[MCOH-EH] Vision/noise issues with PAPRs

[Abhijay Karandikar]

As PAPRs are increasingly being used during this crisis time, there have been issues arising with/from their use. Some common issues include the following:

1. The base curvature of the PAPR hood/face shield causes distorted/blurred vision for employees wearing prescription progressive lenses in glass frames. 

2.  The fan inside the PAPR hood/apparatus dries eyes, thus compounding the distorted/blurred vision.

3.  The fan noise noted inside the PAPR hood/apparatus limits accurate auscultation of the pulmonary, cardiac, and GI systems.

While these issues are not new and while potential solutions may include education, practice, using artificial tears, etc., I am curious to know if you are encountering them in your facilities and how you are resolving these issues at a time when respirators are already scarce. 

Thanks!

Abhijay P. Karandikar, MD, MPH, FACOEM