The “double eights mask brace” improves the fit and protection of a basic surgical mask amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Study objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread shortages of personal protective equipment, including N95 respirators. Although basic surgical facemasks are more commonly available, their efficacy is limited due primarily to their poor face seal. This pilot study examined the impact of a rubber band mask brace on a basic surgical mask, as determined by quantitative fit testing. Methods: Subjects wearing a basic surgical facemask and the rubber band mask brace underwent quantitative fit testing using machinery designed to certify N95 mask fit. Subjects were tested with the brace anchored behind their ears, with a paperclip behind the head, and on the side knobs of their face shields. The primary outcome measure was whether the subject passed the quantitative fit test at or above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-verified standard for N95 masks. Results: Subjects (n = 11) were 54.5% female, with a median height of 70 inches (interquartile range [IQR] = 68–74), weight of 170 pounds (IQR = 145–215), and body mass index (BMI) of 24.6 (IQR = 22.2–27.2), and encompassing 5 distinct N95 mask fit types. We found that 45%, 100%, and 100% of subjects passed the quantitative fit test when the brace was anchored behind the ears, with a paperclip and on a face shield, respectively. Conclusion: Of the 11 subjects included in the analysis, across a range of body habitus and N95 mask fit types, all passed the quantitative fit test when the mask brace was anchored on either face shield or with a paperclip. This data suggests that although the brace does not create an N95 equivalent in terms of filtration, it would offer improved protection from airborne viruses when worn with a basic surgical mask.