Effects of New “High Breathability” FFP2 Masks in Healthcare Workers during the “COVID-19 Era”

Abstract

Background: Filtering Facepiece Particle (FFP) masks are the most common Personal Protective Equipment used by healthcare workers, particularly in relation to COVID-19 pandemic. With the aim of improving compliance and decreasing the discomfort caused by prolonged use of facemasks, a new type of FFP2 and FFP3 facemasks, defined as “high breathability”, has been introduced to the market. Methods: We compared the commonly used FFP2/N95 facemasks with these new “high breathability” facemasks in terms of discomfort caused by prolonged use of the facemasks and an assessment of nasal cavity and nasal respiratory symptoms in healthcare workers. Results: We involved 36 healthcare workers employed in the operating room and outpatient activities at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico of Rome. After seven days of wearing FFP2/BLS 502 facemasks, a statistically significant difference was found in the results to a discomfort questionnaire and the assessment of nasal cavity and the nasal respiratory symptoms, including nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea. Better results were obtained using the BLS 502 facemask in terms of the sneezing and nasal itchiness variables. Conclusions: Thanks to its design and low breathing resistance, the FFP2/BLS 502 facemask appears to be more comfortable to wear than common FFP2/N95 facemasks.