Testing the Proper Fit Of Respirator Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Schumacher, Jan; Lange, Christoph; Kleinjohann, Lukas; Carvalho, Clarissa

doi:10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0186

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Trials on hospital staff have shown that correct mask fitting can be practised in short programmes with a demonstrable effect [ 6 ]. For this reason, fit tests, such as those performed with bitter solutions, are considered important for healthcare workers and are strongly recommended [ 7 ]. In our study, no instruction was given and no fit tests were carried out on the masks so that their effect could be investigated under real-world conditions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Face masks suitable for preventing COVID-19 and pollen allergy. A study in the exposure chamber

Bergmann

Kügler²,

Zuberbier

et al. 2021

Allergo J Int

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Summary Background Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the population in Germany has been asked to wear face masks in public areas. The masks are accepted by the public. People with a pollen allergy have an interest in knowing whether masks can also provide protection against pollen and thus prevent symptoms even without medication. Method In order to evaluate the potential ‘antipollen effect’ of face masks, 14 adults with confirmed grass pollen-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were exposed to grass pollen for a period of two hours following a standardised protocol. The test was conducted outside of the grass pollen season. The subjects wore either no mask, a medical mask or a FFP2 mask. Results Subjects wearing either mask were clearly able to avoid both nasal and conjunctival symptoms. There were no significant differences between the two masks in terms of effect. Mask wearing to prevent pollen exposure clearly supports overall well-being. Conclusion Wearing a mask during pollen season can be recommended as an effective nondrug option for people with a pollen allergy.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Face masks suitable for preventing COVID-19 and pollen allergy. A study in the exposure chamber

Bergmann

Kügler²,

Zuberbier

et al. 2021

Allergo J Int

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“…Researchers have found that good mask fitting may be practiced in relatively brief training regimens ( 18 ). Therefore, it is advised that all healthcare personnel undergo fit tests, including those using bitter liquids ( 19 ).…”

Section: Facial Masksmentioning

confidence: 99%

Facial mask for prevention of allergic rhinitis symptoms

Oğuz,

Manole,

Bayar Muluk

et al. 2023

Front. Allergy

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ObjectivesWe reviewed the role of facial masks in preventing allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms.MethodsThe literature survey was performed in PubMed, EBSCO, UpToDate, and Proquest Central databases of Kırıkkale University and Google and Google Scholar databases.ResultsAeroallergens are microscopic airborne particles that trigger AR symptoms. In sensitive people, the type 1 hypersensitivity reaction against these allergens occurs when these microparticles enter the nasal mucosa via inhalation. Pollens, molds, dust mites, and animal dander are only some of the allergens suspected of contributing to AR symptoms. The treatment guidelines for AR extensively encompass allergy avoidance and environmental management as the first-line treatment. It is recommended that those who experience seasonal symptoms try to avoid their triggers whenever possible. While medical masks filter out particles larger than 3 μm, FFP2 masks are effective against particles as small as 0.004 μm. Since both mask types are effective in filtering pollen larger than 5 μm in size, they can be used to prevent pollen exposure. The “antiviral protection” provided by medical and FFP2 masks to hospital employees is roughly equivalent. Thus, both should be effective against direct local (eye) or indirect inhaled (nose, bronchial) pollen exposure. For the masks to do their job, they need to fit correctly.ConclusionFace mask affects AR patients' quality of life and reduces AR symptoms' severity.

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“…Da 62 % der MA Probleme mit Masken beschrieben, sollte dieser Aspekt zukünftig bei Maskenbestellungen und Hygieneschulungen vermehrt beachtet und es sollten Dichtsitzprüfungen durchgeführt werden [ 10 ].…”

Section: Diskussionunclassified

COVID-19-Ausbruch-Untersuchung in einer geriatrisch-palliativmedizinischen Klinik

Raichle¹,

Schäfer²,

Gann³

et al. 2021

Z Gerontol Geriat

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Hintergrund In der 2. COVID-19-Welle kam es im Dezember 2020 zu einem großen COVID-19-Ausbruch in einer geriatrisch-palliativmedizinischen 90-Betten-Klinik. 32 % der Mitarbeiter*innen (MA) sowie 29 Patient*innen wurden binnen 23 Tagen infiziert, 13 Patient*innen verstarben. Die Belegung ging auf 20 % zurück. Drastisch verschärfte Hygienemaßnahmen nach Ausbruchsbeginn verhinderten weitere nosokomiale Infektionen von Patient*innen, jedoch weniger effektiv von MA. Ziel Untersuchung von Ausbruchsgeschehen und Risikofaktoren für eine Infektion von MA. Material und Methoden Anonymisierter MA-Online-Fragebogen von Januar bis Februar 2021 zu möglichen Risikofaktoren für eine PCR-positive Infektion (schlecht sitzende FFP2-Maske, enger Kontakt mit positiven Patient*innen, Übergabe‑/Teambesprechung mit positiven MA). Ergebnisse Von 184 MA beantworteten 96 den Fragebogen (52,2 %), davon 38 Infizierte. Acht MA blieben a‑/oligosymptomatisch, 30 MA waren im Median 10 Tage arbeitsunfähig, 2 davon weiterhin. Mit einer Infektion assoziierte Faktoren waren der enge Kontakt mit positiven Patient*innen mit zunehmender Zeitdauer trotz FFP2-Maske (OR 6,0; 95 %-KI 1,6–22). 55/88 MA beschrieben schlecht sitzende FFP2-Masken. Die Infektion wurde zumeist erklärt durch längeren Kontakt mit positiven teils unruhigen Patient*innen. Wiederholt wurde auf die psychisch belastende Gesamtsituation hingewiesen. Diskussion Ein COVID-Ausbruch lässt sich im pflegeintensiven geriatrischen Kontext insbesondere bei MA nur schwer eindämmen. Längere Patientenkontakte bei unzureichender Patienten-Compliance konterkarieren strikte Hygienemaßnahmen. Die Vulnerabilität von MA und Patient*innen muss zusätzlich präventiv durch rasche effektive Impfungen reduziert werden und erfordert gesundheitspolitische Priorität. Zusatzmaterial online Zusätzliche Informationen sind in der Online-Version dieses Artikels (10.1007/s00391-021-01930-7) enthalten.

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Testing the Proper Fit Of Respirator Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cited by 5 publications

References 4 publications

Face masks suitable for preventing COVID-19 and pollen allergy. A study in the exposure chamber

Face masks suitable for preventing COVID-19 and pollen allergy. A study in the exposure chamber

Facial mask for prevention of allergic rhinitis symptoms

COVID-19-Ausbruch-Untersuchung in einer geriatrisch-palliativmedizinischen Klinik

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