By Mackenna Moralez

The COVID-19 pandemic changed they way people lived and worked. With calls to stop the spread, people began washing their hands more than ever. Hand dryers proved to be a necessity because they were able to benefit the cleaning process because they did not leave behind excess residue or single-use materials. Healthcare Facilities Today spoke with hand dryer manufacturers about the way healthcare facilities are using their products now and managers can expect in the future. 

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way hand dryers are used? 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way the public thinks about the overall hand washing and drying process. The overwhelming majority of patients and facility visitors now want a completely touchless experience to cut down on touching surfaces which may spread germs. High-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers can provide this benefit.” 

— William Gagnon, vice president of marketing and sales, Excel Dryer 

“There have been a lot of misperceptions regarding the safety of hand dryers and as such, many were discontinued during the pandemic. However, the CDC guidance is agnostic about dryers, and the science is inconclusive about hand drying methods in regard to the spread of pathogens and viruses. 

Bobrick responded to this confusion by introducing the PureDri sanitizing hand dryer, which has several proactive functions beyond simply drying hands. First, it continually circulated restroom air through an upper UV-C chamber that neutralizes airborne and surface pathogens and viruses. Secondly, patrons can not only dry their hands but also receive a second blast of ionized air for added sanitation before leaving the restroom.” 

— David Leigh, vice president of marketing, Bobrick Washroom Equipment 

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facility market.