Review of the Effect of Continuous Use and Limited Reuse of N95 Respirators on Respirator Fit.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to severe shortages of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). As a result, extended use, limited reuse, and FFR decontamination have been utilized to extend the life of single-use FFRs. Although some studies have raised concerns that reuse could affect the FFR's ability to form a seal, no comprehensive literature review of the effect of extended use or limited reuse on FFR seal exists.

Objective

The goal of this review was to assess the effect of extended use and reuse on respirator fit, with and without decontamination.

Methods

Searches of PubMed and Medrxiv yielded 24 papers that included assessment of fit after extended use or limited reuse on a human. One additional handpicked paper was added.

Results

SUBMITTER: Berger D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10191141 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature