Provider experiences with daily use of elastomeric half-mask respirators in health care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During public health emergencies, demand for N95 filtering facepiece respirators (N95 FFRs) can outpace supply. Elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs) are a potential alternative that are reusable and provide the same or higher levels of protection. This study sought to examine the practical aspects of EHMR use among health care personnel (HCP).

Methods

Between September and December 2021, 183 HCPs at 2 tertiary referral centers participated in this 3-month EHMR deployment, wearing the EHMR whenever respiratory protection was required according to hospital protocols (ie, when an N95 FFR would typically be worn) and responding to surveys about their experience.

Results

Participants wore EHMRs typically 1 to 3 hours per shift, reported disinfecting the res

SUBMITTER: Lane M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11522955 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature