Effects of N95 Mask Use on Pulmonary Function in Children.

Lubrano, Riccardo; Bloise, Silvia; Marcellino, Alessia; Ciolli, Claudia Proietti; Testa, Alessia; De Luca, Enrica; Dilillo, Anna; Mallardo, Saverio; Isoldi, Sara; Martucci, Vanessa; Sanseviero, MariaTeresa; Del Giudice, Emanuela; Malvaso, Concetta; Iacovelli, Claudio; Leone, Rita; Iorfida, Donatella; Ventriglia, Flavia

OBJECTIVE To assess whether the use of an N95 mask by children was associated with episodes of desaturation or respiratory distress. STUDY DESIGN 22 healthy children were randomly assigned to two groups, both groups wearing an N95 mask: one without an exhalation valve, another with an exhalation valve. We tracked changes in partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2), oxygen saturation, pulse rate and respiratory rate over 72-minutes of mask-use. All subjects were monitored every 15 minutes, the first 30 minutes while not wearing a mask, and the next 30 minutes while wearing a mask. Children then performed a 12-minute walking test. RESULTS Children did not experience a statistically significant change in oxygen saturation or pulse rate during the study. There was a significant increase in respiratory rate and PETCO2 in those children wearing a mask without an exhalation valve, whereas this was only seen in those children wearing a mask with an exhalation valve after the walking test. CONCLUSION The use of an N95 mask could potentially cause breathing difficulties in children if the mask does not have an exhalation valve, particularly during a physical activity. We believe that it may be more appropriate for children to use a surgical mask.