A new study suggests reusable respirators typically used by construction or factory workers may be a viable alternative to disposable N95 respirators used by healthcare workers, according to an article on the U.S. News website.
Elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs) provide the same level of infection protection as N95 respirators, according to the study.
EHMRs use is hampered by the time needed to assure a safe fit, but the study found healthcare workers quickly got the hang of the fit test.
Further testing is needed to determine how best to disinfect elastomeric respirators, however.
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