On the durability of surgical masks after simulated handling and wear

Abstract

After the spread of COVID-19, surgical masks became highly recommended to the public. They tend to be handled and used multiple times, which may impact their performance. To evaluate this risk, surgical masks of Type IIR were submitted to four simulated treatments: folding, ageing with artificial saliva or sweat and washing cycles. The air permeability, mechanical integrity, electrostatic potential, and filtration efficiency (FE) of the masks were measured to quantify possible degradation. Overall, air permeability and mechanical integrity were not affected, except after washing, which slightly degraded the filtering layers. Electrostatic potential and FE showed a strong correlation, highlighting the role of electrostatic charges on small particle filtration. A slight decrease in FE for 100 nm particles was found, from 74.4% for the reference masks to 70.6% for the mask treated in saliva for 8 h. A strong effect was observed for washed masks, resulting in FE of 46.9% (± 9.5%), comparable to that of a control group with no electrostatic charges. A dry store and reuse strategy could thus be envisaged for the public if safety in terms of viral and bacterial charge is ensured, whereas washing strongly impacts FE and is not recommended.

Materials analysis and image-based modelling of transmissibility and strain behaviour in approved face mask microstructures

“…Cotton and PP fibres appear in a few publications with different applications under dynamic loading 27 . The durability of face masks in handling and wear has been given by Varanges et al 28 . The effect of the mechanical behaviour of each mask was assessed in its strain or stretching behaviour during wearing.…”

Atmospheric dispersion of chemical, biological, and radiological hazardous pollutants: Informing risk assessment for public safety

“…Filter-based antimicrobial technologies have been developed to inhibit the airborne transport of bioaerosols and related exposure [ 354 , 355 ]. The degradation of the performance of PPE and air-cleaning systems is also an important factor for exposure assessment [356][357][358][359][360][361] .…”

Development of a Prototype of a Protective UV-C Half-Face Mask with Implementation of Additive Technology

“…The difference is the case in Europe and America, but the trend has changed and wearing a protective face mask has become a natural part of our lives in recent months. The authors of the manuscript [6] subjected surgical face masks to four simulated cycles of folding, aging with artificial saliva, or sweating and washing. They concluded that folding, saliva and sweat have little effect on the face mask's effectiveness and aging (depreciation).…”

“…They concluded that folding, saliva and sweat have little effect on the face mask's effectiveness and aging (depreciation). Research has confirmed that one can wear a worn surgical face mask longer than usual, the recommended four hours [6]. The pathogens have lived with us since time immemorial, so it is appropriate to introduce prevention and prevent infection.…”