Bench testing of noninvasive ventilation masks with viral filters for the protection from inhalation of infectious respirable particles

During the beginning of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there was a shortage masks and respirators for protection health care professionals. Masks noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in combination with viral-proof filters, worn by healthcare workers, could serve as an alternative measure. We determined simulated factor (SPF) such devices comparison to conventional surgical masks, N95, FFP3 respirators. were mounted on ventilated mannequin head test-chamber. Isotonic saline containing 150 MBq 99mTC-DTPA (99mTc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) nebulized inside box. The aerosol had mass median aerodynamic diameter 0.6 ± 0.4 µm. SPFs measured using radioactive DTPA particles test system calculating ratio unfiltered (Pu) filtered (Pf) each tested device (SPF = Pu/Pf). Simulated factors 15.6 3.6 ResMed AcuCare mask plus filter, 3.5 0.2 Mirage Quattro FX 9.5 0.8 Loewenstein JOYCEclinc FF 1.9 rubber band, 2.7 0.7 ribbons, 2.3 0.3 respirator, 1.3 N95 respirator. JOYCEclinic more effective than any other (p < 0.001). In conclusion, normally used NIV filters can effectively filter respirable particles.