Staff  at the Texas Center for Infectious Disease (TCID), a specialty tuberculosis (TB) hospital, currently use elastomeric masks as part of its PPE when treating TB patients, according to an article in The Leaflet.

TCID uses elastomeric masks rather than N95 masks based on durability and comfort, better respiratory protection, cost-effectiveness and less time consumption for fit testing, according to the article.

The specific masks used are the North 7700 half-face respirators made of 100 percent silicone which is durable and has a comfortable cradle suspension system that sits securely on the head to provide an even seal. There is an exhalation valve that reduces excessive dampness and warmth in the mask from exhaled breath. 

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the North 7700 respirator used with a P100 filter provides 99.97 percent respiratory protection compared to the N95 mask ’s 95 percent. 

Read the article.