Respiratory Consequences of N95 Mask during Covid-19 Pandemic- An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Outbreak of novel corona virus has led World Health Organization (WHO) to come up with healthcare guidelines which includes wearing of N95 mask. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether blood oxygen saturation level is affected by wearing of N95 mask for the duration of 4 hours. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 exam going students were included in this study, who were instructed to wear N95 mask. Blood oxygen saturation level (SpO2) was checked both before and after wearing of N95 mask for a period of 4 hours. Results: It was observed that, before wearing N95 mask at 9 am, SpO2 values were 96.64±0.196 while at 1 pm after removing N95 mask, the saturation values were 95.68±0.235 (p=0.000) among all the students. There was a statistically highly significant difference seen for the values between the time intervals (p<0.01) with higher values at 9 am and lesser at 1pm. On comparing the SpO2 levels among males and females, a statistically nonsignificant difference was seen. Thus, reduction in blood oxygen saturation level can be a major parameter to evaluate the respiratory consequences of N95 mask. Conclusion: Various adverse effects of N95 mask were quoted in literature but respiratory consequences due to reduction in blood oxygen saturation level can be harmful. Thus, to avoid such consequences, precautionary measures are advised to be taken. Key words: N95 mask, SpO2, Blood oxygen saturation, COVID-19.

Effect of an N95 respirator and a surgical mask‐covered N95 on the cardiovascular responses of dentists treating paediatric patients: A crossover clinical trial

“…The results demonstrated that the N95s and surgical mask‐covered N95s had a substantial influence on the cardiovascular responses of dentists treating paediatric patients compared with each parameter's baseline. These results corresponded with those of Gaikwad et al, 16 who found that donning an N95 reduced SpO 2 . In addition, Scarano et al 16 demonstrated a significant decrease in SpO 2 and an increase in HR after performing oral surgery wearing a surgical mask‐covered N95.…”

“…These results corresponded with those of Gaikwad et al, 16 who found that donning an N95 reduced SpO 2 . In addition, Scarano et al 16 demonstrated a significant decrease in SpO 2 and an increase in HR after performing oral surgery wearing a surgical mask‐covered N95. Shortness of breath and lightheadedness were also reported without clinical relevance.…”

“…Several early reports revealed complaints or difficulties in wearing an N95 respirator, such as difficulty communicating with patients, discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Of particular concern are the cardiovascular impacts of using an N95 respirator, such as oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) 11–18 …”

“…Previous studies demonstrated disparate outcomes of using an N95 respirator, ranging from unchanged oxygen concentrations in the blood and BP 9 to significantly decreased SpO 2 and increased HRs 11–18 …”

Blood oxygen level with long-term use of N95 face mask in dental practice during the coronavirus pandemic “Covid-19”

“…The effect of wearing an N95 face mask for a long time on dental students in clinical sessions has not been yet reported. Only one study by Gaikwad et al [12] was published in 2021 in which a total of 90 exam-going dental students were included who were instructed to wear N95 masks for 4 hours. It was concluded that respiratory consequences due to the reduction in blood oxygen saturation level can be harmful.…”