Evaluation of Aerosol Filtration Efficiency of a Respiratory Face Mask Equipped with Valve/Micro-Ventilator against Pathogen and Pollutant Penetration

Background: Prevention of infection with airborne pathogens and exposure to airborne particulates and aerosols (environmental pollutants and allergens) can be facilitated through use of disposable face masks. The effectiveness of such masks for excluding pathogens and pollutants is a function of wearer compliance (and comfort) and the intrinsic ability of the masks to resist penetration by airborne contaminants. This study evaluated the relative contributions of mask, valve, and micro ventilator on aerosol filtration efficiency of a new respiratory face mask (Dettol PROTECT+Smart Mask Large size).Methods: Varying configurations of the test mask were challenged, using standardized methods, with environmental contaminants including influenza A and rhinovirus type 14, bacteriophage ΦΧ174, Staphylococcus aureus, and model pollutants. The statistical significance of results obtained for different challenge microbial agents and for different mask configurations was assessed.Results: The results demonstrate >99.7% efficiency of each test mask configuration for exclusion of influenza A virus, rhinovirus 14, and S. aureus and >99.3% efficiency for paraffin oil and sodium chloride (surrogates for PM2.5). Statistically significant differences in effectiveness of the different mask configurations were not identified. The efficiencies of the masks for excluding smaller-size (i.e., rhinovirus and bacteriophage ΦΧ174) vs. larger-size microbial agents (influenza virus, S. aureus) were not significantly different.Conclusions: The masks, with or without comfort-enhancing features, provide protection against both small- and large-size pathogens. Importantly, the mask appears to be highly efficient for filtration of pathogens, including influenza and rhinoviruses, as well as the fine particulates (