Dataset Information

Reusable Face Masks as Alternative for Disposable Medical Masks: Factors that Affect their Wear-Comfort.

ABSTRACT: The coronavirus outbreak that commenced at the end of 2019 has led to a dramatic increase in the demand for face masks. In countries that are experiencing a shortage of face masks as a result of panic buying or inadequate supply, reusable fabric masks have become a popular option, because they are often considered more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than disposable medical masks. Nevertheless, there remains a significant variation in the quality and performance of existing face masks; not all are simultaneously able to provide protection against the extremely contagious virus and be comfortable to wear. This study aims to examine the influential factors that affect the comfort of reusable face masks, but not to assess the antimicrobial or antiviral potential. Seven types of masks were selected in this study and subjected to air and water vapor permeability testing, thermal conductivity testing and a wear trial. The results indicate that washable face masks made of thin layers of knitted fabric with low density and a permeable filter are more breathable. Additionally, masks that contain sufficient highly thermally conductive materials and have good water vapor permeability are often more comfortable to wear as they can transfer heat and moisture from the body quickly, and thus do not easily dampen and deteriorate.

SUBMITTER: Lee KP

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7558362 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Reusable Face Masks as Alternative for Disposable Medical Masks: Factors that Affect their Wear-Comfort.

Lee Ka-Po KP Yip Joanne J Kan Chi-Wai CW Chiou Jia-Chi JC Yung Ka-Fu KF

International journal of environmental research and public health 20200911 18

The coronavirus outbreak that commenced at the end of 2019 has led to a dramatic increase in the demand for face masks. In countries that are experiencing a shortage of face masks as a result of panic buying or inadequate supply, reusable fabric masks have become a popular option, because they are often considered more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than disposable medical masks. Nevertheless, there remains a significant variation in the quality and performance of existing face mask ...[more]

PMID: 32932918

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Project description:The World Health Organization has advocated mandatory face mask usage to combat the spread of COVID-19, with multilayer masks recommended for enhanced protection. However, this recommendation has not been widely adopted, with noncompliant persons citing discomfort during prolonged usage of face masks. And yet, a scientific understanding on how face mask fabrics/garment systems affect thermophysiological comfort remains lacking. We aimed to investigate how fabric/garment properties alter the thermal and evaporative resistances responsible for thermophysiological strain. We constructed 12 different layered facemasks (D1-D5, T1-T6, Q1) with various filters using commercially available fabrics. Three approaches were employed: (1) the evaporative and thermal resistances were measured in all the test face masks using the medium size to determine the effect of fabric properties; (2) the effect of face mask size by testing close-fitted (small), fitted (medium) and loose fitted (large) face mask T-6; (3) the effect of face mask fit by donning a large size face mask T-6, both loose and tightened using thermal manikin, Newton. ANOVA test revealed that the additional N95 middle layer filter has no significant effect on the thermal resistances of all the face masks, and evaporative resistances except for face masks T-2 and T-3 (P-values<0.05) whereas size significantly affected thermal and evaporative resistances (P-values<0.05). The correlation coefficient between the air gap size and the thermal and evaporative resistance of face masks T-6 were R2 = 0.96 and 0.98, respectively. The tight fit large face mask had superior performance in the dissipation of heat and moisture from the skin (P-values <0.05). Three-layer masks incorporating filters and water-resistant and antimicrobial/antiviral finishes did not increase discomfort. Interestingly, using face masks with fitters improved user comfort, decreasing thermal and evaporative resistances in direct opposition to the preconceived notion that safer masks decrease comfort.

Project description:IntroductionSoft contact lens wearers are often prescribed the same lens material and modality for multiple years if patients express satisfaction and no significant problems with lens fit or ocular health are noted upon evaluation. Despite their satisfaction, it is possible that other lenses exist that could provide additional health or convenience benefits and still provide satisfied lens wear experience.MethodsIn this study, wearers of a specific monthly replacement lens brand (comfilcon A) were recruited for an open-label study. The habitual contact lens prescription was optimized for 2 weeks of wear and participants confirmed that they were satisfied with their habitual lenses before being refit with daily disposable lenses (verofilcon A). Participants responded to visual analog scale (VAS) survey about their initial impressions of the lenses. After 2 weeks of lens wear, participants completed a final study visit and completed surveys about lens wear experiences with the daily disposable study lenses.ResultsFifteen male and 15 female participants completed the study. Median (IQR) binocular LogMAR visual acuity was -0.20(0.12), which is equivalent to 10/12.5 Snellen acuity. Initial impression surveys revealed median (interquartile range) of 92.5(22.3) for quality of vision; 95.0(19.3) for comfort; and 91.5(19.3) for satisfaction. At the final visit, median scores for EOD quality of vision was 86.5(24.0); EOD comfort was 84.5(30.3), and EOD dryness 25.5(47.0). Median overall VAS scores were 92.5(16.0) for vision; 88.0(18.3) for comfort, and 17.5(25.8) for dryness. Median satisfaction with the study lenses was scored 9(2.8) on a 1-10 scale.ConclusionsIn this study, satisfied wearers of comfilcon A reusable lens were refit with Verofilcon A daily disposable lenses and showed high satisfaction scores with the new lenses, showing that refitting these patients can allow patients to have lenses with more frequent replacement and maintain satisfaction with daily lens wear.

Dataset Information

Reusable Face Masks as Alternative for Disposable Medical Masks: Factors that Affect their Wear-Comfort.

Publications

Reusable Face Masks as Alternative for Disposable Medical Masks: Factors that Affect their Wear-Comfort.

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