Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion] modification of surgical masks

24/07/2020 at 2:34 pm #77061 Quote

Participant

Author:
Helen Vertoudakis

Email:
helen@verthealth.com.au

Organisation:
Vert Health

State:

Hi Elizabeth
I also agree with Michael – especially the point where you don’t want any pretence that the masks will perform a greater function than they’re capable of – especially in a place where so many vulnerable persons reside.
I would also add that once in place – just inadvertently touching the mask may pull it out the original alignment and the gap may widen without even realising it.

Have a good weekend
Helen

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Helen Vertoudakis | Director | Vert Health
helen@verthealth.com.au | Ph +61 433 027 373 |
PO Box 536 Broadway NSW Australia 2007
http://www.verthealth.com.au

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Thanks Michael and Marilyn. Good advice.

regards

Elizabeth Carroll | Executive Manager Residential & Chief Clinical Officer
p 07 3223 4444 d 07 3223 4491 f 07 3223 4411 m 0468 522 131
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade, Milton Q 4064 | PO Box 771, Toowong BC Q 4066

[PresCare]

I agree with Michael’s assessment.

Stay safe everyone 🙂

Marilyn Harris

CNC Infection Prevention & Control | Sydney Dental Hospital and Oral Health Services, SLHD
Sydney Dental Hospital, 2 Chalmers Street, SURRY HILLS 2010
Tel 02 9293 3276 | Fax 02 9293 3488 | marilyn.harris@health.nsw.gov.au

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Hi Elizabeth

The technique itself looks OK, particularly with that specific brand and type of mask. You would have to test it on other brands and types to see if the same technique could be used.

BUT… I’m not convinced that using this technique is a good idea or even necessary, for a number of reasons, including:

1. It assumes that a loose fitting mask is a risk. If you are using a level 2 or 3 surgical mask appropriately to prevent droplet transmission, there is no evidence to suggest the seal at the sides is so important.

2. You are, in my opinion, fanning the flames for the aerosol route of transmission being important with routine contact, not just droplet spread.

3. Using a level 2 or 3 surgical mask with a seal is sending a false assurance about spread from aerosols, as these masks are not designed to prevent inhalation of aerosols like a correctly fitted P2/N95 masks.

I will be quite interested in other members’ view on this.

Cheers
Michael

Michael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.au

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au

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[Stop the Flu before it stops you]

https://youtu.be/2TTg53aAP8Q

Hello all: I have seen this video on utube which shows how to modify a surgical mask by folding it to achieve a tighter fit.
Is there any benefit in modifying the masks in this way?

Is there any problem with doing this – assuming of course that it’s a fresh mas), and also ensuring that that doffing is as per normal infection control procedure?

I was considering sharing this with my Managers and incorporating into our procedures (in residential and home aged care).

Any thoughts?

[PresCare]

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