Use Full Face Masks as your PPE

Following on from our article on Ocean Reef and being able to use their Full Face Snorkel masks as PPE Equipment, an independent report has now been published

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INDEPENDENT SCIENTIFIC STUDY ON 
OCEAN REEF SNORKELING MASKS
AS PROTECTION DEVICES 
AGAINST AEROSOLIZED CONTAMINANTS AND COVID-19

Evaluation of Protection Level, Respiratory Safety of Commercially Available Snorkel Masks as Personal Protection Devices Against Aerosolized Contaminants and SARS-CoV2

The spread of Covid -19 virus has led to a worldwide shortage of personal protection devices (PPD) for medical and paramedical personnel. Adaptation of commercially available snorkel masks to serve as full face masks has been proposed.  Scientific Studies tested protection levels and risk of carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation.

Methods:
A ‘fit’ test was performed, analogous to gas mask testing. Respiratory safety was evaluated by measuring end-tidal CO2 and oxygen saturation while wearing the masks in rest and during physical exercise.

Conclusion
"Snorkel masks, when fitted with a 3D adaptor and a ventilator filter, can provide protection comparable to N95/FFP2 or even N99/FFP3 levels (depending on the type of filter used, electrostatic, or pleated). They should not be used with a makeshift N95/FFP2 covering of snorkel opening, both for reasons of efficiency and safety.
Breathing comfort and safety for Ocean Reef masks with adaptors is adequate, with minimal end-tidal CO2 increase at rest and good exercise tolerance"

If we have a few people interested in the adapters, then we are happy to bring them into stock.  For our current stock of Full Face Masks have a look at our online store, but better still, pop into the shop and we can fit you to ensure it fits.

Download the full study

FFM Availability