Frame to Improve the Fit of N95 Filtering Face Mask Respirators.

OBJECTIVE

Test a device that can improve upon the seal of filtering face mask respirators (FFRs).

METHODS

A 3-D prototype for a fit improvement frame (FIF) was created and quantitative fit testing was performed for FFRs with and without the FIF.

RESULTS

Thirty eight volunteers underwent fit testing. The overall fit pass rate was 100% for the 3M model 1860 masks, 50% for the 3M model 8511 masks, 13% for the BYD CARE model DE2322, and 7% for the Honeywell DC300N95. When using the FIF the overall passing rate increase to 87% for the DE2322 + FIF (P < 0.01) and for the DC300N95 + FIF the passing rate increase to 73% (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The FIF is effective in improving the mask fit of a common flat fold N95 masks and potentially other N95 masks.