Microenvironment Under Face Masks and Respirators: Impact of Textile Structure and Material Air Permeability

This study investigates the microenvironment under face masks and respirators, focusing on the influence of material and design characteristics on carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, temperature, and relative humidity. Masks and respirators were selected from the three main types of personal protective equipment—textile non-medical masks, surgical masks and respirators. Experimental measurements were conducted to assess how geometric parameters (thickness, bulk density), mass (mass per unit area), and structural parameters (air permeability, face cover area) influence the microclimatic conditions during wear. The results show that thickness, mass per unit area, and bulk density have a significant effect on temperature but negligible influence on CO2 concentration and humidity. In contrast, air permeability and face cover area play a key role in CO2 and moisture accumulation: higher permeability significantly reduces both, while larger coverage tends to increase them. These findings support the need for an integrated design approach that balances filtration efficiency with respiratory and thermophysiological comfort, contributing to improved protective performance and user acceptance.