Problems related to mask use in hay fever sufferers by repeated surveys

Abstract

Purpose Many Japanese hay fever (HF) sufferers wear a hygienic face mask to prevent pollen inhalation, but most find it very uncomfortable. The purpose of this paper is to identify the problems associated with mask wearing through repeated surveys. This information can be used in the improved design of a hygienic face mask that can be worn without discomfort by HF sufferers. Design/methodology/approach In 2009 (n=1,519), 2012 (n=2,994), and 2015 (n=3,213), repeated surveys of university students were conducted. HF sufferers were queried regarding symptoms, countermeasures, and problems associated with wearing a hygienic face mask. Holistic perspectives for each year were obtained by a co-occurrence analysis of the aggregated data. The triplet co-occurrence of specific problems was compared among the surveys using the χ2 test. Temporary and contemporary co-occurrence relationships were also determined. Findings Most Japanese university students with HF wore a hygienic face mask. In each survey, the most common problems associated with mask use were related to its thermal, hygroscopic, and air-flow properties. Contemporary problems with co-occurrence relationships were “humidity,” “breathing difficulty,” and “mist over eyeglasses” for males and, “humidity,” “breathing difficulty,” and “make-up coming off” for females. Originality/value The results of this study will contribute to improving hygienic face mask design. The co-occurrence of contemporary problems related to mask use was identified by comparing the results obtained in each year. The thermal, hygroscopic, and air flow properties of the mask cause these problems, and the air gap between the mask and the wearer’s face influences the inherent physical properties of the mask. To measure the air gap, a suitable hydrostatic pressure-balanced experimental method was applied, and the data were demonstrated experimentally.

Nanoceutical Fabric Prevents COVID-19 Spread through Expelled Respiratory Droplets: A Combined Computational, Spectroscopic and Anti-microbial Study

“…The copyright holder for this preprint this version posted February 22, 2021. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.20.432081 doi: bioRxiv preprint [10] change in the absorption edge and Eg can be well explained by the oriented attachment of multiple ZnO nanorods in flower like morphology [64,65].…”

“…Recently, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned against the use of oneway valves or vents in face masks for potential threat of spreading COVID-19 through expelled respiratory droplets [8]. However, the face masks without valves or vents can cause several health problems and severe discomfort to the wearer [9][10][11]. Some evidences suggest that commonly available N95 face masks can lead to changes in blood oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels when used for long periods, especially by people who are elderly, obese or have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [10][11][12][13][14].…”

“…However, the face masks without valves or vents can cause several health problems and severe discomfort to the wearer [9][10][11]. Some evidences suggest that commonly available N95 face masks can lead to changes in blood oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels when used for long periods, especially by people who are elderly, obese or have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [10][11][12][13][14]. Other adverse health effects range from increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, chest pain, and hypercapnia [15][16][17][18][19].…”

Nanoceutical Fabric Prevents COVID-19 Spread through Expelled Respiratory Droplets: A Combined Computational, Spectroscopic, and Antimicrobial Study

“…8 However, the face masks without valves or vents can cause several health problems and severe discomfort to the wearer. 9 , 10 Some pieces of evidence suggest that commonly available N95 face masks can lead to changes in blood oxygen (O 2 ) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) levels when used for long periods, especially by people who are elderly or obese or have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 9 − 11 Other adverse health effects range from increased blood pressures, increased heart rates, chest pain, and hypercapnia.…”

“… 9 , 10 Some pieces of evidence suggest that commonly available N95 face masks can lead to changes in blood oxygen (O 2 ) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) levels when used for long periods, especially by people who are elderly or obese or have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 9 − 11 Other adverse health effects range from increased blood pressures, increased heart rates, chest pain, and hypercapnia. 12 , 13 One of the feasible solutions to this problem is by covering the valve or vent with a porous filter that can either trap or kill the microorganisms including viruses, alongside allowing the air to flow across.…”