N95 mask reuse & failure rates

A small, cross-sectional study in JAMA reports that duckbill N95 masks had a high rate of fit test failure (71%) among healthcare workers who were using their masks for extended periods. Dome-shaped N95 masks had a 28% failure rate. For the dome-shaped masks, failure was more likely with increasing duration of use. The authors of the research letter write: “Based on these preliminary data, health systems should closely evaluate N95 fit during extended use or reuse and limit duckbill mask use if alternatives are available.”

Research letter on N95 reuse and fit in JAMA