Abstract
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a worldwide pandemic. The pandemic led to concerns of shortages regarding healthcare-related resources, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and more. The uniquely designed COVEX respirator with face shield was engineered and manufactured by Augustine Surgical, Inc. to combat the PPE shortage. The novel COVEX mask is an all-in-one face shield and filter with a Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) greater than 99%. A standard respirator qualitative fit test was completed on the COVEX respirator as well as the current medical standard 3M N95 respirator. Fit test studies comparing the two masks yielded similar outcomes. The COVEX respirator had a qualitative fit test pass rate of 96.6% and the 3M N95 respirator had a pass rate of 93.3% (n=30). Participants also reported other variables comparing the comfort and fit of each mask, which is described further in the discussion. The COVEX respirator with face shield passed a standardized qualitative fit test at a rate similar to the current medical standard N95 respirator. Our results suggest that the COVEX mask may be a viable PPE option in the future.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 2021 Design of Medical Devices Conference, DMD 2021 |
Publisher | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780791884812 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 11 2020 |
Event | 2021 Design of Medical Devices Conference, DMD 2021 - Virtual, Online Duration: Apr 12 2021 → Apr 15 2021 |
Publication series
Name | Proceedings of the 2021 Design of Medical Devices Conference, DMD 2021 |
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Conference
Conference | 2021 Design of Medical Devices Conference, DMD 2021 |
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City | Virtual, Online |
Period | 4/12/21 → 4/15/21 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2021 by ASME.
Keywords
- COVEX
- N95
- PPE
- Pandemic
- Personal protective equipment
- Respirator