Assessing the effect of beard hair lengths on face masks used as personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00337-1
• Publication Date: 2021-05-18T17:03:26Z
• Authors: Steven E. Prince; Hao Chen; Haiyan Tong; Jon Berntsen; Syed Masood; Kirby L. Zeman; Phillip W. Clapp; William D. Bennett; James M. Samet
• Keywords: Respirator; Face masks; Personal Protective Equipment; Face shield; Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Globally, a large percentage of men keep beard at least occasionally. Workplace regulations prohibit beards with N95 respirators, but there is little information on the effect face masks worn by public for protection against SARS-CoV-2.We examined fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) five commonly protective as function length following US Occupational Safety and Health Administration Quantitative Fit Test: (respirator), KF94 KN95, surgical/procedure, cloth masks. A comparison using respirators was carried out in shaven bearded men. detailed examination conducted lengths between 0 10 mm (0.5 increments). The an exercise band covering FFE also tested. Although showed considerable variability among men, they had highest up to mm. KN95 lost 40% their FFE. Procedure cotton poor performance even bare skin (10-30% FFE) that did not change appreciably length. Marked improvements were observed over beard.Though variable, offer best respiratory While compromised considerably increasing length, proved better options than procedure simple improves used during COVID-19 pandemic.