Jurnal internasional Afrika vol.11 issue 4 2021
African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Adapted full-face snorkel masks as an alternative for COVID-19 personal protection during aerosol generating procedures in South Africa: A multi-centre, non-blinded in-situ simulation study
Dublin Core
Title
Jurnal internasional Afrika vol.11 issue 4 2021
African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Adapted full-face snorkel masks as an alternative for COVID-19 personal protection during aerosol generating procedures in South Africa: A multi-centre, non-blinded in-situ simulation study
African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Adapted full-face snorkel masks as an alternative for COVID-19 personal protection during aerosol generating procedures in South Africa: A multi-centre, non-blinded in-situ simulation study
Subject
Full-face snorkel mask
N95 alternatives
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
N95 alternatives
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Description
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in increased worldwide demand for personal protective equipment (PPE).
With pressure from ongoing epidemic and endemic episodes, we assessed an adapted snorkel mask that provides
full-face protection for healthcare workers (HCWs), particularly during aerosol-generating procedures. These
masks have a custom-made adaptor which allows the fitment of standard medical respiratory filters. The aim of
this study was to evaluate the fit, seal and clinical usability of these masks.
Methods: This multicentre, non-blinded in-situ simulation study recruited fifty-two HCWs to don and doff the
adapted snorkel mask. Negative pressure seal checks and a qualitative fit test were performed. The HCWs
completed intubation and extubation of a manikin in a university skills training laboratory, followed by a web-
based questionnaire on the clinical usability of the masks.
Results: Whilst fit and usability data were generally satisfactory, two of the 52 participants (3.8%) felt that the
mask did not span the correct distance from the nose to the chin, and 3 of 34 participants (8.8%) who underwent
qualitative testing with a Bitrex test failed. The majority of users reported no fogging, humidity or irritation. It
was reportedly easy to speak while wearing the mask, although some participants perceived that they were not
always understood. Twenty-one participants (40%) experienced a subjective physiological effect from wearing
the mask; most commonly a sensation of shortness of breath.
Discussion: A fit-tested modified full-face snorkel mask may offer benefit as a substitute for N95 respirators and
face shields. It is, however, important to properly select the correct mask based on size, fit testing, quality of the
three-dimensional (3D) printed parts and respiratory filter to be used. Additionally, HCWs should be trained in
the use of the mask, and each mask should be used by a single HCW and not shared.
With pressure from ongoing epidemic and endemic episodes, we assessed an adapted snorkel mask that provides
full-face protection for healthcare workers (HCWs), particularly during aerosol-generating procedures. These
masks have a custom-made adaptor which allows the fitment of standard medical respiratory filters. The aim of
this study was to evaluate the fit, seal and clinical usability of these masks.
Methods: This multicentre, non-blinded in-situ simulation study recruited fifty-two HCWs to don and doff the
adapted snorkel mask. Negative pressure seal checks and a qualitative fit test were performed. The HCWs
completed intubation and extubation of a manikin in a university skills training laboratory, followed by a web-
based questionnaire on the clinical usability of the masks.
Results: Whilst fit and usability data were generally satisfactory, two of the 52 participants (3.8%) felt that the
mask did not span the correct distance from the nose to the chin, and 3 of 34 participants (8.8%) who underwent
qualitative testing with a Bitrex test failed. The majority of users reported no fogging, humidity or irritation. It
was reportedly easy to speak while wearing the mask, although some participants perceived that they were not
always understood. Twenty-one participants (40%) experienced a subjective physiological effect from wearing
the mask; most commonly a sensation of shortness of breath.
Discussion: A fit-tested modified full-face snorkel mask may offer benefit as a substitute for N95 respirators and
face shields. It is, however, important to properly select the correct mask based on size, fit testing, quality of the
three-dimensional (3D) printed parts and respiratory filter to be used. Additionally, HCWs should be trained in
the use of the mask, and each mask should be used by a single HCW and not shared.
Creator
Ronel Herselman , Vidya Lalloo , Veronica Ueckermann , Daniel J. van Tonder ,Edwin de Jager , Sandra Spijkerman , Wanda van der Merwe , Marizane du Pisane ,Fanie Hattingh , David Stanton , Ross Hofmeyr
Source
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afjem.2021.08.002
Date
4 August 2021
Contributor
peri irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Citation
Ronel Herselman , Vidya Lalloo , Veronica Ueckermann , Daniel J. van Tonder ,Edwin de Jager , Sandra Spijkerman , Wanda van der Merwe , Marizane du Pisane ,Fanie Hattingh , David Stanton , Ross Hofmeyr, “Jurnal internasional Afrika vol.11 issue 4 2021
African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Adapted full-face snorkel masks as an alternative for COVID-19 personal protection during aerosol generating procedures in South Africa: A multi-centre, non-blinded in-situ simulation study,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 26, 2025, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/1851.
African Journal of Emergency Medicine
Adapted full-face snorkel masks as an alternative for COVID-19 personal protection during aerosol generating procedures in South Africa: A multi-centre, non-blinded in-situ simulation study,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 26, 2025, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/1851.