Research Symposium

BIO

I am originally from Miami, Florida and I am currently on a pre-med track at Florida State University with the goal of becoming a doctor. I am very passionate about using research to improve healthcare outcomes, particularly for underserved populations. My research interests include healthcare disparities, cancer treatment advancements, and the integration of new technologies in medicine. I am dedicated to pursuing a career where I can combine my love for science and my commitment to making a positive impact on patients’ lives.

Efficiency of single and double ply non woven mask against N95: a review analysis

Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19 revealed the importance of face mask as the first line of defense in the protection against airborne pathogens. However, at surge periods, the gold standards of surgical masks ( e.g. N95) as stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) become expensive and less accessible. This leaves the less efficient options like the 3-ply non-woven masks to the public. However, for individuals like hospital janitors who work in environments with high concentration of the diseases in the air and/or filled with sick people, but are not considered "health workers", 3-ply non-woven masks is insufficient in the protection levels it offers. Some studies have evaluated the possibility of doubling the 3-ply non-woven masks to increase their protection levels. Therefore, the purpose of this literature study is to assess the efficiency level of single 3-ply non-woven masks, double 3-ply non-woven masks, and N95.  Through an extensive literature search, the study contrasts the filtration efficiency, breathability, and overall protective capability of 3-ply non-woven masks with N95 masks. Findings show that while N95 masks provide the greatest protection, double-3 ply non-woven masks may serve as an alternate without a significant reduction in safety in less compromising situations. The current research aims at providing information to those that are not considered "health workers" in deciding the most appropriate alternative in the absence of N95 based on their working environments.

Keywords: medical textiles, breathability, nonwoven, protection