Can snorkel masks help ease Covid-19 respirator shortages?

Question

Accepted Answer

Snorkel Masks Offer a Potential Stop-Gap Solution to Ease Covid-19 Respirator Shortages

Hospitals are adapting snorkelling masks as a temporary measure to address the critical shortage of respirators for Covid-19 patients experiencing severe respiratory distress. This innovative approach, originating in Italy and adopted by institutions like Erasme Hospital in Brussels, involves modifying the masks with custom-made valves to connect to BiPAP machines. The primary objective is to prevent the collapse of lung air sacs (alveoli) and thereby avoid the need for intubation and conventional ventilators, which are in extremely limited supply globally due to the pandemic's overwhelming impact.
Modified Snorkel Masks Connect to BiPAP Machines

The adaptation of snorkelling masks involves attaching a specially designed valve to the mask's snorkel opening. This custom connector allows the mask to interface with BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machines, which deliver pressurised air to patients. This setup is crucial for patients with severe respiratory issues caused by Covid-19, such as pneumonia, where alveoli can become inflamed and fill with fluid, hindering oxygen intake and carbon dioxide exhalation. By providing continuous positive airway pressure, the masks help keep these vital lung air sacs open.
Addressing a Critical Shortage of Medical Equipment

The global scarcity of respirators, essential for patients with the most severe Covid-19 infections requiring intensive care, has prompted this creative solution. The snorkelling masks are intended as a stop-gap measure for patients who are on the verge of needing intensive care but for whom no beds or ventilators are available. Furthermore, even the hospital-grade masks used with BiPAP machines have been found to be in short supply, making the snorkelling mask alternative a necessary improvisation.
Donated Masks and the Development of Improved Connectors

The snorkelling masks being utilised are of the same brand as those employed by Italian doctors and are being donated by the French sportswear retailer Decathlon. While these masks offer greater comfort compared to traditional hospital masks, they are considered single-use items as they cannot be effectively sterilised to medical standards. To enhance usability and comfort, a new 3D-printed valve connector has been developed, improving upon earlier Italian designs that were deemed too complex and heavy.
Potential for Broader Application and Retailer Caution

Beyond patient care, health workers in Covid-19 wards may also use these modified snorkelling masks for personal protection against the virus. However, concerns exist about potential public panic buying depleting supplies needed by hospitals. The retailer, Decathlon, has expressed interest in the emergency use of its products but remains cautious, awaiting confirmation of successful trials and stressing the importance of verified information.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Can snorkel masks help ease Covid-19 respirator shortages?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends