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Strap Performance of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators After Multiple Decontamination Cycles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2020

Aaron W. Richardson ,
Kent C. Hofacre ,
Patrick H. Keyes ,
Rachel M. Thurston  and
John D. Clay
Aaron W. Richardson*
Affiliation:
Battelle Memorial Institute
Kent C. Hofacre
Affiliation:
Battelle Memorial Institute
Patrick H. Keyes
Affiliation:
Battelle Memorial Institute
Rachel M. Thurston
Affiliation:
Battelle Memorial Institute
John D. Clay
Affiliation:
Battelle Memorial Institute
*
Corresponding author point of contact:richardson@battelle.org

Abstract

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The Battelle Critical Care Decontamination System™ (CCDS™) decontaminates N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) using vapor phase hydrogen peroxide (VPHP) for reuse when there is a critical supply shortage. The Battelle CCDS received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2020. This research focused on evaluating the mechanical properties of the straps as an indicator of respirator fit. The objective was to characterize the load generated by the straps following up to 20 don/doff and decontamination cycles in Battelle's CCDS. In general, the measured loads at 50 and 100% strains after 20 cycles were similar (±15%) to the as-received controls. Qualitatively, reductions in the load may be associated with loss of elasticity in the straps, potentially reducing the ability to obtain a proper fit. However, small changes in strap elasticity may not affect the ability to obtain a proper fit given the potential for variation in strap length and positioning on the head. Regardless, prior to reusing a N95 respirator, it is important to complete a visual inspection to ensure it is not damaged, malformed, or soiled. If so, it is recommended to discard the respirator and use a different one. Similarly, the respirator should be discarded if the wearer cannot obtain a proper fit during the user seal check.

Type
Articles
Information
MRS Advances , Volume 5 , Issue 56: Materials advances in application to COVID-19 related challenges , 2020 , pp. 2881 - 2888
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020, published on behalf of Materials Research Society by Cambridge University Press

References

References*

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