Qualitative fitting characteristics of elastomeric half face-piece respirators using Isoamyl acetate agent

Fakherpour, Anahita; Jahangiri, Mehdi; Banaee, Sean

doi:10.2486/indhealth.2020-0199

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…To overcome this issue, according to the principle "there is no OSFA respirator", every user could not be fitted into a respirator of a specific brand, model, style, and size; therefore, managers and employers are required to provide a variety of respirators with combinations of brands, models, styles, and sizes to ensure the satisfactory protection for the workers [172]. Another reason could be that those studies rely on only the filtration efficiency; the respirator fitting into anthropometric dimensions as one of the affective factors on respiratory protection has been neglected [7,16].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The facial dimension is another affective factor. An optimal and unique respirator fit test panel (RFTP) based on the facial dimensions of the proposed population should be developed before respirator design, certification, and selection [175][176][177][178][179]. This issue could assess the procurement decision-making procedures for respirator stocking, preventing poor respirator supply and the scarcity of correctly sized respirators [117].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Overall, the investigations revealed that users were mainly concerned with the filter media used for masks and respirators’ making processes (spun bond, melt blown, nanofiber, etc.) and their expected level of filtration efficiency; therefore, less attention was paid to the mask/respirator fitting characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 16 , 17 ]. Recent evidence highlights the utmost importance of fit testing adoption to assure the effectiveness of respirators, which might boost regulatory compliance and break the COVID-19 transmission chain [ 18 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…FF:[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. The FFEs for all non-approved respirators (n = 6) were lower than 95% (FF: 20).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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A systematic review of passing fit testing of the masks and respirators used during the COVID-19 pandemic: Part 1-quantitative fit test procedures

Fakherpour,

Jahangiri,

Jansz

2023

PLoS ONE

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Background During respiratory infection pandemics, masks and respirators are highly sought after, especially for frontline healthcare workers and patients carrying respiratory viruses. The objective of this study was to systematically review fit test pass rates and identify factors influencing the fitting characteristics. Methods Potentially relevant studies were identified using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct during the COVID-19 pandemic from February 5, 2020, to March 21, 2023. The search strategy using the following keywords was conducted: Quantitative Fit Test, Condensation Nuclei Counter, Controlled Negative Pressure, PortaCount, Sibata, Accufit, Fit, Seal, Mask, Respirator, Respiratory Protective Device, Respiratory Protective Equipment, Protective Device, Personal Protective Equipment, COVID-19, Coronavirus, and SARS-CoV-2. The quality of the included studies was also assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results A total of 137 articles met the eligibility criteria. Fifty articles had a quality score of less than 7 (good quality). A total of 21 studies had a fit test pass rate of less than 50%. 26 studies on disposable respirators and 11 studies on reusable respirators had an FF of less than 50 and less than 200, respectively. The most influential factors include respirator brand/model, style, gender, ethnicity, facial dimensions, facial hair, age, reuse, extensive movement, seal check, comfort and usability assessment, and training. Conclusion 37.36% of the disposable respirator studies and 43% of the reusable respirator studies did not report fit test results. 67.86% of the disposable respirator studies had a fit test pass rate greater than 50%, and 35.84% of these studies had an FF greater than 100. Also, 85.71% of the reusable respirator studies had a fit test pass rate greater than 50%, and 52.77% of these studies had an FF greater than 1000. Overall, the fit test pass rate was relatively acceptable. Newly developed or modified respirators must undergo reliable testing to ensure the protection of HCWs. Subject and respirator characteristics should be considered when implementing fit testing protocols. An optimal fit test panel should be developed prior to respirator design, certification, procurement decisions, and selection procedures.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…FF:[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. The FFEs for all non-approved respirators (n = 6) were lower than 95% (FF: 20).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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A systematic review of passing fit testing of the masks and respirators used during the COVID-19 pandemic: Part 1-quantitative fit test procedures

Fakherpour,

Jahangiri,

Jansz

2023

PLoS ONE

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The influence of gender and ethnicity on facemasks and respiratory protective equipment fit: a systematic review and meta-analysis

et al. 2021

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IntroductionBlack, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) has conventionally been developed for a predominantly white male population that does not represent the healthcare workforce. The literature was reviewed to determine the protection offered to female and BAME users.MethodsFive databases were searched. Eligible studies related to respirator fit in the context of anthropometrics, gender and ethnicity. Meta-analysis was performed for gender-based anthropometric differences. A priori protocol registration was not performed.Results32 studies were included and anthropometric data was extracted from 15 studies. Meta-analysis revealed 14 anthropometric measurements were significantly smaller for females. Mean differences ranged from 0.37 mm to 22.05 mm. Gender-based anthropometric differences did not always translate to lower fit factor scores, with 12 studies reporting worse performance and fit for females and 10 reporting no gender effect. No studies provided disaggregate anthropometric data by ethnic group. Pass rates (PR) were low or moderate in 12 BAME or mixed-ethnicity cohorts. 14 studies reported associations between facial dimensions (FD) and respirator fit. Three comparative studies showed lower PR among selective BAME people. 18 studies reported RPE performance differed with model and design. Most studies did not prespecify inclusion/exclusion criteria. Small sample size and lack of justification or power calculations was a concern. Significant heterogeneity in study designs limited comparisons, particularly relating to respirator selection or availability and defining study outcomes relating to RPE performance.ConclusionThe literature reports on largely Caucasian or single ethnic populations, and BAME people remain under-represented, limiting comparisons between ethnic groups. Facial anthropometrics vary between gender and likely between ethnicity, which may contribute to lower PR among females and ethnic minorities, particularly Asians. There is a need for studies including a broader spectrum of ethnicities and for consideration of female and BAME users during RPE development.

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A review of mask fit testing data associated with protocols utilized in evaluating the efficacy of N95 masks for health care workers

Hook,

Sasko,

Smith

2024

Journal of Infection Prevention

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Background Quantitative mask fit testing (QNFT) is the gold standard to confirm the correct fit of a N95/P2 mask to ensure health care workers protection from airborne viruses. Using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance indicates a final fit test result is a cumulative score derived from manoeuvres within the OSHA protocol. The protocol-based manoeuvres mimic aspects of clinical care by health professionals and mask fit testing is conducted to provide protection from airborne viruses and pollutants within a care setting. Objective(s) To determine whether studies undertaking QNFT report the results of individual manoeuvres of the OSHA protocol. Methods A comprehensive search strategy for the systematic review was developed to determine eligible studies, published between May 2011 and May 2021. Two researchers independently screened all full text articles retrieved and all disagreements were resolved through discussion. Results The search found 557 studies. After removing 119 duplicates, 437 articles were reviewed based on title and abstract, 411 studies were excluded. Twenty-seven full text articles were assessed for eligibility, all were excluded for the following reasons: study did not report the results of the long or short OSHA protocol (12), study did not assess mask fit using the long or short OSHA protocol (10), article type (discussion/commentary/editorial) or wrong study type (1). Despite the use of very broad search terms no eligible studies were found and the result was declared an empty review. Conclusion Internationally accepted QNFT protocols have a number of manoeuvres that reflect health care workers’ physical movements during the delivery of clinical care. Studies of mask fit testing appear to lack the reporting of outcomes for each manoeuvre with only the cumulative results being provided. This finding raises the need to understand potential risk from a mask leak during the delivery of clinical care as evidenced by failing a manoeuvre during mask fit testing. Further research is required to understand the importance of passing each mask fit testing manoeuvre and the relationship to airborne protection during the delivery of clinical care.

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Qualitative fitting characteristics of elastomeric half face-piece respirators using Isoamyl acetate agent

Cited by 3 publications

References 26 publications

A systematic review of passing fit testing of the masks and respirators used during the COVID-19 pandemic: Part 1-quantitative fit test procedures

A systematic review of passing fit testing of the masks and respirators used during the COVID-19 pandemic: Part 1-quantitative fit test procedures

The influence of gender and ethnicity on facemasks and respiratory protective equipment fit: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A review of mask fit testing data associated with protocols utilized in evaluating the efficacy of N95 masks for health care workers

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