John,

Thank you for your response.

Below are some limitations/disadvantages of using the ENVO masks:

They have an exhalation port. SOLUTION: One can order a valve plug or a separate headgear that is valveless.
There have been issues in fit; they do not fit all head sizes. There is one loop only for the head and neck. Fit testing, therefore, becomes critically important.
Facepieces and filters are more expensive as compared to standard N-95s.

We have not officially approved them for system dispensing. Regarding the issue of quarter vs half masks, speaking purely from an health care organization perspective, the key operating element here is the filter: N-95, the size and location on the face notwithstanding (although I do understand what you are saying). Of course, as you are aware, health care employees performing tasks such as aerosol generating procedures, at risk of other prolonged exposure, etc., have to wear additional appropriate PPE.

At the beginning of the pandemic, when supplies were scarce, I had made a recommendation for elastomeric respirators. We eventually did not require them. I am not 100% certain about their level of comfort though although worth looking into.

Thanks!
Abhijay

Abhijay P. Karandikar, MD, MPH, FACOEM
Chief, Section of Occupational Medicine & Employee Health
Reading Hospital/Tower Health
West Reading, PA

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 06:58:05 PM EST, Stebbins, John (LNI) <stjo235@lni.wa.gov> wrote:

With the ENVO masks, how do you address them as quarter masks (half the assigned protection of standard N95 FFR)? Are there limitations on their use? Have you assessed any of the half-face elastomeric respirators coming on the market that either have no exhalation port or use filters over the exhalation port?

--------------

John G. Stebbins, CSP, CIH -- L&I -- DOSH -- (206)515-2870

From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net> On Behalf Of Abhijay Karandikar via MCOH-EH
Sent: Tuesday, December 7, 2021 2:00 PM
To: mcoh-eh@mylist.net
Cc: Abhijay Karandikar <dr_abhik@yahoo.com>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Mask/eyewear fatigue

External Email

Hi,

We are seeing a good amount of mask/eye protection fatigue among our employees/staff. Some of this is related to fogging of eyewear and some of it is related to comfort issues from wearing PPE for long hours/having to change them frequently based on entry/exit into rooms. I am anticipating that a few, if not most of you, are versed with this issue at this stage of the pandemic. I have suggested a few easy solutions to our leadership that we will oversee implementation of. However, I am reaching out to see if there is any particular PPE/equipment that you use at your facilities or can recommend to deal with these issues.

On a similar note, the ENVO respirators appear to be a popular choice; however, they are not suitable for us in healthcare due to the exhalation port. They do now provide valve plugs and a separate headgear which is valveless. Can anyone share any pearls of wisdom regarding their use?

Thanks!
Abhijay

Abhijay P. Karandikar, MD, MPH, FACOEM

Chief, Section of Occupational Medicine & Employee Health

Reading Hospital/Tower Health

West Reading, PA

---------------------------------------
The MCOH-EH List has always been moderated by members of the ACOEM Medical Center Occupational Health Section. It is currently moderated by Joe Fanucchi MD FACOEM.
List membership is free, but only subscribers may post to the list.
To post send messages to: mcoh-eh@mylist.net
To become a subscriber, or to change your subscription options (turn off email while you're on vacation, etc): http://www.mcoh-eh.net
MediTrax / Occupational Health Systems, Inc. provides financial support to ensure the list remains a free resource for the occupational health community.
---------------------------------------
List archives (public): http://mylist.net/archives/mcoh-eh/
---------------------------------------
Send administrative requests to: drjoe@meditrax.com
---------------------------------------
When replying to a message, PLEASE delete all footers, and all messages to which you're NOT replying.