A pilot study on the use of geometrically accurate face models to replicate ex vivo N95 mask fit

Laleh Golshahi; Karla Telidetzki; Ben King; Diana Shaw; Warren H Finlay

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2012.01.008

A pilot study on the use of geometrically accurate face models to replicate ex vivo N95 mask fit

Am J Infect Control. 2013 Jan;41(1):77-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2012.01.008. Epub 2012 Apr 13.

Authors

Laleh Golshahi¹, Karla Telidetzki, Ben King, Diana Shaw, Warren H Finlay

Affiliation

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

PMID: 22503133
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2012.01.008

Abstract

To test the feasibility of replicating a face mask seal in vitro, we created 5 geometrically accurate reconstructions of the head and neck of an adult human subject using different materials. Three breathing patterns were simulated with each replica and an attached N95 mask. Quantitative fit testing on the subject and the replicas showed that none of the 5 isotropic materials used allowed duplication of the ex vivo mask seal for the specific mask-face combination studied.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Anthropometry / methods*
Equipment Design / methods*
Face / anatomy & histology*
Female
Humans
Materials Testing
Occupational Exposure / prevention & control
Pilot Projects
Respiratory Protective Devices*