Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

August 12, 2020

Filtration Efficiency of Hospital Face Mask Alternatives Available for Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Sickbert-Bennett et al. assessed the fitted filtration efficiencies (FFEs) for face mask alternatives used by clinicians interacting with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that expired N95 respirators with intact elastic straps and respirators subject to sterilization had no decrease in FFE compared with new N95s. Incorrectly sized N95 respirators had slightly decreased performance (90-95%). Among 2 imported respirators authorized by the CDC but not approved by NIOSH, FFE was 77-80%, while among other not approved alternatives, FFE ranged from 38% (surgical masks with ear loops) to 83% (SAS Safetycorp 8617 Duckbill). 

Sickbert-Bennett et al. (Aug 11, 2020). Filtration Efficiency of Hospital Face Mask Alternatives Available for Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.4221