Measuring Total Filtration Efficiency of Surgical and Community Face Masks: Impact of Mask Design Features

Surgical and community face masks are used worldwide to reduce the transmission of respiratory infections in indoor environments. Performance parameters for these loose-fitting devices mainly focused on material filtering efficiency, while, differently from respirators, there no standards methods measuring fraction air leaking at seal. This study quantifies total filtration efficiency (TFE), a parameter based both filter leakage, 50 mask models with aim understanding role several design features TFE performance. An instrumented head form equipped sensors volumetric airflow differential pressure was simulate exhalation mouth person wearing mask. A Response Surface Method (RSM) model experimental data. Results showed that values ranged over wide interval (from 5 % 73 %), better higher flowrates. significant positive correlation found between breathability. The presence nosepiece increase average 4 6 %, according flowrate. Significant improvements were associated only nosepieces incorporating metallic wire. RSM evidenced number layers, use meltblown layer, result when is place. Differently, benefit less marked made highly breathable filters. To improve overall performance, should carefully compromise breathability materials. addition help improving by limiting