Evaluation of Nasal Functions While Wearing N95 Respirator and Surgical Facemask

Home | Sitemap | Contact Us

A-Z 2018 2019 Previous Conferences Conference Articles

Articles

Evaluation of Nasal Functions While Wearing N95 Respirator and Surgical Facemask [ICBE 2014]
DOI: 10.4236/jbm.2014.24001 PP.1 - 5
Author(s)
Jianhua Zhu, Shujin Lee, Deyun Wang, Heow Pueh Lee
ABSTRACT
There is a lack of reported studies on how the long duration wearing of N95 respirators or surgical facemasks will affect the upper airway functions. Considering the frequency of mask wearing especially in hospitals and during an outbreak of influenza, it is essential to have such data documented. Therefore, the current study is to establish the effect of long duration wearing of N95 and surgical facemasks on upper airway functions. 47 staffs of National University Hospital Singapore in 2013 were recruited. Each of the volunteers wore both N95 respirator and surgical facemask for 3 hours on two different days. During the period of mask wearing, relative airflow rates were recorded. Smell function test was carried out before and after mask wearing. The results show that no significant change of smell test score was found after removal of both the two types of masks. With N95 respirator, more air was breathed into the upper airways compared to surgical facemask.
KEYWORDS
N95 Respirator, Surgical Facemask, Smell Function Test, Spirometry
References
[1]
Seto, W.H., Tsang, D., Yung, R.W.H., Ching, T.Y., Ng, T.K., Ho, M., Ho, L.M. and Peiris, J.S.M. (2003) Effectiveness of Precautions against Droplets and Contact in Prevention of Nosocomial Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The Lancet, 361, 1519-1520.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(03)13168-6
[2]
Cowling, B.J., Zhou, Y., Ip, D.K.M., Leung, G.M. and Aiello, A.E. (2010) Face Masks to Prevent Transmission of Influenza Virus: A Systematic Review. Epidemiology & Infection, 138, 449-456.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0950268809991658
[3]
Li, Y., Tokura, H., Guo, Y.P., Wong, A.S.W., Wong, T., Chung, J. and Newton, E. (2005) Effects of Wearing N95 and Surgical Facemasks on Heart Rate, Thermal Stress and Subjective Sensations. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 78, 501-509.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-004-0584-4
[4]
Farquharson, C. and Baguley, K. (2003) Responding to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Outbreak: Lessons Learned in a Toronto Emergency Department. Journal of Emergency Nursing: JEN: Official Publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association, 29, 222-228.
[5]
Lim, E.C.H., Seet, R.C.S., Lee, K.H., Wilder-Smith, E.P.V., Chuah, B.Y.S. and Ong, B.K.C. (2006) Headaches and the N95 Face-Mask amongst Healthcare Providers. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 113, 199-202.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0404.2005.00560.x
[6]
Hayashi, C. and Tokura, H. (2004) The Effects of Two Kinds of Mask (with or without Exhaust Valve) on Clothing Microclimates inside the Mask in Participants Wearing Protective Clothing for Spraying Pesticides. International Arc- hives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 77, 73-78.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-003-0472-3
[7]
Roberge, R.J., Bayer, E., Powell, J.B., Coca, A., Roberge, M.R. and Benson, S.M. (2010) Effect of Exhaled Moisture on Breathing Resistance of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators. Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 54, 671-677.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/annhyg/meq042
[8]
Grützenmacher, S., Lang, C., Mlynski, R., Mlynski, B. and Mlynski, G. (2005) Long-Term Rhinoflowmetry: A New Method for Functional Rhinologic Diagnostics. American Journal of Rhinology, 19, 53-57.
[9]
Ba?azy, A., Toivola, M., Adhikari, A., Sivasubramani, S.K., Reponen, T. and Grinshpun, S.A. (2006) Do N95 Respirators Provide 95% Protection Level against Airborne Viruses, and How Adequate Are Surgical Masks? American Journal of Infection Control, 34, 51-57.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2005.08.018

Select by Subject

Select by City

Contact Us