Improving Tolerance to Snorkel Mask Use as Alternative Personal Protective Equipment
Author Department
Anesthesiology; Patient Care Services
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
4-2021
Abstract
Snorkel masks have become an option for personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the shortage of air filtration at least 95% of airborne particle (N95) masks as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We developed a 3D design of a triheaded adapter that connects a snorkel mask to 3 different National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved air filtration at least 99% of airborne particles (N99) filters with the aim of improving wearer comfort. We measured the resistance of the new triheaded adapter to be one-third the resistance of the single adapter. Interdepartmental survey of anesthesiologists showed an improvement in perceived comfort when using the triheaded adapter as compared to the single adapter.
Recommended Citation
Aljafar G, Connelly NR, Gagnon G, Aljafar H. Improving Tolerance to Snorkel Mask Use as Alternative Personal Protective Equipment. A A Pract. 2021 Apr 27;15(4):e01449. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001449.
PMID
33905378