Testing the Proper Fit Of Respirator Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Among Medical Staff

摘要

Occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 does not just cause a significant number of cases of occupational disease, it also significantly more frequently results in severe COVID-19 disease in medical staff (1, 2). Aerosol-generating procedures such as intubation and ventilation, large numbers of patient contacts, or specialty-related close patient contact require the use of tightly fitting respirator masks. Filtering respirators (non-reusable FFP2/FFP3 and reusable half masks with P3 filters that meet the EN149:2001 standard) can considerably reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, but only if they fit properly. Since most pathogens of aerosol-borne diseases are tasteless and odorless, wearers cannot tell whether their respirator provides the necessary level of protection unless it is tested for fit. So-called single-use or disposable masks should also be individually fit-tested for each user (figure). Unless this is done, there is a risk that 25% to 75% of staff will remain unprotected despite wearing a respirator mask (3, 4). Fit testing is recommended by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV, Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung), the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA), and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), because “the FFP2/3 mask can give complete protection only if it is worn continuously and is fits properly (i.e., is adjusted to facial features and has a good seal to the skin, as demonstrated by fit testing)” (5).