Dental Positive Air Pressure Purifier Respirator

Abstract

Dental treatment usually involves the spreading of aerosols and droplets of secretions from oral cavity such as blood, saliva, etc. During the pandemic outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was fatal and contagious via contact with respiratory aerosols and droplets, there is more awareness among healthcare workers to protect themselves from this infection. Due to a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) resulting in more expense and requirement for either a replacement or alternative option. The higher risk of infection among health care workers, the more importance of devices that can protect their head and facial area from infectious secretions. The purpose of this study is to create and develop innovations; a set of positive air pressure purifier respirator that can reduce the risk of respiratory tract infection including COVID-19 during dental procedures. The testing results of our newly developed equipment showed that the highest air pressure efficiency was +31 Pa and the lowest was +29 Pa, with an average value of +30 Pa. 0.3-micron particle filtration efficiency according to ASTEM F2299-03 was 98.53%. The average Fit Efficiency was 81.81%. In comparison with commercial portable battery-powered air filter positive pressure masks, our equipment was easier to carry due to a single piece design causing no need to rely on the air duct from the air filter. No requirement of battery harness and air filter at the waist also affected the sitting posture in dental work. Finally, lower production costs because there was no need to import the products. However, there was still room for improvement, especially high weight bearing on the head and neck which could generate fatigue after using for a long time. Moreover, improving small particles leakage prevention by making it more compact and adhesive to the face would be a crucial development.