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, Sci Verse Scopus, Web of Science 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.