Reusing and/or reprocessing the N95 face respirator mask or equivalent: An integrative 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, SciVerse Scopus, WebofScience 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.

Descriptors:
Personal Protective Equipment; Pandemics; Coronavirus Infections; Facial Masks; Respiratory Protective Devices; Review