Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is spreading all over the world. Endoscopy unit
personnel are especially exposed to respiratory secretions (in aerosol-generating
procedures) and feces [1].
Chinese endoscopy units [2]
[3] and endoscopy societies recommend the use of personal protective equipment, especially
for procedures on patients with a highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Recently, Repici et al. published recommendations to prevent and control COVID-19
transmission during endoscopic examinations [4]. However, many countries are affected by a shortage of necessary equipment, especially
N95 or FFP2 masks.
A few years ago in Europe, a sports equipment company (Decathlon, Lille, France) developed
a snorkeling mask called “Easybreath” ([Fig. 1]), which has recently been used as a protective mask in many hospitals. The company
recently announced it would cease broad distribution of these masks to make them available
for European hospitals.
Fig. 1 Aspect of the mask. a External aspect. b Internal aspect. c Aspect during endoscopy procedure.
In Tahiti’s endoscopy units, where FFP2 masks must be saved, we describe the possible
use of the Easybreath mask as a protective device to replace FFP2 and FFP3 masks,
goggles, and face shields. Pending 3 D printing production of filters adaptable to
the mask proposed by small Italian companies (Isinnova, Val Trompia), we used a surgical
mask at the top of the snorkel to filter the air ([Video 1]).
Video 1 Use of an Easybreath snorkeling mask to prevent COVID-19 transmission during endoscopy
procedures.
This snorkeling mask has the advantage of being washable, disinfectable, and reusable.
This single unit provides full-face protection for endoscopy staff and appears to
effectively safeguard the eyes, mouth, and nose from contact with the virus.
In our experience, the endoscopic examination quality was not altered by reduced visibility
([Fig. 2 a]). This product is particularly efficient at preventing fogging ([Fig. 2 b]).
Fig. 2 Easybreath mask. a Visibility of the endoscopy screen through the mask. b View of the endoscopist with the mask with a filter added on the snorkel.
While the mask’s affect may elicit ridicule, ridicule does not kill – not as much
as COVID-19.
Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AO_2AN
Endoscopy E-Videos is a free access online section, reporting on interesting cases and new techniques
in gastroenterological endoscopy. All papers include a high
quality video and all contributions are
freely accessible online.
This section has its own submission
website at
https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/e-videos
