Healthcare workers are asking for better respiratory protection, Teal Bio is listening

N95 masks were introduced in 1996, and since then, they’ve been healthcare workers' best option for protecting themselves against viruses and bacteria, due to its high levels of filtration efficiency. However, technology in healthcare has greatly progressed over the last 26 years — so, why hasn’t our PPE? 

It’s time for an upgrade. The Teal Bio Respirator has a silicone mask body with partially biodegradable filters. It was designed with healthcare workers’ specific needs in mind, without compromising safety. Healthcare workers have made it clear, they want better respiratory protection. From better fit and comfort to environmental impact, it’s time for something different. For many healthcare workers, masks and respirators are necessary — with or without a pandemic — and are often worn for long periods of time throughout the day. While the Teal Bio Respirator is both comfortable and reusable, it also effectively blocks harmful particles from entering the nose and mouth.

It should be noted that there’s a difference between surgical masks and N95 respirators, although both are considered single-use. The N95 respirator has edges that fit tightly against the skin to create a seal and an air-filtering material that attracts particles through electrostatically charged fibers. Surgical masks use similar fabrics, but are loose-fitting. That said, N95 masks are much more effective in protecting healthcare workers vs surgical masks, but also far less comfortable and far more wasteful. 

How wasteful? In the U.S., over a six-month period, providing a new N95 respirator for each healthcare worker after each patient encounter would require 7.41 billion respirators and cost $6.38 billion, according to an article published in the BMJ Open. Even providing one new N95 respirator for each healthcare worker per day in the same time period costs $2.83 billion.

The Teal Bio Respirator is different by design. Here’s how:

Less Waste

Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash

In addition to reducing costs, the Teal Bio Respirator could reduce waste: For starters, it is expected that the Teal Bio mask body can be used and reused by healthcare workers for up to one year before requiring replacement. Teal Bio Respirator’s medical-grade, silicone facepiece can also be safely cleaned with readily available disinfecting wipes enabling simple and easy repeat use.

In the same article published in the BMJ Open, it was found that healthcare workers with one N95 mask per day would result in 37.22 million kilograms (approximately 82 million pounds) of waste. Comparatively, reusable respirators could reduce that number by nearly 21.5 million kilograms (approximately 47.4 million pounds).

Fits Various Face Sizes

The problem with N95 masks is that they were originally designed for a man’s face. While they do come in a few sizes today — and hospitals so require fit testing — they’re still not a perfect match for everyone’s face. Women working in healthcare are especially affected, which is a significant setback, seeing as that they make up more than 70% of the healthcare workforce. 

The Teal Bio Respirator has a moldable, silicone mask body and adjustable straps, so all workers can have a more custom fit. Fit is important because the edges of a respirator need to create a tight seal against the skin to block out harmful airborne particles. 

Keeps healthcare workers visible 

Our respirator doesn’t only protect healthcare workers. The Teal Bio Respirator looks out for patients by allowing for better communication between all parties. Thanks to the transparent mask body, those who are deaf or hard of hearing can read facial expressions and see a healthcare worker’s mouth as they speak.

comfortable

A healthcare worker’s respirator needs to fit properly in order for it to work properly. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t work. But a better fit doesn’t have to mean less comfort. The silicone mask body and adjustable straps are meant to comfortably mold to a person’s face. Of course, like any type of apparel or protective equipment, if it fits properly, it’s generally more comfortable. Teal Bio Respirator’s medical-grade, silicone facepiece can also be cleaned and disinfected for repeat use.

Safety Is PrioritY

Photo by Luis Melendez on Unsplash

At Teal Bio, we believe our PPE needs to change: for healthcare workers, patients, and for the environment. It’s possible to have more sustainable respirators. It’s also possible to have respirators that fit everyone, are more comfortable, and help workers provide better care. In short, when our PPE improves, our healthcare system has the ability to improve as well — everybody wins. Check out the Teal Bio Respirator on our website and join the waitlist today.