Impact of Concurrent Use of N95 and Surgical Masks on Peripheral Oxygen Saturation and Heart Rate Frequency-A Prospective Study during the COVID-19 Outbreak.

ABSTRACT: Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 outbreak has necessitated the prolonged use of N95 facemasks in addition to traditional surgical facemasks by healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of wearing N95 facemasks in addition to surgical facemasks on peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and heart rate (HR) among dental professionals during routine care. Materials and Methods: This prospective study compared SpO₂ and HR between dental providers wearing N95 + surgical facemasks vs. wearing a surgical facemask only. SpO₂ and HR were recorded using a portable pulse oximeter before wearing the facemask (T0); at 30 min (T1); at 1 h (T2); and at the end of clinical activity (T3). Inter-group and intra-group differences

SUBMITTER: Alessandri-Bonetti A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10890314 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature