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Writer's pictureTyler Thompson

N95 Masks: Do they Affect Physiology?!

A recent study conducted by Chinese researchers suggests that wearing an N95 mask for an extended period can affect physiological and biochemical parameters. The study involved 30 healthy volunteers who wore the N95 mask for 14 hours while exercising at light intensity. The researchers found that wearing the mask led to decreased respiration rate and oxygen saturation, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and reduced energy expenditure and fat oxidation. The study also reported increased levels of certain hormones and overall discomfort among participants. The authors cautioned that while healthy individuals can compensate for these effects, certain populations like the elderly and those with cardiopulmonary diseases may experience compromised compensation.


The researchers highlighted that mask usage, particularly the N95 mask, is prevalent in China due to its high level of virus protection. They noted that previous studies on the adverse effects of mask-wearing have produced inconsistent conclusions due to their short duration. Therefore, they conducted a randomized crossover trial in a metabolic chamber to control participants' calorie intake and physical activity levels.


However, some experts have questioned the findings and methodology of the study. Erik Van Iterson, a US researcher who conducted a previous study on the physiological effects of wearing an N95 mask, argued that the new study does not provide reliable information and does not support the idea that N95 masks have negative effects on cardiovascular health during daily activities. Van Iterson criticized the methodology of the study, particularly the use of indirect techniques and wearable technology, which he believed were not validated for dynamic conditions. He also highlighted that the reported differences in physiological measurements, such as oxygen saturation, were not clinically meaningful and could be attributed to measurement errors or noise.


Van Iterson further pointed out that the study was limited to young and healthy individuals, and it would be speculative to assume similar effects in different populations. He emphasized that their previous study did not find any issues with wearing an N95 mask or cloth mask during light-to-moderate-intensity exercise in healthy individuals. However, he acknowledged that maximal intensity exercise could result in a subjective effect and some changes in physiological function, but these changes did not meet thresholds for clinical significance.


Michael Campos, another expert from the University of Miami, commented that N95 masks are generally worn by healthcare providers in ICU settings for short durations. He stated that the clinical impact of the new study is limited, considering the current usage of N95 masks and previous studies showing the safety of surgical masks for healthy individuals and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.


I, Dr. Tyler Thompson, believe that it is reasonable that some people will have deleterious effects from wearing what is effectively an uncomfortable, breathing resistance device. It makes sense that this may occur to various degrees in various populations. More studies are needed. In the meantime, it makes sense to me that if one feels like it is making their breathing worse, it is probably making their breathing worse, and such persons should therefore have a discussion with their doctor about whether or not wearing an N95 mask is appropriate for them.


In conclusion, the study suggests that wearing an N95 mask for a prolonged period may have physiological effects, but experts have raised concerns about the study's methodology and the clinical significance of the reported differences. Further research is needed to explore the effects of different masks on various populations in clinical settings.

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