Data on respirator ("face mask") makes/models in current use needed for emergency decontamination reserach

[Tim Small]

Hello,

I'm trying to support a researcher at the Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh - who is planning to do lab testing next week to inform the safety of heat processes to deactivate the SARS-CoV-2 corona virus.  There is established research on the heat sensitivity of the virus and heat deactivation (ranging from 56C 15 mins, to 50C 60 mins) in the literature, and ongoing research at Stanford and TU Delft (both groups having published initial good results).

Latest Stanford results (more tests are ongoing) can be found with a web search of:

stanford aim covid-19 evidence service

The tests planned will check for any damage to the mask filtration efficiency (using proxy particulates of the same diameter as the virus - i.e. similar to the certification tests that the masks undergo) pre vs. post heat treatment.  They will also assess the mask for mechanical distortion, and damage to the ancillary components (straps, flexible seals etc.) to ensure the mask is not compromised by increased bypass/leakage.

They require information on what mask makes+models are currently in use within the NHS.  Any data points are useful, incomplete or otherwise!

They are require masks to test (only need one of each make/model, and have capacity to test up to ~6 in total in the next week).  Faulty masks also fine (or quality-control fails, if anyone knows any mask manufacturer - the tests are just checking for degradation, so sub-par masks could be used), but need to be new/sterile, since they are not a biological testing facility, and so don't have capability to handle potentially contaminated materials.

Since these are unlikely to be available for obvious reasons, the plan is to use the valved construction industry masks which some of the manufacturers make along side their medical masks (using similar or identical components) e.g. those used for asbestos removal work etc.  However this will still leave gaps in the test coverage, but is better than nothing!

Earlier work by the same IOM team is e.g.

If anyone knows this information, or can help in any way, please get in touch.

Similarly if there are other places I should be posting this, please let me know.

Tim.