Effect of the tight fitting net on fit performance in single-use filtering facepieces for Koreans

Abstract

To get a better fit performance of filtering facepieces, a tight fitting net (TFN) was invented. This study was carried out to evaluate whether the TFN improves fit performance using a quantitative fit test (QNFT). The existing mask was of cup type with an aluminum clip on the nose bridge. The TFN mask was the same as the existing mask, but attached a TFN instead of aluminum clip. One hundred subjects (male 52, female 48) were selected to match fourfold in Korean 25-member facial size category for half-mask (KFCH). Fit factors (FFs) were measured using a QNFT by a Portacount®Pro+8038. Three QNFTs for each mask on the same subject was conducted and geometric mean FF (GMFF) was determined. The mean and median GMFFs of the TFN masks had higher than those of the existing mask (p =<0.001). The existing masks had tendency to have higher GMFFs with common facial size categories, while the TFN masks were regardless of facial size. The result indicates that putting even pressure on the entire parts of filter media would improve fit performance. In conclusion, to get a good fit when wearing filtering facepieces, a TFN would be an alternative to mask designing.