In-mask temperature and humidity can validate respirator wear-time and indicate lung health status.

ABSTRACT: The effectiveness of respiratory protection is dependent on many factors, including the duration and times during the day when it is worn. To date, these factors could only be assessed by direct observation of the respirator user. We describe the novel use of a data-logging temperature and humidity sensor (iButton Hygrochron) located inside a facemask to quantify respirator wear-time through supervised experiments (Phase 1) and an unsupervised wearing trial (Phase 2). Additionally, in Phase 1 the in-mask temperature was compared with measurements of exhaled breath temperature. We found humidity responds more rapidly than temperature to donning a mask, so it was considered a more sensitive measure of wear-time, particularly for short durations. Supervised tests showed that this method can p

SUBMITTER: Cherrie JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6760615 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature