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Hi Samantha
I didnt think FDA approved ear loop N95 masks for use in clinical settings? Unless they have changed their policy. If you can email me the brand and model of the masks (off-list) Ican check this for you. Just because a mask says it complies with a certain standard does not necessarily make it suitable for use in all settings, either.
Any addition you use to try and improve fit with N95 masks must be validated by appropriate fit testing to ensure a good seal. If you require mask extenders to improve the fit, then the masks are probably not a good fit to start with, and it is possible the mask extenders improve comfort but dont actually improve the seal.
I would strongly encourage you to seek advice for fit testing your clinical workforce, rather than only relying upon fit checking. A single mask type and size will not necessarily fit all people, and so you will likely need a variety of mask sizes and types to be available.
Cheers
Michael
Michael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincents Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.au
St Vincents Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au
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From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion On Behalf Of Samantha Lavender
Sent: Friday, 12 August 2022 7:12 AM
To: ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU
Subject: [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion] Mask extender use for P2s
Hi all,
My apologies if this question has already come up, I didn’t see it in the archives.
I work for a service which includes aged care homes.
They have received P2 masks (regular) that aren’t great achieving a good fit for most of the staff (the masks do meet standards. The masks are ear loops).
The manufacturer advised, and supplied, plastic mask extenders. When used, these extenders do increase fit and seal on the face.
Currently they service doesn’t fit test, but has a PPE and fit check program.
May I ask the current advice on the use of mask extenders with P2s?
Kind regards,
Samantha Lavender
Infection Prevention and Control Advisor
Wesley Mission QLD
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MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.
The use of trade/product/commercial brand names through the list is discouraged by ACIPC. If you wish to discuss specific reference to products or services by brand or commercial names, please do this outside the list.
Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives – registration and login required.
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