A recent study published in JAMA highlights concerns about the effectiveness of reused N95 respirators, with nearly 40% of the masks losing some protective properties after just one healthcare worker’s shift. N95 masks, considered crucial in clinical settings, are typically disposed of after each patient encounter. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply shortages led to the reuse of personal protective equipment. The study, comparing dome, duckbill, and trifold N95s, found that after one shift, 38.7% of the masks no longer fit appropriately, with trifold masks deteriorating at significantly higher rates. The research raises questions about the safety of repeated N95 use and emphasizes the need for adjustments in future pandemic preparedness initiatives.
Study reveals nearly 40% of reused N95 respirators lose protective properties after one shift.
