Mask Facts:

• Masks aren’t interchangeable.
• Masks are designed to protect patients, and HCWs only from splash—not aerosols.
• Masks aren’t required to be fitted-gaps OK.
• Masks are designed for one-time use; masks are often re-used.
• Masks are often worn incorrectly.
• Masks are insufficient to protect against airborne particulates.

N95 (Mask) Respirator Facts:

• N95s must be fitted to the wear’s face and seal tested.
• A fit test determines size of N95.
• A seal check determines whether it has been donned and adjusted properly.
• N95s should be performed at least annually, or at the occurance of facial changes, including
  • Scarring
  • Noticable weight loss
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Dental changes
  • Facial hair

Summary of key points relative to general use of respirators in healthcare environments.

• Respirators must be NIOSH approved.
• Employers must establish and implement a written respiratory protection program, to include:
  • Respirator selection
  • Medical evaluation (employee fitness to wear identified respirators)
  • Fit testing
  • Training
  • Use
  • Care (maintenance)

NOTE:

Many, even healthcare professionals “erroneously” believe that the need/not need of respirators is based on TB patients.

• TB patient frequency is only the most obvious justification for protection against airborne pathogens.
• Even low incidence of patients and conditions that may produce airborne pathogens is not a justification for not being optimally prepared—
• If you are not properly prepared, you will not be able to avoid an incident when the conditions occur.
• Even one incident is costly.
• What is the cost of one incident?
  • A couple dozen MAXAIRs? Several dozen? More?
  • Even an “innocuous” case of TB could cost an RN incident for the equivalent of 15-25 MAXAIRs—enough to cover the N.P. rooms of most hospitals.