Influence of wearing time on efficacy of disposable surgical masks as microbial barrier

Barbosa, María Helena; Graziano, Kazuko Uchikawa

doi:10.1590/s1517-83822006000300003

Cited by 22 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…As of April 1, 2020, Taiwan was producing up to 13 million face masks a day (equivalent to B / N ≈ 0.5), accumulating a large enough stockpile to begin exporting masks globally 40 . Since it is recommended that disposable masks should be replaced when they are soiled 41 , we assumed that masks are on average worn for one day. In reality, the average lifespan of a disposable mask is likely longer due to reuse.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Face mask use in the general population and optimal resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020

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The ongoing novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has already infected millions worldwide and, with no vaccine available, interventions to mitigate transmission are urgently needed. While there is broad agreement that travel restrictions and social distancing are beneficial in limiting spread, recommendations around face mask use are inconsistent. Here, we use mathematical modeling to examine the epidemiological impact of face masks, considering resource limitations and a range of supply and demand dynamics. Even with a limited protective effect, face masks can reduce total infections and deaths, and can delay the peak time of the epidemic. However, random distribution of masks is generally suboptimal; prioritized coverage of the elderly improves outcomes, while retaining resources for detected cases provides further mitigation under a range of scenarios. Face mask use, particularly for a pathogen with relatively common asymptomatic carriage, is an effective intervention strategy, while optimized distribution is important when resources are limited.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Face mask use in the general population and optimal resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020

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“…Our results showed that surgical and cloth masks are the most common masks used in community settings, showing a large knowledge also of other types of masks which resulted to be less used in community settings. Recent study on surgical masks duration effectiveness reported a decrease in filtration effectiveness after 4-h of wearing time [ 30 ]. However, both because of the cost and the difficulty in finding masks during the pandemic, masks are often reused.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Community Knowledge About the Use, Reuse, Disinfection and Disposal of Masks and Filtering Facepiece Respirators: Results of a Study Conducted in a Dermatology Clinic at the University of Naples in Italy

2020

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In Italy, as well as in almost all countries, the use of masks in public with several other measures has been an important health measure during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The correct use of masks is essential, as a wrong use and disposal may increase the rate of contagious. Herein, we report a descriptive study evaluating the knowledge and use, reuse and disposal of masks in community settings. An anonymous questionnaire called MaSK (Mask uSe and Knowledge) questionnaire was developed and offered to patients referring at our dermatologic outpatient clinic. A total of 2562 full complete patients’ questionnaires were considered for the study. Our results showed that awareness and information campaigns aimed at the general population are urgently needed in order to implement a correct use of masks and limit as much as possible the infection rate.

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“…It could be prolonged and continuously wearing time leads to moist condensation to the inner layer of mask which decrease filtration rate and its efficacy. 23 Reusable cloth mask, which is widely used in the underserved area, showed only marginal protection against VRIDs. Lack of proper guidelines and equipment to decontaminate reusable cloth mask could contribute to this because the airborne pathogen can survive on the mask surface for days.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative efficacy of respiratory personal protective equipment against viral respiratory infectious diseases in healthcare workers: a network meta-analysis

Yin

Wang

et al. 2021

Public Health

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Objective With the epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the healthcare workers (HCWs) require proper respiratory personal protective equipment (rPPE) against viral respiratory infectious diseases (VRIDs). It is necessary to evaluate which type of mask and manner of wearing is the best suitable rPPE for preventing the VRID. Study design A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively analyze the protective efficacy of various rPPE. Methods This network meta-analysis protocol was registered in an international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42020179489). Electronic databases were searched for cluster randomized control trials (RCTs) of comparing the effectiveness of rPPE and wearing manner in preventing HCWs from VRID. The primary outcome was the incidence of laboratory-confirmed viral respiratory infection reported as an odds ratio (OR) with the associated 95% credibility interval (CrI). The secondary outcome was the incidence of clinical respiratory illness (CRI) reported as an OR with the associated 95% CrI. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve analysis (SUCRA) provided a ranking of each rPPE according to the primary outcome and the secondary outcome as data supplement. Results Six studies encompassing 12,265 HCWs were included. In terms of the incidence of laboratory-confirmed viral respiratory infection, the continuous wearing of N95 respirators (network OR, 0.48; 95% CrI: 0.27 to 0.86; SUCRA score, 85.4) showed more effective than the control group. However, in terms of reducing the incidence of CRI, there was no rPPE showing superior protective effectiveness. Conclusions There are significant differences in preventive efficacy among current rPPE. Our result suggests that continuous wearing of N95 respirators on the whole shift can serve as the best preventive rPPE for HCWs from the VRID.

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Influence of wearing time on efficacy of disposable surgical masks as microbial barrier

Abstract: The present study evaluated the efficacy of disposable surgical masks as a microbial barrier with 95% of Bacteria Filtration Efficacy (BFE) according to the wearing time (1, 2, 4 and 6 hours). The masks showed a decrease in efficacy after a 4-hour wearing time.

Cited by 22 publications

References 3 publications

Face mask use in the general population and optimal resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Face mask use in the general population and optimal resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Community Knowledge About the Use, Reuse, Disinfection and Disposal of Masks and Filtering Facepiece Respirators: Results of a Study Conducted in a Dermatology Clinic at the University of Naples in Italy

Comparative efficacy of respiratory personal protective equipment against viral respiratory infectious diseases in healthcare workers: a network meta-analysis

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