id	author	title	date	pages	extension	mime	words	sentences	flesch	summary	cache	txt
cord-276265-gjqqfudb	Chiang, James	Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak	2020-07-20		.txt	text/plain	2598	127	44	Since the coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) has become a significant issue in numerous countries worldwide [1] , with an estimate of 89 million masks required monthly due to increased demand within and outside healthcare settings [2] . Some of these recommendations include using N95 masks for extended durations, using one mask for several different patients, reserving disposable N95 masks for aerosol generating procedures, and using reusable elastomeric respirators with appropriate filters [3] . Given the persistent shortage of disposable N95 masks, the authors review the safety and practicality of elastomeric respirators as an alternative for protection against the coronavirus COVID-19. Currently, the CDC recommends that health care providers that will be within 3 ft of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient without a mask, or if providers are in the room for an aerosolizing procedure, the provider may voluntarily utilize higher level of protection than N95 masks, such as elastomeric respirators or PAPR.	./cache/cord-276265-gjqqfudb.txt	./txt/cord-276265-gjqqfudb.txt