Strap Performance of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators After Multiple Decontamination Cycles

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Healthcare settings face N95 respirator shortages during critical events.
• The Battelle Critical Care Decontamination System (CCDS) uses vapor phase hydrogen peroxide (VPHP) for N95 respirator reuse.
• N95 respirator fit is crucial for effective protection and relies on strap integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the mechanical properties of N95 respirator straps after repeated decontamination and donning/doffing cycles.
• To determine if strap elasticity changes impact the ability to achieve a proper respirator fit.
• To assess the suitability of the Battelle CCDS for N95 respirator reuse.

Main Methods:

• N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) underwent up to 20 cycles of donning/doffing and decontamination in the Battelle CCDS.
• Strap mechanical properties were characterized by measuring load at specific strain percentages (50% and 100%).
• Results were compared to as-received control respirators.

Main Results:

• Strap loads after 20 cycles were similar (within ±15%) to control respirators.
• Minor reductions in strap load were observed, potentially indicating slight elasticity loss.
• These small changes are unlikely to significantly compromise respirator fit.

Conclusions:

• The Battelle CCDS effectively decontaminates N95 respirators while preserving strap mechanical integrity for reuse.
• Visual inspection and user seal checks remain critical before reusing decontaminated N95 respirators.
• Strap elasticity changes within observed limits do not necessarily preclude a proper fit.