Study highlights feasibility of deploying EHMRs

Elastomeric half-mask respirators can serve as an effective alternative when N95 masks are unavailable during a public health emergency, a study found. Published this week in the Journal of Infection Control, the study involved 183 health care professionals at two tertiary referral centers who participated in a three-month EHMR deployment in 2021 and responded to surveys about their experiences. Over half of participants were nurses. The EHMR masks were worn for one to three hours per shift, with personnel disinfecting them after 85% of removals. The professionals felt confident using the masks for patient care and said the masks did not interfere with most job tasks. However, communication could be challenging. (American Journal of Infection Control study, 1/24/23)