Reusable snorkel masks adapted as particulate respirators

Abstract

Introduction During viral pandemics, filtering facepiece (FFP) masks together with eye protection form the essential components of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. There remain concerns regarding insufficient global supply and imperfect protection offered by currently available PPE strategies. A range of full-face snorkel masks were adapted to accept high grade medical respiratory filters using bespoke-designed 3D-printed connectors. We compared the protection offered by the snorkel to that of standard PPE using a placebo-controlled respirator filtering test as well as a fluorescent droplet deposition experiment. Out of the 56 subjects tested, 42 (75%) passed filtering testing with the snorkel mask compared to 31 (55%) with a FFP3 respirator mask (p = 0.003). Amongst the 43 subjects who were not excluded following a placebo control, 85% passed filtering testing with the snorkel versus to 68% with a FFP3 mask (p = 0.008). Following front and lateral spray of fluorescence liquid particles, the snorkel mask also provided superior protection against droplet deposition within the subject’s face, when compared to a standard PPE combination of FFP3 masks and eye protection (3.19x108 versus 6.81x108 fluorescence units, p<0.001). The 3D printable adaptors are available for free download online at https://www.ImperialHackspace.com/COVID-19-Snorkel-Respirator-Project/. Conclusion Full-face snorkel masks adapted as particulate respirators performed better than a standard PPE combination of FFP3 mask and eye protection against aerosol inhalation and droplet deposition. This adaptation is therefore a promising PPE solution for healthcare workers during highly contagious viral outbreaks.

Non-Woven Textiles Formed from Contact Drawn Poly(ethylene oxide) Fibers Provide Tunable Filtration and Virucidal Properties via Entrapment of Silver Nanoparticles

“…In addition to the FFRs and filtration media described in the introduction, there have been numerous reports recently of advancements in FFR design. While some studies have repurposed breathing devices such as snorkel masks to incorporate commercial air filters, 63 others have identified designs for respirators that can be produced by 3D printing to provide customized fits. 64 Both of these strategies would be amenable to incorporation of the PEO-AgNP filtration media, as the PEO-AgNP filtration media can be produced in sheets of at least 20 × 20 cm by hand and cut to size with scissors or textile punches.…”