Cloth Masks Research Articles

The effects of cloth face masks on cardiorespiratory responses and VO2 during maximal incremental running protocol among apparently healthy men

We aimed to determine the effects of wearing a cloth face mask on cardiorespiratory response, peak oxygen uptake (Vo2), respiratory muscle effort, and exercise tolerance during incremental exercise. The study had a randomized crossover design: 11 apparently healthy young men performed the Bruce protocol treadmill test in two conditions, wearing a cloth face mask (CFM) and without CFM (CON), in random order. Minute ventilation and oxygen uptake were measured using a mass spectrometry metabolic analyzer; cardiac output (CO) was measured using an impedance CO monitor; and mouth pressure (Pm) was measured and calculated as an integral Pm to assess respiratory muscle effort. Maximal minute ventilation was 13.4 ± 10.7% lower in the CFM condition than in the CON condition (P < 0.001). The peak Vo2 (52.4 ± 5.6 and 55.0 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min in CFM and CON, respectively) and CO were not significantly different between the two conditions. However, the integral value of Pm was significantly higher (P = 0.02), and the running time to exhaustion was 2.6 ± 3.2% lower (P = 0.02) in the CFM condition than in the CON condition. Our results suggest that wearing a cloth face mask increased respiratory muscle effort and decreased ventilatory volume in healthy young men; however, Vo2 remained unchanged. Exercise tolerance also decreased slightly.

Consumer Satisfaction using Medical Masks and Cloth Masks as Affected by Price Perceptions and Product Attributes in Tampan District of Pekanbaru City

This study was conducted to determine the effect of price perceptions and product attributes of medical and cloth mask users on consumer satisfaction in the Tampan district of Pekanbaru city. This research employs quantitative methods and both primary and secondary data. This study's population included everyone in the Tampan sub-district. The snowball sampling method was used on a non-probability side, with each 100 respondents wearing medical and cloth masks. The results of this study indicate that price perception significantly affects consumer satisfaction when using medical masks and cloth masks in the Tampan district of Pekanbaru city. Product attributes have a significant effect on consumer satisfaction when using medical masks and cloth masks in the handsome district of Pekanbaru city. Price perception and product attributes simultaneously have a significant effect on consumer satisfaction when using medical masks and cloth masks in the Tampan district of Pekanbaru city.

Effect of facemask use on cognitive function during a maximal running aerobic fitness test.

Background: The aim of the present randomized, crossover study was to determine the physiological and cognitive function responses while wearing a facemask during a maximal running aerobic fitness test. Methods: Fourteen healthy, nonsmoking physical education students (age = 17.5 years, height = 1.72 m, body mass = 70.4 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. They carried out a 20 m multistage fitness test (MSFT) while wearing or not a cloth facemask on two separate occasions performed in random order. The “Rating of Perceived Exertion” (RPE) and the d2 test for visual attention were administered and assessed before and immediately after the MSFT for both conditions (with or without a facemask). Results: When wearing the facemask, the participants exhibited lower maximal aerobic speed (p = 0.039), VO2max (p = 0.039), distance covered during the MSFT (p = 0.057), and concentration performance (p < 0.001), when compared with the control situation (without facemask). Moreover, they made more errors compared with the control condition (p = 0.021). The use of a cloth facemask during maximal endurance running tests (such as the MSFT) reduced VO2max, and measures of cognitive performance as assessed by the test of focused visual attention (the d2 test). This data suggests avoiding using a cloth facemask during maximal aerobic fitness tests, and before any tasks that require a high level of visual attention.

Effectiveness of Household Disinfection Techniques to Remove SARS-CoV-2 from Cloth Masks.

To assess the efficacy of washing cloth masks, we simulated SARS-CoV-2 contamination in tricoline fabric and tested decontaminants to reduce viral particles. Viral suspensions using two variants (B.1.1.28 and P.1) were inoculated in these fabrics, and the inactivation kinetics were evaluated after washing with various household disinfection products (Soap powder, Lysoform®, Hypochlorite sodium and 70% Alcohol), rinse numbers, and exposure times. Afterward, the fabrics were washed in sterile water, and viral RNA was extracted and amplified using RT-qPCR. Finally, viral replication in cell cultures was examined. Our findings show that all biocidal treatments successfully disinfected the tissue tested. Some products showed less reduction in viral loads, such as soap powder (1.60 × 104, 1.04 × 103), soap powder and Lysoform® (1.60 × 104, 1.04 × 103), and alcohol 70% (1.02 × 103, 5.91 × 101), respectively. However, when sodium hypochlorite was used, this reduction was significantly increased (viral inactivation in 100% of the washes). After the first wash, the reduction in the number of viral particles was greater for the P.1 variant than for the B.1.1.28 variant (W = 51,759, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the role of sodium hypochlorite in cloth mask disinfection may also have implications for future health emergencies as well as recommendation by WHO.

Hyperglycemia and steroid use increase the risk of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis regardless of COVID-19 hospitalization: Case-control study, India

BackgroundIn the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an increased incidence of ROCM was noted in India among those infected with COVID. We determined risk factors for rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) post Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among those never and ever hospitalized for COVID-19 separately through a multicentric, hospital-based, unmatched case-control study across India.MethodsWe defined cases and controls as those with and without post-COVID ROCM, respectively. We compared their socio-demographics, co-morbidities, steroid use, glycaemic status, and practices. We calculated crude and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) through logistic regression. The covariates with a p-value for crude OR of less than 0·20 were considered for the regression model.ResultsAmong hospitalised, we recruited 267 cases and 256 controls and 116 cases and 231 controls among never hospitalised. Risk factors (AOR; 95% CI) for post-COVID ROCM among the hospitalised were age 45–59 years (2·1; 1·4 to 3·1), having diabetes mellitus (4·9; 3·4 to 7·1), elevated plasma glucose (6·4; 2·4 to 17·2), steroid use (3·2; 2 to 5·2) and frequent nasal washing (4·8; 1·4 to 17). Among those never hospitalised, age ≥ 60 years (6·6; 3·3 to 13·3), having diabetes mellitus (6·7; 3·8 to 11·6), elevated plasma glucose (13·7; 2·2 to 84), steroid use (9·8; 5·8 to 16·6), and cloth facemask use (2·6; 1·5 to 4·5) were associated with increased risk of post-COVID ROCM.ConclusionsHyperglycemia, irrespective of having diabetes mellitus and steroid use, was associated with an increased risk of ROCM independent of COVID-19 hospitalisation. Rational steroid usage and glucose monitoring may reduce the risk of post-COVID.

Assessment of best-selling respirators and masks: Do we have acceptable respiratory protection for the next pandemic?

COVID-19 pandemic caused a high demand for respiratory protection, caused a scarcity of approved respirators and the production of alternative respiratory protection. To raise public awareness through the scientific community, bestselling respirators and masks in the United States' leading online retailer, Amazon.com, were evaluated. Ten respirators and masks, 5 Face Protective Equipment (FPE) and 5 Cloth Face Masks (CFMs), were evaluated compared to the N95 standard. Two groups were established with the intention of comparing all masks together. The fractional efficiency and pressure drop were measured and compared to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standards. In addition, grading factors for protection, comfort, and affordability were developed that can be used by the scientific community to readily disseminate to consumers for the selection of the appropriate respiratory protection. Two FPE provided acceptable efficiency (>95%) similar to the N95, while the remaining products were below or extremely below NIOSH standards. All products provided pressure drops within NIOSH standards (≤35 mmH2O) ranging from 2.3-10.3 mmH2O. The grading factors show that the CFMs have minimal protection, and the N95 has average comfort and affordability compared to all the products. The N95 remains the best respiratory protection, and in the event of the next airborne pandemic, FPEs could serve as adequate alternative protection against the viral spread.

Effect of Cloth Masks and N95 Respirators on Maximal Exercise Performance in Collegiate Athletes.

This study compared exercise performance and comfort while wearing an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (N95), cloth mask, or no intervention control for source control during a maximal graded treadmill exercise test (GXT). Twelve Division 1 athletes (50% female, age = 20.1 ± 1.2, BMI = 23.5 ± 1.6) completed GXTs under three randomized conditions (N95, cloth mask, control). GXT duration, heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), transcutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2), transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TcPCO2), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and perceived comfort were measured. Participants ran significantly longer in control (26.06 min) versus N95 (24.20 min, p = 0.03) or cloth masks (24.06 min, p = 0.04). No differences occurred in the slope of HR or SpO2 across conditions (p > 0.05). TcPCO2 decreased faster in control (B = −0.89) versus N95 (B = 0.14, p = 0.02) or cloth masks (B = −0.26, p = 0.03). RR increased faster in control (B = 8.32) versus cloth masks (B = 6.20, p = 0.04). RPE increased faster in the N95 (B = 1.91) and cloth masks (B = 1.79) versus control (B = 1.59, p < 0.001 and p = 0.05, respectively). Facial irritation/itching/pinching was higher in the N95 versus cloth masks, but sweat/moisture buildup was lower (p < 0.05 for all). Wearing cloth masks or N95s for source control may impact exercise performance, especially at higher intensities. Significant physiological differences were observed between cloth masks and N95s compared to control, while no physiological differences were found between cloth masks and N95s; however, comfort my differ.

Do They Really Work? Quantifying Fabric Mask Effectiveness to Improve Public Health Messaging.

The purpose of this study is to compare masks (non-medical/fabric, surgical, and N95 respirators) on filtration efficiency, differential pressure, and leakage with the goal of providing evidence to improve public health messaging. Masks were tested on an anthropometric face filtration mount, comparing both sealed and unsealed. Overall, surgical and N95 respirators provided significantly higher filtration efficiency (FE) and differential pressure (dP). Leakage comparisons are one of the most significant factors in mask efficiency. Higher weight and thicker fabric masks had significantly higher filtration efficiency. The findings of this study have important implications for communication and education regarding the use of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, specifically the differences between sealed and unsealed masks. The type and fabric of facial masks and whether a mask is sealed or unsealed has a significant impact on the effectiveness of a mask. Findings related to differences between sealed and unsealed masks are of critical importance for health care workers. If a mask is not completely sealed around the edges of the wearer, FE for this personal protective equipment is misrepresented and may create a false sense of security. These results can inform efforts to educate health care workers and the public on the importance of proper mask fit.

The Effect Of Elderly Exercise On Vo2max Levels In The Elderly Using Fabric Mask And Surgical Mask In Sidodadi Village, Deli Regency, Serdang In The New Normal Era

The Covid-19 virus is a virus that attacks the immune system, this causes the spread from human to human to increase. In the process of preventing and slowing the transmission of Covid-19, the WHO (World Health Organization) issued recommendations for social isolation and restrictions on daily behavior, significantly reduced activities with greater energy expenditure, changing physical exercise patterns, increasing healthy lifestyles, environmental disinfection. and use of personal protective equipment such as masks. Research has found that decreased activity can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce muscle mass and produce significant changes in the metabolism of the immune system, especially in the elderly. Various studies provide evidence that the use of masks can prevent droplets from spreading. The immune system is very responsive to moderate-intensity exercise and the incidence of respiratory tract infections/disorders is lower. Gymnastics/exercise is strongly associated with increased cardiorespiratory fitness such as greater oxygen consumption (VO2max).

The Effect of Mask Style and Fabric Selection on the Comfort Properties of Fabric Masks.

The purpose of fabric masks in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 often requires that the masks be worn for extended periods without removal. The management of the conditions in the micro-climate inside the masks is important to keep the wearer comfortable and enhance user compliance. In this study, the effect of mask design and fabric type on the micro-climate was investigated using thermocron iButtons to record the temperature and humidity inside the masks. It was found that the mask style, and its effect on the amount of air incorporated in the micro-climate, had a significant influence on the factors that determine the temperature and humidity levels. In the shaped masks, the impact of the mask design on the results was stronger than the effect of fabric type. In the folded masks that fit snugly around the face, the effect of fabric type was significant, and both fibre composition and fabric structure contributed to the differences in the performance of the three fabrics tested. In the case of the masks with an inserted filter, a significant amount of trapped still air in the fabric layers and the increased mask stiffness had the strongest effect on the temperature and humidity inside the masks. Significant differences were also found in the temperatures recorded in the different time segments, highlighting the importance of conducting comfort evaluations over a long enough time to prevent false interpretations. The results of this study emphasize the importance of considering all the components of mask design, namely style, fibre type, and fabric structure, in the development of masks to enhance user compliance.

Commuter exposures to in-transit PM in an urban city dominated by motorcycle: A case study in Vietnam

Exposure to in-transit particulate matter (PM) has negatively affected human health but is barely reported in an urban area dominated by motorcycles. This study aimed to investigate the personal exposure and inhaled dose of PM for commuting modes in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. To do this, we conducted simultaneously sampled trips between on motorcycle without and with facemasks, car, and bus. Measurements were performed using portable PM monitors across representing routes in HCMC. In total, we conducted 1086 km in length of paired mode trips. The result shows that motorcyclist was exposed to the highest PM concentrations followed by bus and car commuters. A facemask worn by a motorcyclist while riding was consistent in reducing the in-transit PM exposures (e.g., ∼33–43% lower in PM2.5), and surgical facemask had higher PM removal efficiency than that of cloth facemask (p < 0.01). Ratios (I/O) for PM1 ranged from 0.31 for car/motorcycle to 0.77 for motorcycle-cloth facemask/motorcycle, and PM10 tend to have the lowest ratios. However, bus/motorcycle ratios show the opposite trend with the highest ratio obtained for PM10 due to the effect of a stop-and-go pattern during bus trips. Compared to ambient PM2.5 concentration, in-transit PM2.5 concentration on motorcycle has a good correlation with those measured at the urban station. In conclusion, our work suggests that motorcycle should be urgently restricted in megacities (like HCMC) to protect human health. Policy makers should also pay attention to in-transit PM exposure in public transport mode for future urban transport planning.

The Use of Masks for Women During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Cloth Masks Are the Main Choice for Rural Communities, Banyumas, Indonesia

Background: The coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic first occurred in China at the end of 2019, developing into a pandemic almost all over the world. Its massive spread has made several countries adopt a policy of using masks during the pandemic. The purpose of the study was to describe the use of masks during the Covid-19 pandemic in rural communities. Methods: The research design was a cross-sectional study with a sample of the community in Purwodadi Village, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.Sampling with a total sampling, as many as 50 members of the PKK (Pemberdayaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga) at the village level. The project team obtained written informed consent from respondents. The research instrument used a questionnaire. The questions have been validated and the reliability. Data were analyzed using Chi square (X2) with p value &lt; 0.05. Results: Research shows 70% of people use masks when leaving the house during the Covid-19 pandemic, 46% of people feel uncomfortable wearing masks, 88% use cloth masks, 60% have masks &gt; 5 pieces, 44% of mothers' role in reminding them to wear masks and72% wash masks every day. There is a difference in the proportion in preventing Covid-19 between people who have received health education and good knowledge about Covid-19, but there is no difference in the level of education. Conclusion: 30% of rural communities have not participated in wearing masks to prevent Covid-19, and cloth masks are the first choice of types of masks used during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Effect of Distributing Locally Produced Cloth Facemasks on COVID-19-Like Illness and All-Cause Mortality – a Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial in Urban Guinea-Bissau

Effect of Distributing Locally Produced Cloth Facemasks on COVID-19-Like Illness and All-Cause Mortality – a Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial in Urban Guinea-Bissau

Knowledge and Behaviour of Adult Residents in Benin Metropolis South-South Nigeria about Face Mask Use During the Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Face mask is used globally as a protective device and was recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, there is a scarcity of information on public’s compliance with mask use in Nigeria. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and behaviour by adult residents in Benin metropolis about face mask use during the second phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted, utilising a self-completed questionnaire from January to March 2021. Data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Every incorrect and correct response in face mask use behaviour was scored 0 and 1 respectively. Post summation, scores were marked as “satisfactory” or “not satisfactory”. In the event that 6 or more than 6 (out of 10) points were achieved, this was used as an outcome variable for the binary logistic regression analysis. Chi-square test was utilised to compare the “satisfactory” rates between variables and groups. P &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The study shows that gender, marital status, religion, ethnicity, education and occupation (P&lt;0.001) are among the factors influencing face mask use behaviour. About 53% of the population used a cloth facemask citing availability/accessibility as a key reason. Majority 381 (76.2%) of the respondents had good knowledge of the use of face mask as a preventive strategy during the pandemic. Only 179 (35.8%) respondents showed satisfactory mask use behaviour. Conclusion: The study revealed that respondents had good knowledge of the use of face mask but unsatisfactory mask-wearing behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The role of conformity in mask-wearing during COVID-19.

By September 2020, COVID-19 had claimed the lives of almost 1 million people worldwide, including more than 400,000 in the U.S. and Europe [1] To slow the spread of the virus, health officials advised social distancing, regular handwashing, and wearing a face covering [2]. We hypothesized that public adherence to the health guidance would be influenced by prevailing social norms, and the prevalence of these behaviors among others. We focused on mask-wearing behavior during fall 2020, and coded livestream public webcam footage of 1,200 individuals across seven cities. Results showed that only 50% of participants were correctly wearing a mask in public, and that this percentage varied as a function of the mask-wearing behavior of close and distant others in the immediate physical vicinity. How social normative information might be used to increase mask-wearing behavior is discussed. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus—particularly when used universally within a community setting” CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield in July 2020.

Unmasking the Mask: Investigating the Role of Physical Properties in the Efficacy of Fabric Masks to Prevent the Spread of the COVID-19 Virus.

To function as source control, a fabric mask must be able to filter micro-droplets (≥5 µm) in expiratory secretions and still allow the wearer to breathe normally. This study investigated the effects of fabric structural properties on the filtration efficiency (FE) and air permeability (AP) of a range of textile fabrics, using a new method to measure the filtration of particles in the described conditions. The FE improved significantly when the number of layers increased. The FE of the woven fabrics was generally higher, but double-layer weft knitted fabrics, especially when combined with a third (filter) layer, provided a comparable FE without compromising on breathability. This also confirmed the potential of nonwoven fabrics as filter layers in masks. None of the physical fabric properties studied affected FE significantly more than the others. The variance in results achieved within the sample groups show that the overall performance properties of each textile fabric are a product of its combined physical or structural properties, and assumptions that fabrics which appear to be similar will exhibit the same performance properties cannot be made. The combination of layers of fabric in the design of a mask further contributes to the product performance.

Price, Design, and Quality of Products in Influencing the Decision to Purchase Cloth Masks During the Covid 19 Pandemic

This study aims to test whether the price, design, and quality of products influence the decision to buy cloth masks during a pandemic. This research uses quantitative methods. The sample in this study amounted to 100 respondents obtained by non-probability sampling method with purposive sampling technique. The data obtained is processed using multiple linear analysis techniques through SPSS software. The results of the analysis in this study showed that (1) price variables have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions, (2) design variables have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions, (3) product quality variables have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions.

Decontamination of E. coli and S. epidermidis on Cloth Masks with Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation

Spurred by a global pandemic, precautions have been taken by the general public to slow the spread of the respiratory virus called COVID-19. As Cloth Masks have become staples in protection during this time, it is important to understand any limitations that could arise when using a product. Several studies have found that certain methods of decontaminating Cloth Masks, so they may be reused safely, can result in slight degradation. This study analyzes the decontamination method of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) on Cloth Masks that have different ply counts. Using both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, three different masks were contaminated with bacterial colonies then put through a session of UVGI to sterilize the fabric. Once the session was over, masks were collected and analyzed for effectiveness of decontamination and changes in fabric pore size. It was found that when decontaminating the Cloth Masks, regardless of the bacteria they have been contaminated with, there was a positive correlation between the number of plies a mask had to the amount of bacteria able to be decontaminated. Additionally, there was a negative relationship between the number of plies a mask had and the degradation of the material over time. UVGI provides an effective method of decontamination for Cloth Masks now that its benefits and limitations have been understood.

Training on Using and Making Cloth Masks for Housewives in Kerinjing Village

The spread of the Covid-19 outbreak is a serious problem that threatens the health and must be addressed immediately. People are required to comply with health protocols, one of which is by wearing a mask. The use of masks is an effort to minimize the transmission of the Covid-19 virus. The high demand for masks, especially medical masks, causes scarcity and high prices in the market. As an alternative, a cloth mask is needed that can be used daily for activities for the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of this community service activity is to socialize the proper and correct use of cloth masks. This service activity also aims to provide training to housewives to make masks independently from cloth that can be used in daily activities. Besides functioning as a prevention for the Covid-19 virus, cloth masks can also be sold as an effort for housewives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods of activity and implementation are carried out through outreach, training, and mentoring approaches.

Nanometer-Thick Superhydrophobic Coating Renders Cloth Mask Potentially Effective against Aerosol-Driven Infections.

The advent of COVID-19 pandemic has made it necessary to wear masks across populations. While the N95 mask offers great performance against airborne infections, its multilayered sealed design makes it difficult to breathe for a longer duration of use. The option of using highly breathable cloth or silk masks especially for a large populace is fraught with the danger of infection. As a normal cloth or silk mask absorbs airborne liquid, it can be a source of plausible infection. We demonstrate the chemical modification of one such mask, Eri silk, to make it hydrophobic (contact angle of water is 143.7°), which reduces the liquid absorption capacity without reducing the breathability of the mask significantly. The breathability reduces only 22% for hydrophobic Eri silk compared to the pristine Eri silk, whereas N95 shows a 59% reduction of breathability. The modified hydrophobic silk can repel the incoming aqueous liquid droplets without wetting the surface. The results indicate that a multilayered modified silk mask to make it hydrophobic can be an affordable and breathable alternative to the N95 mask.