Introduction to Respirator Masks

What is/are Respirator Masks?

Respirator Masks - We explored the possibility to adopt additive manufacturing technologies for the production of respirator masks, responding to the sudden demand of SPDs caused by the emergency scenario of the pandemic spread of SARS-COV-2. ^[1] Amongst other products, respirator masks are crucial to protect the users against transmission of the virus. ^[2] One solution proposed is re-sterilisation of respirator masks and this has been commenced in some parts of the world. ^[3] In this chapter, few examples of 3D-printed items include face shields, nasal swabs, respirator masks and ventilator components used by folk’s has been discussed. ^[4] An overview of global ongoing and past initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic along with their challenges on retrofitting full-face snorkeling masks for healthcare applications such as splash-proof face shields, respirator masks and non-invasive ventilation systems are reported in this contribution. ^[5]

personal protective equipment

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed with keywords “Coronavirus disease 2019”, “COVID-19”, “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “supply shortages”, “N95 respirator masks”, “personal protective equipment”, “PPE”, “ventilators”, “three-dimensional model”, “three-dimensional printing” “3D printing” and “ventilator”. ^[1] The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a significant shortage of personal protective equipment in multiple health care facilities around the world, with the highest impact on N95 respirator masks. ^[2] The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented European hospitals with chronic shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks and respirator masks. ^[3] Even though international guidelines on “droplet” versus “air” precautions and personal protective equipment (surgical versus respirator masks) are under discussion, the existing literature underscores the effectiveness of “droplet” precautions as a means of protecting healthcare workers. ^[4]

N95 Respirator Masks

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed with keywords “Coronavirus disease 2019”, “COVID-19”, “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “supply shortages”, “N95 respirator masks”, “personal protective equipment”, “PPE”, “ventilators”, “three-dimensional model”, “three-dimensional printing” “3D printing” and “ventilator”. ^[1] According to the literature, effective decontamination of N95 respirator masks or surgical masks requires UV-C doses of greater than 1 Jcm−2, which was achieved after 4. ^[2] Disposable N95 respirator masks are the current standard for healthcare worker respiratory protection in the COVID‐19 pandemic. ^[3] PPE include N95 respirator masks or surgical masks, eye protectors or face shields, alcohol-based sanitizers, protective gowns, surgical caps and rubber boots. ^[4] The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a significant shortage of personal protective equipment in multiple health care facilities around the world, with the highest impact on N95 respirator masks. ^[5] A full PPE, including a Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) system, fit-tested N95 respirator masks, face shield, and tight-fitting eye protection goggles, are recommended in performing the surgeries. ^[6]

Particulate Respirator Masks

Persistence of viable virus was monitored over 21 days on eight different materials, including nitrile medical examination gloves, reinforced chemical resistant gloves, N-95 and N-100 particulate respirator masks, Tyvek, plastic, cotton, and stainless steel. ^[1] N95 particulate respirator masks are currently recommended for all healthcare workers who care for patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) when performing aerosol-generating procedures. ^[2] According to the study, the lack of access and availability of PPE such as Particulate Respirator Masks, face shields, protective clothing, protective gloves, and hand sanitizer/disinfectant as facilities in hospitals causes Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, and Post-Stress Disorder Trauma from before. ^[3]