Particle Filtration Efficiency Testing of Sterilization Wrap Masks

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Non-traditional materials, like surgical sterilization wrap, emerged as potential alternatives for mask construction.
• Social media popularized these as
• N95 alternatives
• without verified performance data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the particle filtration efficiency and breathability of reusable masks made from surgical sterilization wrap.
• To compare the performance of sterilization wrap masks against approved N95 respirators and surgical masks.
• To inform the public and healthcare professionals about the efficacy of non-traditional mask materials.

Main Methods:

• Filtration efficiency was tested using a sodium chloride aerosol, following standards similar to 42 CFR 84.181.
• Breathability was assessed by measuring pressure drops across the material.
• Sterilization wrap was tested new and after multiple autoclave sterilization cycles (2, 4, 6, 10).

Main Results:

• Sterilization wrap demonstrated particle filtration efficiency between 58% and 66%, consistent across sterilization cycles.
• N95 respirators achieved 95% filtration, while surgical masks achieved 68%.
• Pressure drops for sterilization wrap (10.4 mmH2O) were within acceptable breathability limits, similar to N95 (5.9 mmH2O) and surgical masks (5.1 mmH2O).

Conclusions:

• Surgical sterilization wrap masks provide breathability comparable to surgical masks but offer substantially lower particle filtration than N95 respirators.
• The filtration performance of sterilization wrap falls within the range of surgical masks.
• Rigorous performance testing of novel mask materials is essential to ensure accurate information and prevent the spread of misinformation regarding their protective capabilities.