Filtration performance of three models of N95 filtering facepiece respirators following clinical usage and vaporized hydrogen peroxide decontamination

Abstract

Background: N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for protecting healthcare workers from airborne pathogens.

Aim: To perform the first large-scale evaluation of particulate filtration efficiency (PFE) of three models of N95 FFRs following clinical usage and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) decontamination.

Methods: Three variables were assessed for effect on PFE following VHP decontamination: VHP sterilizer model, N95 respirator model, and prior N95 clinical usage.

Findings: The VHP sterilizer model and N95 FFR model impacted PFE performance. Worn N95 FFRs had a 91% lower odds of exhibiting ≥95% PFE compared with the control.

Conclusion: This work highlights the importance of validating any N95 FFR decontamination programme in its entirety, including prior clinical usage.

Keywords: Decontamination; Infection control; N95 FFR; Occupational health and safety; Particulate filtration efficiency; Vaporized hydrogen peroxide.