Abstract
Background N-95 masks are in high demand during this COVID-19 pandemic but wearing an N-95 mask
is a real challenge to the health workers during their duty hours. The present study
aims to measure the effect of the N-95 mask on oxygen saturation level in the blood
and the discomforts experienced while using it.
Materials and Methods Oxygen saturation was measured in 80 health care workers before and after wearing
the N-95 mask continuously for more than 6 hours. The participants were asked to fill
a questionnaire regarding various discomforts of N-95 mask usage, which consisted
of 14 questions.
Results The most common discomfort was pain around the pinna followed by difficulty in breathing
and fogging of spectacles or goggles. In addition, 71% of them had decreased oxygen
saturation by 1%.
Conclusion N-95 mask can alter the oxygen saturation but it does not produce significant effects
in healthy individuals. It can significantly affect patients with compromised airways.
Keywords
N-95 mask - health care workers - oxygen saturation - SpO
2
- COVID-19 - discomfort
