Performance when Breathing Through Different Respirator Inhalation and Exhalation Resistances During Hard Work

Abstract

Respirator inspiratory and expiratory breathing resistances impact ventilation and performance when studied independently. However, it is less clear as to how various combinations of inhalation and exhalation resistance affect user performance. The present study investigated the performance of 11 individuals during constant load, demanding work to exhaustion while wearing respirators with eight different combinations of inhalation and exhalation resistance. Exercise performance time, performance rating, minute volume, and peak inspiratory and expiratory airflow were recorded at the end of each test trial, and independent correlations with inhalation resistance and exhalation resistance were assessed. The combined impacts of respirator inhalation and exhalation resistances were quantified as the total external work of breathing (WOB(tot)) and correlations between the test variables and WOB(tot) were also examined. Significantly linear decreases in performance were found with increased inhalation resistances independent of exhalation resistance (R(2) = 0.99; p < 0.001) and with increased WOB(tot) (R(2) = 0.92; p < 0.001). Performance also decreased with increased exhalation resistance but no significant relationships were found. Minute volume decreased linearly with increased inhalation resistance independent of exhalation resistance (R(2) = 0.99; p < 0.001), but the linear decrease observed between minute volume and WOB(tot) was weak (R(2) = 0.36; p < 0.05). These findings suggest that WOB(tot) serves as a reliable estimate of the combined impacts of respirator inhalation and exhalation resistances on user performance during hard work, but that inhalation resistance alone serves as a better predictor of ventilation during respirator wear.

Subjective Response to Respirator Type: Effect of Disease Status and Gender

“…Most used a small number of scales (often, a single "comfort" scale). [17][18][19][20][21][22] This study supports the findings of previous analyses that there are several distinct categories of effects. 10 For example, gender differences were observed for the variables reflecting physiologic and facial comfort effects, but gender did not affect the scales more closely related to functional effects (eg, concentration).…”

Respirator Impact on Work Task Performance

“…Other studies have considered the impact of respirator use upon work performance in high exertion work (eg, military work or firefighting) 3,8,[22][23][24] or at high exertion in research laboratory settings. 25 Studies that measure work performance as the ability to conduct heavy physical exertion may not be directly applicable to the low/moderate exertion typical of most applications.…”

“…Frequently, however, they serve an additional purpose-allowing continuation of productive activities that would otherwise be precluded. While there has been extensive investigation of the degree of protection afforded by respirators, their physiologic consequences, [1][2][3][4][5][6] and exercise limitation, 7-13 the actual impact upon work productivity has not been carefully evaluated. 14,15 Impact on accomplishing activities may be relevant in nonoccupational 16,17 as well as workplace settings, particularly if use will be prolonged.…”

A Study on Measures to Achieve Performance and Safety of Air Respirators for Fire Fighters

“…(3)(4)(5)(6) . 따라서 본 연구에 서는 공기호흡기에서 발생하는 부식, 이물질, 공기 질 (7)(8)(9) 등 소방대원을 유해하는 위험요소를 분석하여 성능안전 확보에 필요한 대책을 수립하는 필요한 기조자료를 제공 하고자 하였다.…”