Research on efficacy of masks under different simulated wearing modes

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the comfort and protection of masks under different simulated wearing methods, so as to provide reasonable suggestions for medical staff on how to wear masks. METHODS: The N95 mask and disposable mask commonly used by medical staff were choose to design five wearing methods are designed Single layer disposable mask(Single-D), Double layer disposable mask(Double-DD), Single layer N95 mask(Single-N), N95 mask inside + Disposable mask outside(Double-ND), Disposable mask inside + N95 mask outside(Double-DN). According to the mask standard GB 19083-2010, the filter efficiency, moisture permeability, respiratory resistance, resistance to synthetic blood penetration and moisture resistance of masks under different wearing modes were tested. RESULTS: Compared with Single-N methods, the filtration efficiency, moisture resistance and anti-synthetic blood penetration of the Double-ND and Double-DN methods had no significant difference, the moisture permeability was significantly lower than that of Single-N mode(P<0.05), and the respiratory resistance was significantly higher than that of Single-N mode(P<0.05). Compared with Single-D modes, the moisture resistance and synthetic blood penetration of Double-DD had no significant difference, the filtration efficiency was significantly higher than that of Single-D mode(P<0.05), the moisture permeability was significantly lower than that of Single-D mode(P<0.05), and the respiratory resistance was significantly higher than that of Single-D mode(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The Single-layer N95 wearing mode(Single-N) is sufficient to meet the protection requirements. The double-layer wearing mode(Double-ND, Double-DN, Double-DD) seriously affects the wearing comfort and increases the risk of infection and leakage, which is not recommended for use.