ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Basic Life Support (BLS) training has been limited to compression-only or bag-mask ventilation. The most breathable nanofiber respirators carry the technical possibility for inflation of the mannequin. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of mouth-to-mouth breathing through a FFP2 respirator during BLS. METHODS: In the cross-over simulation-based study, the medical students performed BLS using a breathable nanofiber respirator for 2 min on three mannequins. The quantitative and qualitative efficacy of mouth-to-mouth ventilation through the respirator in BLS training was analyzed. The primary aim was the effectivity of mouth-to-mouth ventilation through a breathable respirator. The secondary aims were mean pause, longest pause, success in achieving the optimal breath volume, technique of ventilation, and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: In 104 students, effective breath was reached in 951 of 981 (96.9%) attempts in Adult BLS mannequin (Prestan), 822 of 906 (90.7%) in Resusci Anne, and 1777 of 1857 (95.7%) in Resusci Baby. In Resusci Anne and Resusci Baby, 28.9%/15.9% of visible chest rises were evaluated as low-, 33.0%/44.0% as optimal-, and 28.8%/35.8% as high-volume breaths. CONCLUSIONS: Mouth-to-mouth ventilation through a breathable respirator had an effectivity greater than 90%.
ABSTRACT
The current manuscript sheds light on the possible role of bioaerosols (from mouth breathing) that may serve as vectors for transmitting COVID-19 in asymptomatic carriers reporting to dental hospitals and, hence, may pose a great challenge for even a simple orthodontic diagnosis. Further, we would like to add a few preventive considerations for containment of this novel disease spread via bioaerosols emitted, particularly during mouth breathing.
ABSTRACT
The whole world has been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and many researchers are racing to understand the disease course and to undertake risk analyses to formulate effective treatment strategies. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly transmissible through coughing and sneezing, and through breathing and talking which may account for viral transmission from asymptomatic carriers. Bioaerosols produced during mouth-breathing, an expiratory process in habitual mouth breathers, should be considered in addition to nasal bioparticles as a potential transmissible mode in COVID-19. Oral health professionals are justifiably apprehensive about the exposure risk due to close face-to-face contact and the mode of transmission. The aim of this commentary is to summarize the research conducted in this area and suggested strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19, especially in dental offices.