Comparison of different face masks on physiology and tolerability.

Purpose: There is insufficient data on physiological and psychological alterations that may occur among healthcare workers wearing various face masks uninterruptedly during surgeries or for air-borne infection protection. In this study, we aimed to investigate the physiological effects of various types of face masking and associated discomfort among healthcare workers. Methods: This prospective study included 33 healthy healthcare workers. Each participant was asked to wear a single surgical mask, double mask, N95 type mask, and surgical mask on N95 type mask for an uninterrupted period of 2 hours. Oxygen saturation, heart pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and step counts were recorded at baseline and every 30 min of 2 hours with a total of five times for each mask type. Self-assessment of fatigue, exhaustion, and headache were also graded. Intra- and inter-group analyses were performed. Results: There was no significant difference in the oxygen saturation, diastolic blood pressure and respiratory rates among the participants including intra- and inter-groups (p>0.05). Systolic blood pressures gradually and significantly increased with a double surgical mask (p