Modifications of the fit and combination of surgical masks and KN95 respirators to increase respiratory protection against SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Objective. In the present work, a methodology has been developed for the evaluation of respiratory protection in surgical masks and respirators commonly used in the peruvian population, considering the particles most likely to contain active SARS-COV-2 virus, which includes the filtration capacity of the material used and the adjustment provided by the respiratory protection device. Methodology. A direct linear relationship has been determined between the logarithm of the concentration of suspended particles in air and the elapsed time; ao that, it is possible to compare the amount of internal and external particles to the mask or respirator in the same period of time and to know the percentage of respiratory protection of each sample evaluated. Conclusions: Concordance is obtained between the values ​​obtained for respiratory protection and those expected considering the level of filtration of the material used that makes up each surgical mask or respirator, and the level of adjustment presented by them, observing a significant increase in the levels of protection improving the fit in them.