Tolerability, user acceptance and preference for a novel reusable respirator among health care workers

Eileen Zhuang; Hegang H Chen; Olga Kolesnik; Stella E Hines

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2022.09.006

Tolerability, user acceptance and preference for a novel reusable respirator among health care workers

Am J Infect Control. 2023 Jul;51(7):821-826. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.09.006. Epub 2022 Sep 17.

Authors

Eileen Zhuang¹, Hegang H Chen², Olga Kolesnik¹, Stella E Hines³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
² Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
³ Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Electronic address: shines@som.umaryland.edu.

PMID: 36122632
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.09.006

Abstract

Background: The CleanSpace Technology Halo respirator combines a clear face mask and a powered air supply, without belts or hoses. Although providing higher protection than other respirators used in health care, user acceptance of this device has not been assessed with validated tools.

Methods: We surveyed healthcare workers (HCWs) within a US medical system using Halo respirators in 2021. Subjects completed 3 surveys over 8 weeks, which included the Respirator Comfort, Wearing Experience, and Function Instrument (R-COMFI), a validated tool to assess respirator tolerability. The survey included additional questions about user acceptability and respirator preference. Responses were evaluated for change over time and for significant predictors.

Results: Of 113 HCWs who completed the initial survey (29% response rate), mean ± SD R-COMFI score was 9.1± 5.1, (scale 0-47, lower = more tolerable) and did not change over time (P = .42). Fewer years in healthcare significantly predicted better R-COMFI score (P = .01). Many users preferred Halo in both usual care (45%-52%) and care of patients with COVID-19 (60%-64%).

Discussion: Halo respirators received favorable tolerability scores by HCWs, who often preferred them, especially during care of patients with COVID-19.

Conclusions: Given demand for respirator use in health care, the innovative design provides higher protection than other respirators with a favorable user experience.

Keywords: COVID-19; Elastomeric; Health care; PAPR; Respiratory protection; User acceptance.

MeSH terms

COVID-19* / prevention & control
Health Personnel
Humans
Personal Protective Equipment
Respiratory Protective Devices*
Ventilators, Mechanical