Facial Dimensions and Predictors of Fit for Half-Mask Respirators in Koreans

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between facial dimensions and the fit of half-mask respirators using fit factors and selected good facial dimension predictor(s) of fit for designing respirators for Korean workers. Three different brands of half-mask respirators—YS, SG, and 3M—were fit-tested on 112 men and 38 women using TSI Portacount 8020®, and fit factors were determined. Before fit-testing, 10 facial dimensions were measured. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis, and quadratic polynomial regression analysis with log-transformed fit factors (LNFF). However, some of the relationships between LNFF and facial dimensions in brand/gender subgroups were found to be curvilinear rather than linear. Because this result indicated that a multiple polynomial regression model including quadratic terms might be more appropriate than a multiple linear regression, data were also analyzed with a quadratic term by examination of the coefficient of partial correlation. No ...