The changing face of healthcare worker perceptions on powered air-purifying respirators during the SARS outbreak.

Objectives: Before the advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), use of the powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) in the setting of pulmonary tuberculosis has been controversial. Data regarding health care worker (HCW) perceptions and problems encountered with the use of the PAPRs were lacking.

Methodology: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted of HCWs who had used the PAPR in clinical practice during the SARS outbreak, when use of the PAPR was mandatory and widespread.

The clinical predictors of sleepiness correlated with the multiple sleep latency test in an Asian Singapore population.

Study Objectives: To explore the clinical predictors of sleepiness as objectively determined by the Multiple Sleep Latency Test with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, age, body mass index, and overnight polysomnographic parameters at a tertiary referral center Sleep Disorders Unit.

Design: Retrospective, consecutive case series review.

Setting: A multidisciplinary sleep disorders unit in Singapore General Hospital, a tertiary-care university-affiliated hospital.