As we reflect on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, a crucial question emerges: could reusable masks be a more effective solution for future pandemics? A recent study conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong highlights the Totobobo mask, which has shown promising results as a reusable and eco-friendly option.
Study Insights on the Totobobo Mask
The study revealed that the Totobobo mask retains its fitting properties even after multiple cleaning cycles. Specifically, after 15 rounds of ethanol cleaning, 77% of participants maintained satisfactory fit-test performance. However, this number dropped to 53% after 30 cleaning cycles, indicating both the challenges and potential of the Totobobo mask as a reusable solution in healthcare settings during a pandemic.
Supply Challenges During a Pandemic
At the early stages of COVID-19, many faced significant supply issues with disposable respirators due to broken supply chains. This experience highlights the importance of preparing for future pandemics. Stockpiling masks for peak demand can be impractical; large quantities of unused masks may go to waste if they expire before being needed.
Logistics of Mask Supply
The logistics surrounding mask supply during a pandemic involve several critical areas:
- Sourcing: Finding reliable suppliers for masks can be challenging during a crisis.
- Storage: Storing large quantities of masks requires significant space and resources.
- Distribution: Efficiently distributing masks to those in need is crucial but can be complicated.
- Size and Model Variability: Different healthcare workers may require various sizes and models of respirator masks. Ensuring that the correct size and model are stocked and distributed to the right individuals in a mass operation poses a significant challenge.
The Environmental Impact of Disposable Masks
The environmental impact of disposable masks is staggering, with an estimated 129 billion face masks contributing to plastic pollution each month. The reusability of the Totobobo mask offers a sustainable alternative that could significantly reduce waste. By allowing healthcare workers (HCWs) to reuse personalized Totobobo masks, we could streamline sourcing and distribution efforts while minimizing environmental burden.
The Promise of the Totobobo Mask
Additionally, the Totobobo mask’s transparent design enhances communication between HCWs and patients. A recent randomized controlled trial found that patients rated surgeons wearing clear masks as better at providing understandable explanations, demonstrating empathy, and building trust.
Comfort and Compliance
Comfort is another essential factor influencing mask compliance and protection. In the study, 90% of participants reported that the Totobobo mask was either more comfortable or equally comfortable compared to their regular N95 masks. This level of comfort is vital for ensuring that users can wear their masks for extended periods without discomfort.
Challenges with Reusability
While reusability presents advantages, it also introduces new challenges—specifically, the need for effective disinfection methods. The research team proposed a straightforward solution: submerging used masks and filters in ethanol for five minutes before drying them for reuse. This method effectively inactivates COVID-19 viruses within one minute when exposed to 70% ethanol.To validate this cleaning method, fit tests were conducted before and after 15 cleaning cycles. The results showed median fit factors of 139.5 for the first test, 134 for the second, and 122 for the third—indicating that while fit performance declined with repeated cleanings, all values remained above the acceptable threshold.
Final Thoughts
As we prepare for future pandemics—acknowledging that it’s a matter of “when,” not “if”—the potential for reusable solutions like the Totobobo mask becomes increasingly clear. Compared to maintaining stockpiles of various disposable masks, it is easier and more cost-effective to stock up on sufficient filters for reusable options, providing customized protection while reducing environmental impact.However, improvements are still needed in areas such as long-lasting fit performance and ease of customization for reusable masks like Totobobo. By addressing these challenges, we can enhance our preparedness for future health crises while promoting sustainable practices in personal protective equipment usage.
Reference:
1. The effect of ethanol immersion on fit performance and comfort of a fit tested reusable mask
2. Effect of Clear vs Standard Covered Masks on Communication With Patients During Surgical Clinic Encounters (A Randomized Clinical Trial)
3. Ethanol significantly reduces coronavirus infectivity within 1 min