Improving the fit of filtering facepiece respirators

Shah, K., Serban, S. and Douglas, G. V. A. (2022) Improving the fit of filtering facepiece respirators. British Dental Journal, (doi: 10.1038/s41415-022-4512-3) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Aims: To assess the effectiveness and acceptability of smartphone customised frame technology to improve the fit of disposable filtering facepiece class 3 (FFP3) respirators for dental staff who previously failed fit testing. Method: In total, 20 volunteers who previously failed FFP3 fit testing were recruited to use smartphone technology (Bellus3D FaceApp) to have a 3D-printed bespoke face frame produced for them. They underwent qualitative fit testing with and without the frame with two freely available disposable FFP3 respirator designs (mask A: GVS F31000 Segre folded model; mask B: Valmy Spireor). The order of testing was random. Ease of use of the smartphone technology and the comfort of the frame were determined by questionnaire. Results: Fit test passes increased from 5% without the frame to 70% and 95%, respectively, for masks A and B with the frame (p <0.01). Very few participants reported using the technology as difficult (n = 1/20) or the frame uncomfortable (n = 3/20) or difficult to wear (n = 0/20). Conclusion: Customised frames produced using smartphone technology improved qualitative fit test pass rates for two commonly available FFP3 respirators. Using smartphone technology for frame design, wearing a frame and frame comfort levels were all acceptable to the majority of participants.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Serban, Dr Stefan
• Authors: Shah, K., Serban, S., and Douglas, G. V. A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: British Dental Journal
• Publisher: Springer Nature
• ISSN: 0007-0610
• ISSN (Online): 1476-5373
• Published Online: 05 August 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to the British Dental Association 2022
• First Published: First published in British Dental Journal
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy