A close shave? Performance of P2/N95 respirators in health care workers with facial hair: results of the BEARDS (Adequate Respiratory DefenceS) study

Publication date: Available online 21 January 2020Source: Journal of Hospital InfectionAuthor(s): Indy Sandaradura, Emma Goeman, Giulietta Pontivivo, Elizabeth Fine, Helen Gray, Stephen Kerr, Debbie Marriott, Jock Harkness, David AndresenUnstructured AbstractP2/N95 filtering face piece respirators (FFRs) protect Health Care Workers (HCW) from airborne infections. We assessed the impact of facial hair on quantitative respirator fit in 105 male HCW, of whom 38 were clean-shaven, and assessed male facial hair prevalence at our facility. Only 34 (32%) of male HCWs overall achieved an adequate FFR fit, including 47% of clean-shaven men. No full bearded HCW achieved a fit. Adequate respirator fit fell significantly with increasing facial hair (p<0.01 for trend). Facial hair was present on 49% of male employees. Our study supports quantitative fit testing prior to P2/N95 respirator use.
Source: Journal of Hospital Infection - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research