The Use of Modified Snorkel Masks as Personal Protective Equipment During Aerosol-Generating Procedures: COVID-19 Necessity

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Occupational Safety
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) compromise protection during aerosol-generating procedures.
• Full-face snorkel masks were repurposed and modified for use as PPE in medical settings.
• Limited data exists on the efficacy and usability of modified snorkel masks in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate modified full-face snorkel masks as personal protective equipment (PPE).
• To compare their safety, comfort, vision, and communication effectiveness against standard PPE during aerosol-generating procedures.

Main Methods:

• Four types of modified full-face snorkel masks were assessed.
• Comparison was made against standard PPE (full-face shield and N95 mask).
• Masks were evaluated for seal, comfort, visual acuity, and communication during surgical and endoscopic procedures.

Main Results:

• All modified snorkel masks demonstrated a good seal, comfort, and vision.
• Communication, initially a challenge, showed improvement after mask modifications.
• The modified masks were found to provide adequate protection.

Conclusions:

• Modified full-face snorkel masks present a viable alternative to standard PPE for aerosol-generating procedures.
• Further enhancements are necessary to optimize their performance.
• Additional studies are needed to validate their superiority over conventional PPE.