TY - JOUR
T1 - Comparing the quantitative fit-testing results of half-mask respirators with various skin barriers in a crossover study design
T2 - a pilot study
AU - Trehan, R. S.
AU - McDonnell, E. P.
AU - McCoy, J. V.
AU - Ohman-Strickland, P. A.
AU - Donovan, C.
AU - Quinoa, T. R.
AU - Morrison, D. S.
N1 - Funding Information:
We would like to thank the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital clinicians who volunteered their valuable time to participate in our study. Thank you, Thomas Block, and the Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety team, for training us, and supplying us with the PortaCount.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Healthcare Infection Society
PY - 2021/5
Y1 - 2021/5
N2 - Background: Clinicians around the world are experiencing skin breakdown due to the prolonged usage of masks while working long hours to treat patients with COVID-19. The skin damage is a result of the increased friction and pressure at the mask–skin barrier. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians have been applying various skin barriers to prevent and ameliorate skin breakdown. However, there are no studies to our knowledge that assess the safety and efficacy of using these skin barriers without compromising a sufficient mask–face seal. Aim: To conduct the largest study to date of various skin barriers and seal integrity with quantitative fit testing (QNFT). Methods: This pilot study explored whether the placement of a silicone scar sheet (ScarAway®), Cavilon™, or Tegaderm™ affects 3M™ half-face mask respirator barrier integrity when compared to no barrier using QNFT. Data were collected from nine clinicians at an academic level 1 trauma centre in New Jersey. Findings: The silicone scar sheet resulted in the lowest adequate fit, whereas Cavilon provided the highest fit factor when compared to other interventions (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings help inform clinicians considering barriers for comfort when wearing facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic and for future pandemics.
AB - Background: Clinicians around the world are experiencing skin breakdown due to the prolonged usage of masks while working long hours to treat patients with COVID-19. The skin damage is a result of the increased friction and pressure at the mask–skin barrier. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians have been applying various skin barriers to prevent and ameliorate skin breakdown. However, there are no studies to our knowledge that assess the safety and efficacy of using these skin barriers without compromising a sufficient mask–face seal. Aim: To conduct the largest study to date of various skin barriers and seal integrity with quantitative fit testing (QNFT). Methods: This pilot study explored whether the placement of a silicone scar sheet (ScarAway®), Cavilon™, or Tegaderm™ affects 3M™ half-face mask respirator barrier integrity when compared to no barrier using QNFT. Data were collected from nine clinicians at an academic level 1 trauma centre in New Jersey. Findings: The silicone scar sheet resulted in the lowest adequate fit, whereas Cavilon provided the highest fit factor when compared to other interventions (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings help inform clinicians considering barriers for comfort when wearing facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic and for future pandemics.
KW - COVID-19 skin breakdown
KW - Irritant contact dermatitis
KW - N95 respirator irritation
KW - Nasal bridge pressure-ulcers
KW - Occupational skin breakdown
KW - Quantitative fit testing
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U2 - 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.02.010
DO - 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.02.010
M3 - Article
C2 - 33600893
AN - SCOPUS:85102419493
SN - 0195-6701
VL - 111
SP - 125
EP - 131
JO - Journal of Hospital Infection
JF - Journal of Hospital Infection
ER -