Background: The available personal protective equipment (PPE) is insufficient to provide adequate protection during high-risk aerosol-generating procedures, and their shortage was reported. The full-face snorkel masks were modified to be used as PPE. However, little is known about their use in medical practice. Methods: The available masks were assessed and compared in terms of safety, comfort, visual acuity, and communication with team members during the aerosol-generating surgical and endoscopic procedures. The masks were compared with a standard option (full-face shield and N95 mask). The score was assigned to each domain to compare the masks. The aim of the study was to assess the modified full-face snorkel masks as PPE during surgical and endoscopic aerosol-generating procedures. Results: Four modified snorkel masks were assessed and compared with the standard option. All masks provided a good seal, comfort, vision, and protection. Communication was the biggest problem and improved after modification. Suggestions for the mask's selection and on further improvements were made. Conclusion: The modified snorkel masks seem a good alternative to the standard PPE during aerosol-generating procedures. However, additional improvements are still needed. More studies are required to prove the benefits of the modified snorkel masks over the standard PPE.
The Use of Modified Snorkel Masks as Personal Protective Equipment During Aerosol-Generating Procedures: COVID-19 Necessity.