Mask Material Filtration Efficiency and Mask Fitting at the Crossroads: Implications during Pandemic Times
Mask Material Filtration Efficiency and Mask Fitting at the Crossroads: Implications during Pandemic Times
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DOI：
10.4209/aaqr.200571
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发表时间：
2021-07-01
影响因子：
4
通讯作者：
Sacco, Albert, Jr.
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Ardon-Dryer, Karin;Warzywoda, Juliusz;Sacco, Albert, Jr.
COVID-19疫情引发医护人员及公众对呼吸机及口罩的广泛使用及需求。在这项研究中，几个普遍可用的过滤器和口罩设计进行了拟合测试，并使用250 nm的聚苯乙烯乳胶颗粒的过滤效率，他们的材料进行了评估。分别在低（2.6 L min（-1））和高（7.4 L min（-1））气流下使用类似于17.4 cm（2）的材料面积进行2和0.5 h的效率测试。正如预期的那样，所有N95和KN 95通风器都通过了拟合测试，并且它们的材料在两种气流下的整个实验中显示出> 95%的效率。在3D打印的Montana口罩中使用的三种空气过滤器中，只有HEPA过滤器在两种气流下的过滤效率> 95%。无论插入材料如何，蒙大拿面罩均未通过所有贴合测试。由Halyard H600灭菌包和WypAll X80可重复使用擦拭巾制成的自制鸭嘴口罩也未能通过贴合性测试，两种过滤材料在高气流下的平均过滤效率均< 95%。为了解释过滤效率结果，使用FE-SEM、IR和拉曼光谱测定所有过滤材料的结构和组成。总之，当高效材料用于不适合使用者的面罩时，这些材料保护使用者免受气溶胶影响的潜力受到损害。因此，口罩设计与口罩材料的过滤效率同样重要。
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered the widespread use and need for respirators and face masks for the healthcare workers and public. In this study, several generally available respirators and mask designs were fit tested, and their materials were evaluated for filtration efficiency using 250 nm polystyrene latex particles. Efficiency testing was performed for 2 and 0.5 h at low (2.6 L min(-1)) and high (7.4 L min(-1)) airflows, respectively, using similar to 17.4 cm(2) material area. As expected, all N95 and KN95 respirators passed the fit test, and their materials showed efficiencies > 95% for the entire experiment at both airflows. Of the three air filters used in the 3D-printed Montana masks, only the HEPA filter had a filtration efficiency > 95% at both airflows. Regardless of the insert material, the Montana mask failed all fit tests. Homemade duckbill masks made of Halyard H600 sterilization wrap and WypAll X80 reusable wipe also failed the fit test, and both filter materials had an average filtration efficiency < 95% at high airflows. To explain the filtration efficiency results, the structure and composition of all filter materials were determined using FE-SEM, and IR and Raman spectroscopy. In conclusion, when highly efficient materials are used in masks that do not fit the users properly, the potential of these materials to protect the users from aerosols is compromised. Therefore, the mask design is as important as the filtration efficiency of the mask material.