Experiences When Using Different EHMR Models: Implications for Different Designs and Meeting User Expectations

Details

• Personal Author:
  Angelilli S ; Chalikonda S ; Edirisooriya M ; Fernando R ; Haas, Emily J. ; Hines SE ; Hornbeck A ; McClain C ; Sietsema M ; Thurman P ; Waltenbaugh H
• Description:
  Background: New elastomeric half-mask respirator (EHMR) models without exhalation valves (EVs) or with exhalation valve filters (EVFs) are facilitating expanded use in health settings to reduce workers' exposure to airborne hazards while acting as source control to prevent pathogen spread. The physical comfort of new models has not been assessed in comparison to previously used EHMRs with EVs. Methods: Researchers assessed 1,962 health care and emergency medical service personnels' self-reported adverse experiences from 2 cohorts while wearing EHMR models with EVs (cohort 1, n = 1,080) and without EVs or with EVFs (cohort 2, n = 882). Fisher exact test identified differences between the cohorts accounting for organizational factors when possible. Results: Cohort 1 respondents experienced communication challenges and discomfort when wearing the EHMR > 1 hour statistically significantly more often than cohort 2. Cohort 2 respondents reported statistically significantly more instances of difficulty breathing, moisture buildup, being uncomfortable to wear < 1 hour, and being uncomfortably warm. Conclusions: Discomfort is prevalent among end users and more often among those wearing EHMRs without an EV/with an EVF. As EHMR research and development advances, prevalence in use may increase for emergency and routine situations. Organizations may not only need guidance about respirator selection but also model-specific selection. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Cohort Studies Communicable Diseases Elastomers Health Personnel Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Respiratory Protective Devices Safety
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Elastomeric Half Mask Respirator Cohort Studies Elastomeric Half-mask Respirators Exhalation Valve Healthcare Health Care Workers Infection Control Personal Protective Equipment PPE Respiratory Protection User Experiences

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• ISSN:
  0196-6553
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Maryland ; Pennsylvania ; Philadelphia Region [OSHA] ; West Virginia
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  NPPTL - National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory ; RHD - Respiratory Health Division
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  144-149
• Volume:
  53
• Issue:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20070096
• Citation:
  Am J Infect Control 2025 Jan; 53(1):144-149
• Contact Point Address:
  Emily J. Haas, PhD, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 626 Cochrans Mill Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA
• Email:
  wcq3@cdc.gov
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2025
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Source Full Name:
  American Journal of Infection Control
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:8c2f6c679ba5479b17a0a0fbc2e37269a974ccdb8e331fe1882bda695168c9b71115aa8bfb2c503d9cea604d5edef8dda5c5ea6dafa1b80d8ec408871893c22a
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/208389/cdc_208389_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 494.13 KB ]