Risk of Protection Failure with Certain O&M Halyard Surgical N95 Respirators, Surgical Masks, and Pediatric Face Masks: FDA Safety Communication

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April 21, 2023 Update – In response to questions about existing inventory that we have received from health care provider organizations that rely upon O&M Halyard surgical N95 respirators, and informed by testing results available to the FDA, the FDA is providing an update to our recommendations that enable use of existing inventory of the O&M Halyard FLUIDSHIELD Surgical N95 Respirator Masks, Orange (Regular), Level 3, (Model 46727).

The FDA continues to recommend that the FLUIDSHIELD Surgical N95 Respirator Mask, Orange (Small), Level 3, (Model 46827) by O&M Halyard not be used due to concerns with particulate filtration and fluid resistance identified through laboratory testing.

This is an evolving situation, and we will continue to keep the public informed as new or additional information becomes available about these and other O&M surgical N95 respirators.

The FDA is aware that other surgical N95 respirator options are available and can assist with finding alternative sources and products. The FDA will continue to work with health care facilities and providers to assist with challenges related to this issue.

Recommendations provided below for certain surgical masks (including procedure masks), and pediatric face masks by O&M Halyard have not changed.

The FDA continues to evaluate all available information about the quality and performance of certain surgical N95 respirators, surgical masks, and pediatric face masks made by O&M Halyard.

Date Issued: April 12, 2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recommending consumers, health care providers, and facilities to not use certain surgical N95 respirators manufactured by O&M Halyard, and to use caution with certain surgical masks and pediatric face masks manufactured by O&M Halyard.

The FDA is aware of laboratory test results that show certain models of O&M Halyard surgical N95 respirators, surgical masks, and pediatric face masks do not meet quality and performance expectations and may not provide expected fluid barrier protection to the wearer. Surgical masks referenced in this communication include masks that are labeled by the manufacturer as surgical or procedure masks. These types of masks are intended to provide fluid barrier protection. The FDA is continuing its evaluation.

The following surgical N95 respirators by O&M Halyard should not be used:

The following surgical masks and pediatric face masks by O&M Halyard should not be used when fluid barrier protection against splashes, sprays, or splatter is needed, such as in surgical settings where exposure to liquid, bodily, or other hazardous fluids may occur:

Masks and respirators are examples of personal protective equipment that are used to protect the wearer from particles or liquid contaminating the face.

Certain O&M Halyard surgical respirators, surgical masks (including procedure masks), and pediatric face masks have failed fluid resistance performance tests at the expected protection level.

As of April 12, 2023, O&M Halyard has not initiated a voluntary recall.

The manufacturer is conducting additional testing analysis. The FDA is working with the manufacturer to evaluate the additional testing results for the affected models.

The FDA is working to ensure O&M Halyard surgical N95 respirators, surgical masks, and pediatric face masks are appropriate for their intended use and provide the level of protection claimed. The FDA continues to evaluate product samples and assess for possible concerns for O&M Halyard respirators and masks. The FDA is also working with international regulatory authorities about this issue.

The FDA will keep the public informed if significant new information becomes available.

If you are experiencing supply issues for surgical respirators, masks, or other devices, contact the FDA about a medical device supply chain issue. Reporting supply issues informs the FDA of how it may be able to help address device supply availability.

If you think you had a problem with surgical masks, pediatric face masks, or surgical N95 respirators manufactured by O&M Halyard, the FDA encourages you to report the problem through the MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.

Health care personnel employed by facilities that are subject to the FDA's user facility reporting requirements should follow the reporting procedures established by their facilities.

If you have questions, email the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) at [email protected] or call 800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100.

04/21/2023