The effects of working with different protective masks on oxygenation in healthcare workers

Introduction During the Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare workers were seen using various types and numbers of masks to prevent infection, and the health effects of these uses were debated.Theory Our aim was to understand the potential negative effects of different numbers and types of masks on oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate.Method This prospective clinical study were included those who used healthworkwers a single surgical mask, double surgical masks, N95 mask, and surgical mask plus N95 masks while working at the hospital. Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and peak heart rate were recorded with and without a mask.Results There was no significant difference in oxygen saturation values among the groups, and we did not observe oxygen saturation values below 90% in total 205 participants. The respiratory rates of healthcare professionals using double masks (Avarage respiratory rate of double surgical masks and N95 + surgical masks were 21.9 and 21.6 respectively) were significantly higher than in those single masks (Avarage respiratory rate of single surgical masks and N95 masks were 19.3 and 19.7 respectively) (For all p < 0.05).We found that the average heart rate per minute was lower in healthcare professionals wearing a single surgical mask (79,9) than in other groups (85, 87.9, 85.2) (For all p < 0.005).Discussion We believe that the significant increase in respiratory rates observed in employees using double masks is likely due to this compensatory mechanism. For less respiratory effort, it is more convenient for healthcare workers to work with a single mask.