A qualitative comparison of the covex respirator with face shield versus the N95 respirator

Reid Mimmack, Elijah Germo, Garrett Augustine, Kumar Belani

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

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 languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2021 Design of Medical Devices Conference, DMD 2021
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers
ISBN (Electronic)9780791884812
DOIs
StatePublished - May 11 2020
Event2021 Design of Medical Devices Conference, DMD 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Apr 12 2021Apr 15 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2021 Design of Medical Devices Conference, DMD 2021

Conference

Conference2021 Design of Medical Devices Conference, DMD 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period4/12/214/15/21

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 by ASME.

Keywords

  • COVEX
  • N95
  • PPE
  • Pandemic
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Respirator

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