COVID-19 Information for the Otorhinolaryngology Community
Elastomeric Respirators: Alternative to Disposable N95 Respirators
During the COVID-19 pandemic, disposable N95 respirators are in short supply; however, such PPE is necessary during all aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). Routine office ENT procedures, including fiberoptic laryngoscopy and nasal endoscopy (with and without debridement), are indeed AGPs. In addition, common ENT operating room procedures have also been associated with a risk of inadvertent COVID-19 virus transmission. Thus, the search for alternatives to the traditional medical-grade N95 respirator has begun with some urgency.
Elastomeric respirators are re-usable respirators originally designed for industrial applications. These devices, if successfully fit-tested for the wearer and used properly, offer protection that exceeds the protection of traditional medical N95 respirator masks. In partnership with UTHealth Environmental Health & Safety, all attending physicians and resident physicians were fit-tested and trained for a half-face elastomeric respirator. Training included a vigorous disinfection protocol to ensure that the elastomeric respirator can be decontaminated between each use. Each physician has been given an elastomeric respirator for use in the clinic and hospital settings.
It should be noted that while the elastomeric respirator offers excellent protection to its wearer, it does not protect the patient. Thus, a standard surgical mask should be used in conjunction with the elastomeric respirator. The surgical mask also offers some protection of the respirator against visible contamination.
Many different models of elastomeric respirators are available. Government standards are quite specific and each device should carry these regulatory ratings. At UTHealth ORL, these models are in use, although many other models will offer comparable features:
- Representative elastomeric respirator: Honeywell Half Mask Respirator
- Representative filter cartridge: Honeywell P100 Filter
Important Links
Reusable Elastomeric Respirators in Health Care: Considerations for Routine and Surge Use
UTHealth Environmental Health & Safety Elastomeric Respirator Disinfection SOP
Otorhinolaryngology Procedures: High Risk for Inadvertent COVID-19 Transmission?
Precautions for Endoscopic Transnasal Skull Base Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Zara M Patel, MD; Juan Fernandez-Miranda, MD; Peter H Hwang, MD; Jayakar V Nayak, MD, PhD; Robert Dodd, MD, PhD; Hamed Sajjadi, MD; Robert K Jackler, MD)
COVID-19 and Ear Surgery (Robert K. Jackler, MD)
Update on Precautions Regarding Endoscopic Procedures & COVID-19 (Zara M. Patel, MD; Peter H. Hwang, MD; Jayakar V. Nayak, MD, PhD; Juan Fernandez-Miranda, MD; Robert Dodd, MD, PhD; Hamed Sajjadi, MD; Robert K. Jackler, MD)
Report from the Stanford Endoscopic Sinus & Skull Base Team (Zara M. Patel, MD; Peter H. Hwang, MD; Jayakar V. Nayak, MD, PhD; Juan Fernandez-Miranda, MD; Robert Dodd, MD, PhD; Hamed Sajjadi, MD; Robert K. Jackler, MD)
Retracing the Path of Contagion Arising From the “Super-Spreader” (Andy Chua, MD)
Smell-Taste Disorders & COVID-19
AAO COVID-19 Anosmia Reporting Tool
AAO-HNS Statement: Anosmia, Hyposmia, and Dysgeusia Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease (March 22, 2020)
Otorhinolaryngology Professional Society Position Statements
American Academy of Otolaryngology
Tracheotomy Recommendations During the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 27. 2020)
Position Statement: Otolaryngologists and the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 23, 2030)
CMS Adult Elective Surgery and Procedures Recommendations (March 18, 2020)
Australian Society of Otolaryngology
Guidance for ENT Surgeons During the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 20, 2020)
American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology
Message from the President (March 24, 2020)
Information for Texas Otorhinolaryngologists
Addendum to Executive Order GA-27 (June 20, 2020)
Governor Abbott Issues Executive Expanding Hospital Capacity Order Suspends Elective Surgeries in Four Texas Counties (June 25, 2020)
TMB Adopts Emergency Rule Related to Gov. Abbott’s Executive Order GA-19 (May 1, 2020)
Governor Abbott’s Executive Order Surgical Procedures (April 17, 2020)
TMA Office of the General Council: TMB Releases Emergency Rules (March 20, 2020)
TMB Passes Emergency Rules to Enforce Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-09 (March 24, 2020)
Governor Abbott’s Executive Order on Elective Surgery (March 22, 2020)
Online Didactic Sessions for Residents
Collaborative Multi-Institutional Otolaryngology Residency Education Program (CMIOREP)
Consortium Of Resident Otolaryngologic Knowledge Attainment (CORONA)