From containment to harm reduction from SARS-CoV-2: a fabric mask for enhanced effectiveness, comfort, and compliance

Abstract

Although the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of abating, public health strategies have transitioned from containment to harm reduction. In light of this paradigm shift, it is critical that individuals take steps to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In the United States, the CDC recommends that individuals wear face coverings in public places, such as grocery stores. As lockdowns are being phased out around the world, authorities are requiring the use of such masks in public places while maintaining social distance. Individuals (including healthcare professionals outside of their clinical settings) and manufacturers are following the CDC's recommendation. But, many currently available masks are not form-fitting, are not customizable, and are uncomfortable with even short-term use, thereby undercutting their effectiveness. Moreover, because cotton absorbs and retains the moisture found in an exhaled breath masks made of cotton have the potential to increase the wearer's risk of infection. Thus, as we shift to harm reduction and social distancing measures relax, it is imperative that these shortcomings in fabric masks are addressed and that is the motivation for this research. The overall objective of the research is to design, develop, and test a fabric mask that is effective while being comfortable during continuous use over long periods of time. As the first step in the design process, we reviewed the modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus. We analyzed a medical mask and a fabric mask in the market and identified their shortcomings. We carried out an in-depth analysis of user needs and developed the performance requirements of the proposed mask. We defined the architecture of the mask comprising the following principal components: Barrier, Form-Fitting, Positioning, and Fastening. We tested and evaluated candidate materials for the components and developed the design specifications and construction details for the mask. We produced the mask and carried out subjective testing on a user in a typical workplace setting; we demonstrated that the mask was form-fitting, customizable, washable, and could be worn continuously and routinely over extended periods of time by individuals and therefore could serve as an effective means to reduce the harm from SARS-CoV-2.

Metal leaching from antimicrobial cloth face masks intended to slow the spread of COVID-19

“…However, the moist environment of a face mask and the known rapid dissolution of AgNPs to Ag 45 suggests that the total Ag measurement in this study is representative of the most toxic potential silver exposure possible as the metals are in a dissolved form. These conditions are representative of what many essential workers endure, including preparing food in hot kitchen, waiting tables, working construction, and hauling goods, where it is likely for masks to become saturated over the course of a workday 46 . Studies have shown that in humid environments, or when worn for long periods of time, masks quickly become saturated 47 with saliva droplets 48 , 49 that are expelled during talking, sneezing, or coughing 50 .…”

Investigating facemask problems associated with wearing comfort and fit

“…The flat-fold mask was the most comfortable because of the light material, whereas the surgical mask with the bandage caused the most difficult breathing because of the thick material. Park and Jayaraman (2020) in the United States studied mask designs based on required performances, such as being breathable and comfortable using the quality function deployment method. Lee et al (2020) in China explored finding the comfortability factor for reusable cloth masks by measuring thermal conductivity, air permeability and water vapor permeability.…”

Double masking protection vs. comfort—A quantitative assessment

“… 52 Higher pressure drop associated with face mask alleviates suffocation and hence not desirable. 53 Hence, such a study may serve to establish the effectiveness of double masking from both filtration and breathability/comfort perspectives.…”