Experimental studies of carbon dioxide concentration in the space under the face mask protecting against Covid-19 – Pilot studies

Abstract

Masks are the primary tool used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the current pandemic. The use of masks may result in some discomfort, which may be caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the inner space of the mask. This paper presents tests of carbon dioxide concentration in the inner space of the mask during work at a computer, for various flat and convex masks. Five different masks were used in the tests. Convex masks showed a greater accumulation of carbon dioxide than flat masks. The concentration of carbon dioxide was also higher for masks made of more layers. The dependence of the average values of carbon dioxide concentrations under the masks for selected people depending on the BMI and the type of mask was determined, as well as the measurements of carbon dioxide concentrations without the mask. An increase in carbon dioxide concentration was observed with increasing BMI. The development of effective self-defense tools against the virus, including masks, is essential to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Experimental Studies of Hydraulic Losses and Carbon Dioxide Concentration in the Space Under the Face Mask Protecting Against COVID-19

“…Table 2 shows the mean values of carbon dioxide concentration for different masks for all test participants from 10 measurement series for each mask [23]. In order to thoroughly understand the effect of the mask on the carbon dioxide levels in the space between the mask and the face, carbon dioxide concentration tests were performed without the mask with the carbon dioxide probe positioned in the same way as when measuring carbon dioxide with the mask.…”