A Physical Analog to Assess Surgical Face Mask Air Flow Resistance During Tidal Ventilation

• Published in: Frontiers in physiology Vol. 13; p. 808588
• Main Authors: Demoulin, Bruno, Duvivier, Claude, Marchal, François, Demoulin-Alexikova, Silvia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 17.02.2022
• Subjects: breathability; COVID-19; face masks; Physiology; pressure-flow relationship; SARS-CoV-2; surgical masks; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; surgical masks; face masks; breathability; pressure-flow relationship; airway resistance; tidal breathing

A large variety of disposable face masks have been produced since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Decreased resistance to inspiration improves adherence to the use of the mask; the so called breathability is usually estimated by the measurement of air flow across a section of the tissue under a...