Bristol Medical School, First Floor, 5 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK.
Institute of Hazard, Risk & Resilience, Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jun 2;17(11):3935. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17113935.
Air pollution is a major health problem and children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects. Facemasks are one form of protection but, to be effective, they need to filter out airborne pollutants, fit the face well and be wearable. In this pilot study, we assess the perceived wearability of three facemasks (Vogmask, TuHao and ReSpimask) marketed in the UK as being designed to protect children against exposure to air pollution. Twenty-four primary school children wore each facemask during a standardised walking and running activity. After each activity, the children were asked to rate facemask wearability in terms of parameters, such as perceived comfort, hotness, breathability and fit. At the end of the trial, the children compared and identified their preferred facemask. The main complaint about the facemasks was the children's faces being too hot. The ReSpimask was most frequently reported as being perceived to be the hardest to breathe through. The TuHao facemask was the only adjustable strap mask assessed but was reported to be difficult to adjust. Facemasks with a nose clip were frequently rated highest for fit (TuHao and Vogmask). The patterned, cloth fabric Vogmask had significantly higher ratings for appearance and perceived fit. The results show children's perceptions of facemasks are highly affected by the facemask's design, hotness and perceived breathability. By making children's facemasks more appealing, breathable, cooler and improving their fit, wearability may be improved.
空气污染是一个主要的健康问题，儿童尤其容易受到其不良影响。口罩是一种防护形式，但为了有效，它们需要过滤空气中的污染物，贴合面部并可佩戴。在这项初步研究中，我们评估了三种在英国市场上销售的口罩（Vogmask、TuHao 和 ReSpimask）的可佩戴性，这些口罩被宣传为可保护儿童免受空气污染的影响。24 名小学生在标准的步行和跑步活动中佩戴每种口罩。每项活动后，孩子们会根据舒适度、闷热感、透气性和贴合度等参数对面罩的可佩戴性进行评分。在试验结束时，孩子们会对口罩进行比较并选择自己喜欢的口罩。孩子们对口罩的主要抱怨是口罩会让他们的脸感到过热。ReSpimask 被报告为最难透气的口罩。TuHao 口罩是评估的唯一带有可调节带的口罩，但报告称难以调节。带有鼻夹的口罩在贴合度方面经常被评为最高（TuHao 和 Vogmask）。带有图案的布质 Vogmask 在外观和贴合度方面的评分明显更高。结果表明，儿童对面罩的看法受到口罩设计、闷热感和透气性感知的高度影响。通过使儿童口罩更具吸引力、透气、凉爽并改善其贴合度，可以提高口罩的可佩戴性。
