MASK-Induced CARDIOPULMONARY Stress: Randomized Crossover Trial

… we systematically evaluated the effects of extended use of the N95 mask during daily life

… This randomized clinical trial included 30 healthy participants between March 7 and August 1, 2022

… participants were randomly assigned to receive interventions with and without the N95 mask for 14 hours (8:00 to 22:00)

… during which they exercised for 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon using an ergometer

… at 40% (light intensity) and 20% (very light intensity) of their maximum oxygen consumption levels, respectively

… Venous blood samples were taken before and 14 hours after the intervention for blood gas and metabolite analysis

… Wearing the N95 mask resulted in reduced respiration rate and oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (Spo₂) within 1 hour

… with elevated heart rate … 2 hours later until mask off at 22:00

… During the light-intensity exercise at 11:00, mask-induced cardiopulmonary stress was further increased

… During the light-intensity exercise at 11:00, mask-induced cardiopulmonary stress was further increased

… as heart rate … and blood pressure

… diastolic … increased, while respiration rate … and Spo₂ … decreased

… After the 14-hour masked intervention, venous blood pH decreased, and calculated arterial pH showed a decreasing trend

…  Participants also reported increased overall discomfort with the N95 mask

… by demonstrating that wearing the N95 mask for 14 hours significantly affected the physiological, biochemical, and perception parameters

… The effect was primarily initiated by increased respiratory resistance and subsequent decreased blood oxygen and pH

… which contributed to sympathoadrenal system activation and epinephrine as well as norepinephrine secretion elevation

… healthy individuals can compensate for this cardiopulmonary overload

… elderly individuals, children, and those with cardiopulmonary diseases, may experience compromised compensation