Respiratory consequences of N95-type Mask usage in pregnant healthcare workers—a controlled clinical study

Tong, Pearl Shuang Ye; Kale, Anita Sugam; Ng, Kailyn; Loke, Amelia Peiwen; Choolani, Mahesh Arjandas; Lim, Chin Leong; Chan, Yiong Huak; Chong, Yap Seng; Tambyah, Paul Anantharajah; Yong, Eu-Leong

We found that in women in mid-pregnancy, breathing through the N95 respirator material when performing low intensity work significantly reduced VO 2 (13.8 %) and VCO 2 (17.7 %), which was due to a corresponding decrease in V E (25.8 %) and TV (23 %), without a compensatory increase in BF. This decrease in air intake volume, together with unchanged concentrations of inspired O 2 and CO 2 imply a decrease in overall amount of O 2 and CO 2 inspired. Coupled with a 3.2 % decrease in FeO 2 and an 8.9 % increase in FeCO 2 , these results suggest an increased consumption of O 2 and production of CO 2 , leading to possible concerns regarding prolonged usage of N95-masks on respiratory functions in pregnant women performing physical work. The decrease in V E , TV, FeO 2 and the increase in FeCO 2 were also significant during the rest periods. These results suggest that breathing through the N95 mask material can limit the overall volume of amount of oxygen intake and also increase the rate of metabolism.