Donning N95 respirator masks for COVID-19 prevention

We would like to share ideas on the report “Donning N95 respirator masks during COVID-19 pandemic: look before you leap!”.¹ Gupta et al. proposed that “No previous study has identified the impact of ill-fitted N95 […] We, therefore, would advise caution in the use of these respirators by ensuring proper seal before entering patient care areas”.¹ A good seal is important in face mask wearing, however, the appropriateness, not too much or too little sealing is needed.

For donning application, there are some considerations. First, applying pressure might affect the nanostructure of N95 facemask. If there is damage, the procedure might result in increased risk. Second, there is a small increase in breathing resistance while wearing a facemask.² A too tight mask might cause difficult breathing and it might result in some unwanted effect (for this reason, a small child is not recommended for wearing any mask). Also, a skin damage due to facemask wearing is another important problem that should not be forgotten. A comfortable facemask when wearing is required.³ Third, the infection control on the tool for donning should be well prepared. Too many manipulations might increase chance of contamination to the facemask.

References

• ¹
  Gupta A, Aravindan A, Soni KD. Donning N95 respirator masks during COVID-19 pandemic: look before you leap!. Braz J Anesthesiol. 2021;71(3):302-303.
  » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjane.2021.02.034
• ²
  Scheid JL, Lupien SP, Ford GS, et al. Commentary: Physiological and Psychological Impact of Face Mask Usage during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17:6655.
• ³
  Trehan RS, McDonnell EP, McCoy JV, et al. Comparing the quantitative fit-testing results of half-mask respirators with various skin barriers in a crossover study design: a pilot study. J Hosp Infect. 2021;111:125-131.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  20 Sept 2021
• Date of issue
  Sep-Oct 2021

History

• Received
  1 Apr 2021