Effect of prolonged use of different facemasks on their physical performance and physiological impact on the wearer

Osman, Baderin and Yusof, Muhammad Zubir and Mahmud, Haalah (2025) Effect of prolonged use of different facemasks on their physical performance and physiological impact on the wearer. Safety and Health at Work, 16 (3). pp. 371-377. ISSN 2093-7911 E-ISSN 2093-7997

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Abstract

Background: Most published studies on potential facemask physical performances and physiological impairments had shorter observation periods, and the observed occupational physical activities had limited relevance to real occupational work. Thus, our study aimed to assess the impact of prolonged mask use on its physical performances and the associated physiological responses in wearers. Methods: The recruitment of study participants took place between November 2022 and March 2023. Facemask penetration and breathing resistance measurements were obtained at 4 and 8 hours using the TSI Model 8130 Automated Filter Tester and the INSPEC Breathing Resistance Rig. Facial skin temperature and transepidermal water loss were quantified using thermal imaging cameras and vapometers, respectively. Results: A total of 216 workers participated in the study. A significant reduction in penetration (p < 0.001, partial Ƞ2 = 0.1) and an increase in breathing resistance (p < 0.001, partial Ƞ2 = 0.9) were observed only in case of surgical masks worn by cleaners after 8 hours. Facial skin temperature increased after 8 hours for KF94 (p < 0.001, partial Ƞ2 = 0.2), surgical mask (p < 0.001, partial Ƞ2 = 0.4), and cloth mask (p < 0.001, partial Ƞ2 = 0.2). All three facemasks had a statistically significant interaction with use on facial skin temperature. Higher transepidermal water loss was only observed for the cloth mask (F (p = 0.034, partial Ƞ2 = 0.02). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that prolonged use of face masks can lead to a deterioration in penetration, breathing resistance, and physiological impairment for the mask wearer. The implications are particularly critical for high–occupational activity jobs requiring prolonged use of masks

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	breathing resistance, facemask, facial skin temperature, penetration, transepidermal water loss
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Community Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011)
Depositing User:	Dr Muhammad Zubir Yusof
Date Deposited:	18 Sep 2025 14:59
Last Modified:	18 Sep 2025 14:59
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/123278

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