A few weeks ago a client asked me to review a new N95 Filtering Face Piece (FFP) respirator they had received from a salesperson. This new N95 was very unique and it was touted to be NIOSH approved while being a “strapless” FFP. I was confused, how can a NIOSH N95 FFP be “strapless”. To say the least I had some serious doubts, especially knowing there are millions of counterfeit FFPs out there during this pandemic. But after researching the NIOSH TC# and the manufacturers’ spec sheet I had to admit that they are in fact a NIOSH approved N95 FFP. But these “strapless” N95’s come with one limitation that could be significant in a lot of workplaces…
Every NIOSH-approved respirator must identify any “Special or Critical User Instructions” and this strapless respirator has SEVERAL interesting requirements/restrictions that may cause a few issues in some workplaces with certain types of users and work environments.
No one style, type, or brand of respirator meets all of our needs; however, as neat as it may sound to some, this strapless N95 may not be the right respirator for your workers and/or your working environment…
The ReadiMask® NIOSH N95 (TC-84A-8133) N Series User Instructions contain the following “Special or Critical User Instructions”:
S – SPECIAL OR CRITICAL USER’S INSTRUCTIONS
- The skin should be dry, LOTION OR MAKEUP-FREE, and clean-shaven
- USE A MIRROR TO VERIFY MASK POSITIONING
- You must confirm seal by performing User Seal Check (See Step 6 –Check the Seal)
These two user requirements may be problematic in many workplaces. Women will be PROHIBITED from wearing make-up or using lotions on their faces during working hours and we will need to install mirrors at workstations.
I am betting the make-up and the lotion PROHIBITION is based on the adhesive(s) used to hold the mask in place and form the face-to-mask seal that is so critical in obtaining the full APF of 10 with this FFP.
This style of respirator will also REQUIRE an update to our written program and training materials as the donning and field fit-checks are very different than a traditional FFP.
These respirators are also a ONE (1) TIME use FFP. You don it and if you have to remove it for any reason, it gets discarded and a new one is applied.
TIME USE LIMITATION
If the respirator becomes damaged, soiled, or breathing becomes difficult, leave the contaminated area immediately and dispose of the respirator.
DISCARD THE USED RESPIRATOR AFTER SINGLE USE.
Although there is no mention of what “sweating” will do to the use of this FFP in the official NIOSH limitations, the manufacturer is quick (5 seconds into the video and Item #2) to instruct the user to: (emphasis by me)
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ReadiMask Keys to Proper Donning
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So it appears that sweating may be an issue with the way this respirator seals to the face.