“COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF PULSE RATE, OXYGEN SATURATION AND RESPIRATORY RATE AMOUNG DENTAL SURGEONS USING N95 FFR AND HALF FACEPIECE ELASTOMERIC RESPIRATORS: A CLINICAL STUDY”

Abstract

Introduction: Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) are the most commonly used with the N95 FFR being the most popular overall. The number 95 signifying that it is at least 95% efficient in filtering particles. Elastomeric respirators are available as alternatives to disposable half mask filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), such as N95 FFRs, comparatively elastomeric respirators have been found to have 60% higher filtration performance. Previous reports highlighted that difficulty in breathing resulted in limited tolerability when the N95 face mask was used for a prolonged period. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the physiological effect of N95 FFR and 3M elastomeric respirators on dental surgeons. Methodology: The study included 48 participants divided into 2 groups of 24 subjects each. Group 1 and Group 2 included participants using 3M elastomeric respirators and N95 FFR and respectively. Non-smokers and systemically healthy participants were included and the oxygen saturation, pulse rate and respiratory rate readings were taken before the start of the procedure, 30 mins after the start of the procedure and after the completion of procedure with a standard fingertip pulse-oximeter. Conclusion: N95 FFR is acknowledged by the majority of dental professionals, although the majority experienced several perceived side effects. 3M elastomeric respirators have few advantages over the conventional N95 masks and can be an effective alternative to N95 FFR.