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

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 o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2020-09, Vol.17 (18), p.6623
Main Authors: Lee, Ka-Po, Yip, Joanne, Kan, Chi-Wai, Chiou, Jia-Chi, Yung, Ka-Fu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antiinfectives and antibacterials
Bacteria
Betacoronavirus
Breathing masks
Coronavirus Infections - prevention & control
Coronaviruses
Cotton
COVID-19
Efficiency
Equipment Reuse
Heat conductivity
Humans
Humidity
Influenza
Masks
Pandemics - prevention & control
Permeability
Pneumonia, Viral - prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2
Textiles
Thermal conductivity
Thin films
Viruses
Water vapor
Wear
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph17186623