In:
PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 18, No. 3 ( 2023-3-15), p. e0281050-
Abstract:
Effective masking policies to prevent the spread of airborne infections depend on public access to masks with high filtration efficacy. However, poor face-fit is almost universally present in pleated multilayer disposable face masks, severely limiting both individual and community respiratory protection. We developed a set of simple mask modifications to mass-manufactured disposable masks, the most common type of mask used by the public, that dramatically improves both their personalized fit and performance in a low-cost and scalable manner. These modifications comprise a user-moldable full mask periphery wire, integrated earloop tension adjusters, and an inner flange to trap respiratory droplets. We demonstrate that these simple design changes improve quantitative fit factor by 320%, triples the level of protection against aerosolized droplets, and approaches the model efficacy of N95 respirators in preventing the community spread of COVID-19, for an estimated additional cost of less than 5 cents per mask with automated production.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1932-6203
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.g002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.g003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.g004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.g005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.g006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.s003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.s004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.s005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.s006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0281050.s007
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2267670-3
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