“…Eight studies contributed data to the meta-analyses of AEs ( 25 , 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 , 39 , 41 , 42 ), with findings from Zuo, Hua ( 43 ) unable to be statistically combined. Healthcare workers wearing respirators reported more AEs than those wearing surgical masks, specifically: - De novo headaches (respirator = 99/159 [62.3%], surgical mask = 156/314 [49.7%]);
- Respiratory distress or shortness of breath (respirator = 83/148 [56.1%], surgical mask = 52/217 [24.0%]);
- Facial itching or irritation (respirator = 66/256 [25.8%], surgical mask = 51/256 [19.9%]);
- Sweating (respirator = 1263/1485 [85.1%], surgical mask = 93/494 [18.8%]);
- Pressure-related injuries (respirator = 878/1523 [57.6%], surgical mask = 94/532 [17.7%]); and
- Attention deficit or disorders (respirator = 33/76 [43.4%], surgical mask = 40/145 [27.6%]).
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