Flat Fold and Cup-Shaped N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirator Face Seal Area and Pressure Determinations: A Stereophotogrammetry Study

Abstract

Twenty subjects underwent quantitative respirator fit testing with two styles (flat fold, cup-shaped) of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (N95 FFRs). Passing a fit test was followed by stereophotogrammetry to determine the face seal area and computation of seal pressure. There were significantly different seal pressures (p < 0.01) between standard size flat fold and cup-shaped N95 FFRs but no significant differences in face seal area. No significant differences were noted in fit factors, but more individuals passed fit testing wearing flat fold respirators. The ability of flat fold N95 FFRs, at lower seal pressures, to obtain similar fit factors as cup-shaped N95 FFR at higher seal pressures offers the possibility of enhanced facial comfort without a loss of protection. Stereophotogrammetry offers a relatively simple, non-invasive technology to evaluate various properties of N95 FFR fit.

Keywords:

• face seal area
• N95 filtering facepiece respirators
• seal pressure
• stereophotogrammetry

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank Ronald Shaffer, Samy Rengasamy, Ziqing Zhuang, and Michael Bergman for their manusc- ript reviews and insightful comments.

The findings and conclusions of this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Mention of any company name or product does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This article not subject to U.S. copyright law.