Collection Efficiency Comparison of N95 Respirators Saturated with Artificial Perspiration

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in demand for N95 filtering facepiece respirators, leading to supply shortages.
• Traditional guidelines recommend discarding N95 respirators when damp, which is challenging during shortages.
• This necessitates evaluating the impact of moisture on respirator performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of saturation with artificial perspiration and subsequent drying on the performance of N95 filtering facepiece respirators.
• To provide data-driven insights for N95 respirator change-out frequency decisions during supply shortages.

Main Methods:

• N95 filtering facepiece respirators with electrostatic filter media were saturated with artificial perspiration.
• The saturated respirators were then dried out under controlled conditions.
• The collection efficiency of the respirators was measured before and after the saturation and drying process.

Main Results:

• The collection efficiency of N95 filtering facepiece respirators was statistically unchanged or slightly improved after saturation and drying.
• The electrostatic filter media maintained its integrity and filtration capabilities.

Conclusions:

• N95 filtering facepiece respirators maintain their protective performance after becoming damp with perspiration and drying out.
• Respirator wearers can continue to rely on their N95 respirators during shortages, even if they become damp.
• This study supports extending the use of N95 respirators under specific conditions to mitigate supply chain issues.