SARS-CoV-2 has posed implications for personal protective equipment supply. In this literature review we examine if elastomeric facepiece respirators (EFRs) are effective substitutes for N95 respirators through comparing their functionality and cost. We reviewed 30 articles which researched the advantages and disadvantages of each respirator. We compiled the reported results and found, among other things, that users favour N95 respirators for comfort but prefer EFRs for protection. EFRs are more cost effective when N95s are used as designed (single use) but mixed strategies minimize costs when N95s are reused (as practiced during shortages). Future research is needed on multicriteria analyses and to incorporate SARS-CoV-2 specific data to support future pandemic planning.
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10245236 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104857 | DOI Listing |
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- 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.
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