Evaluation of a new face mask concept for oxygen administration: a crossover study in healthy volunteers

We developed a new face mask concept for oxygen administration using non-woven textiles. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the new mask improves acceptability without compromising O₂ delivery and CO₂ elimination. 10 healthy adult volunteers were randomized to either the conventional plastic face mask-first group or the new face mask-first group. Participants were asked to wear the assigned mask with O₂ at 3 L/min for 10 min while seated. End tidal O₂ concentration (et-O₂) and end tidal CO₂ concentration (et-CO₂) were measured via a sampling tube located at the mouth. After a 10-min rest period, the other mask was tested in the same manner. Mask discomfort was evaluated using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) where 0, comfortable and 100, uncomfortable. The results showed that use of the new mask caused less discomfort than the conventional mask (new, 11; conventional, 33) (P = 0.002). Median et-O₂ with the new mask was 33%, compared with 30% with the conventional mask (P = 0.008). There were no significant differences in et-CO₂ by mask type (new, 32 mmHg; conventional, 30 mmHg). In conclusion, the new mask was more comfortable and provided higher et-O₂ than the conventional mask.