• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.113-120
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was the accuracy of cardiac compression, fatigue, and physiological changes of the rescuer for different mask type in cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR). Data collection was from 9 to 12 May 2022, the participants were a total of 24 paramedic students with a BLS provider at D University. The students participated in an experiment in which 12 students each wore a surgical mask (Dental mask) and a fine particle 94% blocking mask (KF94 mask) and performed CPR for 2 minutes over a total of 7 times. As a result of the study, in the analysis of the quality of the rescuer's chest compression according to the type of mask, there was a significant difference in the compression speed (F=24.91, p<.001) and bad compression hand position (F=14.54, p=.024) in the group wearing the KF94, Fatigue showed significant differences in both the Dental mask group (F=51.16, p<.001) and the KF94 mask group (F=63.49, p<.001). Among the physiological changes, heart rate showed a significant difference between the Dental mask group (F=34.79, p<.001) and the KF94 mask group (F=35.55, p<.001), and the respiratory rate showed a significant difference between the Dental mask group (F=25.02, p=.001) and the KF94 mask group(F=23.02, p=.002). Therefore, in order to improve the quality of efficient chest compression and reduce the fatigue and physiological changes of rescuers, it will be necessary for rescuers to wear suitable personal protective equipment.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.862-872
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• 2020

This study explores the effects of facemasks on respiratory, thermoregulatory, cardiovascular responses during exercise on a treadmill and at rest. Five male subjects (25.8 ± 0.8 y, 171.8 ± 9.2 cm in height, 79.8 ± 28.1 kg in weight) participated in the following five experimental conditions: no mask, KF80, KF94, KF99, and N95. Inhalation resistance was ranked as KF80 < KF94 < N95 < KF99 and dead space inside a mask was ranked as KF80 = KF94 < N95 < KF99. The surface area covered by a mask was on average 1.1% of the total body surface area. The results showed no significant differences in body core temperature, oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), heart rate or subjective perception among the five experimental conditions; however, cheek temperature, respiratory ventilation and blood pressure were greater for KF80 or KF94 conditions when compared to KF99 or N95 conditions (p<0.05). The differences among mask conditions are attributed to the dead space or specific designs (cup type vs pleats type) rather than the filtration level. In addition, the results suggest that improving mask design can help mitigate respiratory resistance from increased filtration.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.399-407
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• 2022

Wearing a mask is essential during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For this study, an online survey was conducted on the actual use of masks among adults in their twenties and older. We used 389 questionnaires for the final analysis, excluding insincere or incomplete questionnaires. We then analyzed the responses using descriptive statistical analysis, frequency analysis, t-test, and ANOVA. More than half of the respondents indicated that they wore a mask for five to ten hours a day, with KF masks being the most frequently used. Participants who most frequently used cloth masks were more likely to consider color, design, and eco-friendliness, while those who used KF masks were more concerned with price and safety. There was no significant difference in purchase satisfaction between mask types, but the purchase intention was higher for KF masks. When purchasing a KF mask, there were significant differences across genders in terms of price and eco-friendliness preferences. There were also significant differences across age groups in price, eco-friendliness, skin irritation, and comfort preferences. Previous studies have shown a significant difference in gender and age in terms of preferred mask colors and designs. However, this survey found no significant difference across these categories. These findings indicate those mask manufacturers should consider safety and eco-friendliness over mask color and design.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.438-443
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the difference in mask filters on the respiration rate of healthy people. Design: A randomized cross-over design. Methods: A total of 15 subjects were selected for this study (n=15). After filling out the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, the selected participants abstained from caffeinated beverages and meals 30 minutes before and sat in a chair 10 minutes before stabilizing their breathing. Afterwards, the lung function test was performed 3 times for each mask, and the maximum value was used. The provided masks were Mask Free, Dental Mask, KF80, and KF94. Exhalation was measured for 6 seconds for each mask, and breathing was stabilized by repeating inhalation and exhalation until the next time. Results: In this study, the difference in respiratory function according to the mask type was statistically significant except for FEV1 and FVC (p<0.05). As a result of post-hoc analysis, FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEF values were significantly lower than those of the control group not wearing a mask (p<0.05). When wearing KF94, FVC, FEV1, PEF25-25%, and FEF were significantly lower than when wearing a dental mask (p<0.05). When wearing a KF80 mask, it was significantly lower in FVC and FEV1 than when wearing a dental mask (p<0.05). In FEV1/FVC, the difference by mask type was not statistically significant (p<0.05), but it was lower than the spirometry standard of COPD patients (FEV1/FVC<0.7). Conclusions: As Now that wearing a mask is essential, it has been confirmed that the mask affects the respiratory rate.Therefore, in the case of healthy adults, it is recommended to rest after wearing a mask if attention deficit or headache occurs. People with low breathing capacity are recommended to have low-intensity activities and frequent rest periods after wearing a mask.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.313-318
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• 2020

Since radon is an inert gas and is a monoatomic molecule, the size of one particle represents the size of an atom, which means that it has a radius of approximately 1 to 100 nm. Therefore, if the mask has a radius smaller than the size of general fine dust and ultra fine dust, but it is possible to block the inhalation of radon more than a certain amount, it is considered that the exposure through the inhalation of radon can be reduced through normal indoor wear. Accordingly, we would like to find out the radon blocking effect of a mask worn in everyday life. Looking at the reduction rate of radon for each mask, cotton masks decreased by 33.45%, medical masks by 33.50%, KF 80 masks by 35.12%, and KF 94 masks by 37.72%. It was found that the radon blocking effect of the cotton and medical masks was somewhat inferior to that of the KF mask, but the difference was not so great that the introduction of radon into the air could be blocked to a certain level by wearing a mask.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.406-414
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• 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the inhalation resistance(IR) and fiber structure of disposable masks when exposed to repeated heating and ultraviolet(UV) sterilization. The experiments consisted of a lab-scale and a field test. For the lab-scale test, KF94 and N95 masks were selected and a trial was composed of three repetitions of an 80-min sterilization. For the field test, a subject participated over four days, of which a KF94 was worn without sterilization, and the same trial was conducted during the next four days with daily sterilization. The results showed that the IR of the KF94 mask(9.5 Pa) gradually increased according to the sterilization up to the second repetition(15.6 Pa) but decreased at the third treatment(9.7 Pa). However, the N95 mask did not showany tendency of IR during the repetitions. Microscope photos showed several warped or blackened fibers in the stiffener layer after the repeated sterilization. After wearing a KF94 mask for four consecutive days, its IR decreased until the three days but increased the fourth day, whereas another KF94 mask with sterilization showed an increase in IR for the four days. In the microscope-photos after the consecutive four days, outside fibers and stiffener layers were warped or became less dense. In summary, the IR of the KF94 mask slightly increased through the three~four rounds of heating and UV sterilizations, but the fiber structures were not significantly deformed by the repeated sterilization. To reduce discarded mask waste, the repeated sterilization of masks can be recommended.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.292-301
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• 2021

Objectives: Wearing medical masks has been recommended since the declaration of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) as a pandemic disease. Certified medical masks are evaluated according to filtration efficiency and facial inhalation resistance. However, some people use non-certified common masks. This study aimed to evaluate various non-certified commercial masks based on the certification criteria for medical masks. Methods: Twenty mask products (three anti-droplet, three disposable dental, eight fashion, three cotton, and three children's masks) were selected. For performance evaluation, filtration efficiency and facial inhalation resistance tests were conducted. The evaluation method followed the certification method for KF-certified masks of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the N95 respirator of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Results: None of the 20 masks met the KF94 certification standard set by the MFDS. Four and three masks respectively met the KF80 certification standard and the N95 standard of NIOSH. Filtration efficiency was significantly higher in three-layer masks than in single layer masks. Pleated-type masks had higher filtration efficiency than cone-type masks. There was no correlation between the structure of masks and facial inhalation resistance. Conclusion: While no masks complied with the KF94 certification standard, a few masks met the KF80 and the N95 certification standards of NIOSH. Although some people wear non-certified commercial masks, protection from aerosols is not guaranteed by such masks. Evaluation of the protection efficiency of non-certified mask against microbiological infection is needed for the prevention of infectious disease.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.116-122
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• 2022

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic is one of the worst disease outbreaks of the 21th century. Due to a lack of reliable antiviral therapeutics, wearing face masks is recommended to prevent airborne infection originating from virus-contaminated bioaerosols. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the filtration efficiencies of face masks that are commercially available in South Korea for a biological aerosol of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and murine coronavirus, a well-known surrogate for human coronaviruses. Methods: We collected six different kinds of commercial masks: two Korea Filter (KF)94 (KF94-1, KF94-2) masks, one surgical (Surgical-1) mask, one anti-droplet (KF-AD-1) mask, and two dust (Dust-1, Dust-2) face masks. S. aureus (ATCC 6538), a well-performing test bacteria and murine coronavirus (ATCC VR-764) were prepared under a suitable culture condition. Then, a mask biological filtration tester was used to examine the microbial filtration efficiencies of masks. Test microorganisms were quantitatively measured via cultivation methods and microbial filtration efficiencies were calculated appropriately. Results: All face masks showed over 99.6% filtration efficiency for S. aureus or murine coronavirus. There were no significant differences among the bacterial filtration efficiencies of the face masks. KF94-1 (99.97±0.08%) and Dust-1 mask (99.97±0.07%) showed the highest (over 99.9%) filtration efficiency for murine coronavirus. KF94-1 or Dust-1 masks showed a significant virus filtration efficiency compared to Surgical-1 mask (p<0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusions: All the commercially available face masks used in this study can filter S. aureus or murine coronavirus in bioaerosols efficiently, regardless of the mask type. Therefore, our results suggest that wearing a certified face mask is a reliable means to prevent the transmission of infectious airborne diseases via biological aerosols.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

Respiratory face masks are protective facepieces that are designed to filter inhaled air. They are easy-to-use devices that can protect the wearer against various hazardous particles in the air. Respiratory face masks also prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria-containing droplets that are released from the coughing or sneezing of the infected people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, various types of face masks have circulated on the market. Their ability to filter sub-micron particles, which are the sizes of harmful particulate matter and airborne viruses, needs to be investigated. Their breathability, the easiness of breath through the mask, also needs to be considered. In this study, wwe evaluated the performance of filters used for different types of face masks certified by different standards including Korean (KF94, KF80, KF-AD), USA (N95), and Chinese (KN95) standards. We also tested the filters of nanofiber masks and surgical masks for which there are no standards for filtration test. The N95 mask filters showed the highest quality factor for capturing virus-sized particles. The other types of mask filters have acceptable performance except for nanofiber mask filters whose performance is very low.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.439-446
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• 2021

This study was to investigate whether there are differences in subjective bad breath-related characteristics and psychological characteristics of sports masks printed with natural minerals compared with quarantine masks and cotton masks. The study subjects were divided into 30 people in the Sports Mask Group, 30 people in the KF Mask Group (KMG), and 30 people in the cotton mask group (CMG), and a total of 90 subjects participated in the study. It was randomly sent to use 1 mask per day and 3 masks for 3 days. The study period was conducted from October 15, 2020 to October 30, 2020. As a result of the study, there was no difference in the use of masks between the three groups in terms of bad breath health and dry mouth. However, the sports mask was superior to other masks in oral respiration and bad breath angle. As a result of analyzing psychological factors, there was no difference between the 3 groups for depression. However, in the stress factor, sports masks were superior to other masks in stress. The results of this study are valuable as suggesting the direction of use of functional masks, and we hope that they will be used as basic data for functional mask research to be studied in the future.