Multidomain subjective response to respirator use during simulated work

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Respiratory Protection
• Public Health Preparedness

Background:

• Traditional industrial settings have established guidelines for respirator use.
• Limited data exists on subjective tolerance in non-industrial settings, especially for individuals with respiratory impairments.
• Assessing user tolerance is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate subjective tolerance to respirator use in non-traditional settings.
• To include users with mild respiratory impairments in the assessment.
• To compare tolerance between different respirator types and activity settings.

Main Methods:

• 43 subjects, including those with mild respiratory impairments, participated.
• Respirator tolerance (dual cartridge half-face mask and N95) was assessed during 8 work activities and in an exercise laboratory.
• Multiple domains of subjective response were measured.

Main Results:

• The majority of participants tolerated respirator use well.
• N95 respirators generally had less adverse impact than half-face masks.
• Subjective impact was lower during work activities compared to exercise laboratory settings.
• Measuring multiple subjective outcomes beyond comfort and breathing is recommended.

Conclusions:

• Respirator use appears feasible for widespread application during public health crises like epidemics or terror events.
• Findings support the potential for broader implementation of respiratory protection measures.