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. 2020 Jun;14(8):e01264.
doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001264.

Does a Modified Adhesive Respirator Improve the Face Seal for Health Care Workers Who Previously Failed a Fit Test?: A Pilot Study During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Richa Wardhan  1 , Meghan M Brennan, Holden L Brown, Trey B Creech
Affiliations

Does a Modified Adhesive Respirator Improve the Face Seal for Health Care Workers Who Previously Failed a Fit Test?: A Pilot Study During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Richa Wardhan et al. A A Pract. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Approximately 30% of health care workers (HCWs) fail the respirator fit test. Evidence suggests that addressing face leaks in the 3M respirator enhances its fit and improves its efficacy. Between March 31 and April 9, 2020, HCWs who failed fit tests for 3M 1860 and 1860S respirators were invited to retest with an adhesive modification of the 3M respirator. Sixty-eight percent of HCWs who failed the fit test with their first-choice respirator passed with a modified adhesive respirator. To increase the efficacy and safety of 3M respirators, ineffective face seals need substantial improvement in design.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
CONSORT flow diagram. CONSORT indicates Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials; MAR, modified adhesive respirator.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Modification to an N95 respirator. A, Double-sided adhesive tape; (B) inside view of the respirator after application of the adhesive tape; and (C) after removal of the paper backing.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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