Publications by authors named "Adam Hornbeck"
Background: During shortages, elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs) are an alternative to reusing N95 filtering facepiece respirators but require between-use disinfection. The objectives of this study were to (a) measure microbial reductions on EHMR surfaces under laboratory conditions by a standardized procedure using wipes impregnated with health care disinfectants and to (b) measure microbial reductions on EHMRs disinfected by volunteer health care providers.
Method: We inoculated EHMR (Honeywell model RU8500) surfaces with spores, and bacteriophages MS2 and Φ6, and disinfected them using two wipes with hydrogen peroxide (HP), alcohols, and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs).
Background: New elastomeric half-mask respirator (EHMR) models without exhalation valves (EVs) or with exhalation valve filters (EVFs) are facilitating expanded use in health settings to reduce workers' exposure to airborne hazards while acting as source control to prevent pathogen spread. The physical comfort of new models has not been assessed in comparison to previously used EHMRs with EVs.
Methods: Researchers assessed 1,962 health care and emergency medical service personnels' self-reported adverse experiences from 2 cohorts while wearing EHMR models with EVs (cohort 1, n = 1,080) and without EVs or with EVFs (cohort 2, n = 882).
Article Synopsis
- Reusable elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMR) are being studied as alternatives to N95 respirators due to comfort issues that affect healthcare personnel's adherence to wearing them.
- A study involving 183 healthcare workers assessed EHMR tolerability and comfort over time, using a specific questionnaire, and compared results to their experiences with N95 masks.
- The findings showed that healthcare personnel found EHMRs more comfortable and preferable, though communication challenges persisted, highlighting the need for design improvements in the future.
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).
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- * Feedback from 1,080 HCP showed that higher confidence in using EHMR, better training content, varied training formats, and fewer barriers to use significantly improved perceptions of proactive and compliant safety climates.
- * The findings highlight the need for health care organizations to enhance user confidence and address barriers related to EHMR use, while emphasizing ongoing communication and research to refine the design of respiratory protection equipment.
Objective: During infectious disease outbreaks or pandemics, an increased demand for surgical N95s that create shortages and necessitate the use of alternative National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators that do not meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) additional requirements. The objective of this research was to quantify the level of bacterial contamination resulting from wearing NIOSH-approved respirators lacking the additional protections afforded by surgical N95s.
Methods: Participants performed simulated healthcare tasks while wearing 5 different respirators approved by the NIOSH.