Reusing and/or reprocessing the N95 face respirator mask or equivalent: An integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.5135.3492Keywords:
Personal Protective Equipment; Pandemics; Coronavirus Infections; Facial Masks; Respiratory Protective Devices; Review.Abstract
Objective: to analyze the scientific evidence available on the
different reprocessing methods and the necessary conditions for
reuse of the N95 face respirator mask or equivalent. Method:
an integrative literature review. The PICO strategy was used
to elaborate the question. The search was conducted in four
databases: PubMed, Sci Verse Scopus, Web of Science and
EMBASE, considering any period of time. Results: a total
of 32 studies were included from the 561 studies identified,
and they were presented in two categories: “Conditions
for reuse” and “Reprocessing the masks”. Of the evaluated
research studies, seven (21.8%) addressed the reuse of
the N95 face respirator mask or equivalent and 25 (78.1%)
evaluated different reprocessing methods, namely: ultraviolet
germicidal irradiation (14); hydrogen peroxide (8); vapor
methods (14); using dry heat (5) and chemical methods (sodium
hypochlorite [6], ethanol [4] and sodium chloride with sodium
bicarbonate and dimethyldioxirane [1]). We emphasize that
different methods were used in one same article. Conclusion:
no evidence was found to support safe reprocessing of face
respirator masks. In addition, reuse is contraindicated due to
the risk of self-contamination and inadequate sealing.
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