title: A controlled crossover human volunteer study of the in vivo filtration efficacy of a high-efficiency particulate air-filtering oxygen mask.
abstract: Nosocomial airborne disease transmission can be important in some epidemics. An oxygen mask incorporating a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter may reduce the chance of inhaling airborne particles. In a randomized controlled crossover volunteer study, the median ratio of ambient:intramask 0.02 to 1-μ particles was significantly higher for the HEPA oxygen mask than for a Hudson-type mask (P < .001), and was ≥100 in 59%-64% of subjects. The use of HEPA masks may protect patients receiving supplementary oxygen against airborne pathogens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Joey K M
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Wai
authors.forename: Charles D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Gomersall
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D005374:Filtration / Q000379:methods*; D006805:Human Experimentation; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D052638:Particulate Matter