Protective Face Masks: Effect on the Oxygenation and Heart Rate Status of Oral Surgeons during Surgery

Antonio Scarano, Francesco Inchingolo, Biagio Rapone, Felice Festa, Sergio Rexhep Tari and Felice Lorusso
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Antonio Scarano: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Francesco Inchingolo: Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Medicine Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
Biagio Rapone: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy
Felice Festa: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Sergio Rexhep Tari: Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Felice Lorusso: Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-10

Abstract: Background: Safety in medical work requires eye protection, such as glasses, and protective facial masks (PFM) during clinical practice to prevent viral respiratory infections. The use of facial masks and other full personal protective equipment increases air flow resistance, facial skin temperature and physical discomfort. The aim of the present study was to measure surgeons’ oxygenation status and discomfort before and after their daily routine activities of oral interventions. Methods: 10 male voluntary dentists, specializing in oral surgery, and 10 male voluntary doctors in dentistry, participating in master’s courses in oral surgery in the Department of Oral Surgery of the University of Chieti, with mean age 29 ± 6 (27–35), were enrolled. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of wearing a PFM on oxygenation status while the oral surgeons were actively working. Disposable sterile one-way surgical paper masks (Surgical Face Mask, Euronda, Italy) and FFP2 (Surgical Face Mask, Euronda, Italy) were used and the mask position covering the nose did not vary during the procedures. The FFP2 was covered by a surgical mask during surgical treatment. A pulse oximeter was used to measure the blood oximetry saturation during the study. Results: In all 20 surgeons wearing FFP2 covered by surgical masks, a reduction in arterial O 2 saturation from around 97.5% before surgery to 94% after surgery was recorded with increase of heart rates. A shortness of breath and light-headedness/headaches were also noted. Conclusions: In conclusion, wearing an FFP2 covered by a surgical mask induces a reduction in circulating O 2 concentrations without clinical relevance, while an increase of heart frequency and a sensation of shortness of breath, light-headedness/headaches were recorded.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; N95; FFP2 respirators; surgical mask; protective face masks; personal protective equipment; severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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