The N95 respirator is a great example of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that effectively protects against and filters most virus particles. However, daily wear poses the risk of sustaining facial pressure injuries.
N95 masks are required to be form-fitting — which is why they are usually the go-to for workers in the healthcare industry. That being said, the masks’ tightness, compounded with constant friction and accumulation of moisture, is what causes pressure injuries.
This kind of damage compromises the skin’s integrity, making it easier for dirt, impurities, and bacteria to enter the body. It also causes red marks, acne, and severe dryness.
Pressure ulcers can progress in four different stages based on the level of tissue damage. Physicians use these stages to determine the best treatment plan for a speedy recovery; if caught early on, the sores can heal in as little as a few days. Although, it’s important to note that prevention should always be the priority.
How To Prevent Facial Pressure Injuries In The Workplace
With daily mask usage being an integral part of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential for employers to properly evaluate, prepare, and protect their workers. Here are a few precautions to take:
- Adjust masks for fifteen minutes every two hours.
- Inspect skin before and after mask use every day.
- Maintain a skincare routine that deeply cleanses, nourishes & moisturizes the face (focusing on high-risk areas like the nose, cheeks, chin, & ears).
The Importance of Mask Fit-Testing
In addition to facial pressure injuries, daily N95 mask wearers experience reduced ventilation, cardiopulmonary exercise capacity, and overall comfort. This is why your employees need to be properly fit-tested for an N95 mask and given medical clearance to go back to work. To conduct a fit test, you will need a testing hood, a testing solution (Saccharin or Bitrex), and a nebulizer. You will know the mask fits properly if you cannot taste or smell the solution while aerosolizing the mixture.
Everybody’s face is different. And N95 masks come in a variety of sizes, makes, and models. The purpose of a fit test is to ensure the mask minimizes the total amount of contaminant leakage and maximizes its level of protection. If a mask does not work properly, it is inherently more dangerous.
A fit test will give you and your employees the peace of mind they need to perform their daily job duties safely. You need to take every precaution to protect yourself, your business, and your people.