The Respirator Fitting Characteristics: The Emerging but Negligent Issues Influencing Optimal Respiratory Protection against New Coronavirus (Covid-19)

According to the hierarchy of hazard controls, respiratory protective ‎equipment (RPE) is considered as the last prevention and control measure ‎against chemical and biological respiratory hazards. However, the correct ‎application of‎ these kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) as the only ‎control means are inevitably unavoidable during aerosol-generating procedures ‎‎ (AGPs) such as tracheal intubation, noninvasive ventilation, and ‎tracheostomy and so on‎. Nonetheless, two vital factors influencing the optimal use of RPE are as ‎follows: the filtration efficiency of the respirator and the fitting characteristics ‎of the respirator into the subjects’ facial dimensions to ensure the appropriate ‎respiratory protection. It is of utmost importance for HCP, while they are conducting high-risk ‎procedures during emergencies such as the outbreak of the Covid-19‎.