The Respirator Fitting Characteristics: The Emerging but Negligent Issues Influencing Optimal Respiratory Protection against New Coronavirus (Covid-19)

According to the hierarchy of hazard controls, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is considered as the last prevention and control measure against chemical and biological respiratory hazards. However, the correct application of these kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) as the only control means are inevitably unavoidable during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) such as tracheal intubation, noninvasive ventilation, and tracheostomy and so on. Nonetheless, two vital factors influencing the optimal use of RPE are as follows: the filtration efficiency of the respirator and the fitting characteristics of the respirator into the subjects’ facial dimensions to ensure the appropriate respiratory protection. It is of utmost importance for HCP, while they are conducting high-risk procedures during emergencies such as the outbreak of the Covid-19.