ArticlePloS one2025
A comparison of fit, heat stress, oxygen saturation and comfort between a novel reusable mask and disposable N95 respirator.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
The effectiveness of face masks in infection prevention depends not only on filtration technology but also on user compliance. However, existing masks suffer from limitations impacting comfort, ease of use, and communication, leading to reduced compliance, especially during prolonged use in healthcare settings. Innovations in mask design are needed to address these issues to ensure effective protection. To provide insights into novel face mask design aimed at enhancing infection prevention in healthcare settings and to introduce new evaluation methods for novel face masks, a fit and usability study was conducted with 22 volunteers, comparing a novel reusable mask, Altus Hero 1 (Hero), to N95 respirators. Subjects performed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-accepted quantitative fit test and usability test, and completed a post-test survey. The survey assessed communication, breathability, humidity retention, eyeglasses fitting, and long-term wear preference. Face temperature and blood oxygen levels were recorded during testing. Hero showed significantly reduced heat retention (p<0.05) compared to N95, aligning with survey responses indicating Hero felt cooler. No significant differences were found in blood oxygen levels between masks. Despite needing design refinements, most subjects preferred Hero for comfort and usability. This study discusses enhancements in design, fit, comfort, and materials to better meet users' needs and ensure compliance. It highlights critical and universal design considerations for future face masks and introduces methodological innovations for evaluating mask fit and usability. The findings offer valuable insights for advancing personal protective equipment for preventing infections and future pandemics.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.