (95%). Biometric testing demonstrated significant differences between exhalation and inhalation pressures among a poorly fitting respirator, well-fitting respirator, and the occlusion of one filter of the respirator. We have designed and evaluated a transparent elastomeric respirator and a novel biometric feedback system that could be implemented in the hospital setting.

Patient and Health Care Worker Perceptions of Communication and Ability to Identify Emotion When Wearing Standard and Transparent Masks

“…All surveys included brief video clips showing a study author smiling while wearing a custom-designed transparent mask created by members of the study team and a standard opaque N95 mask ( Figure , A). 19 , 20 Respondents were then asked questions regarding whether they were able to detect the author’s emotion and whether they felt positively toward the use of transparent masks to communicate in a health care setting. They were also asked questions specific to mask wearing and communication as well as mask preference and fit in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Respirators in Healthcare: Material, Design, Regulatory, Environmental, and Economic Considerations for Clinical Efficacy

“…[ 24 ] Novel strategies to perform large‐scale respirator decontamination [ 25 ] and develop reusable N95 respirators are currently under investigation. [ 26 , 27 ]…”

“…[ 16 , 71 ] Additional methods for assessing proper fit using sensors incorporated into the respirator are under development. [ 27 ]…”

“…[24] Novel strategies to perform large-scale respirator decontamination [25] and develop reusable N95 respirators are currently under investigation. [26,27] EHFRs differ from FFRs in a number of ways; most notably, they are reusable. An EHFR is comprised of two components: a facepiece made of silicon or rubber, and exchangeable cartridges that filter and purify air.…”

“…[16,71] Additional methods for assessing proper fit using sensors incorporated into the respirator are development. [27] Isoamyl acetate (IAA) is used as an odor test for non-particulate respirators. In this protocol, the user is exposed to the banana-like odor of IAA without a respirator.…”