Table 10.
Holistic approach to evaluating usability to inform future protective mask design.
| Zone/Component | Qualitative Feedback (Themes and Supporting Statements) | Future Design Considerations | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nose/Nose wire | -Irritation -Pressure -Tight -Sore -Difficulty breathing -Poor malleability |
“Redness on bridge of nose …” “Very tight around nose. Nose still sore after doffing the mask.” “The nose band mostly closed off my nose forcing me to breathe out of my mouth.” “… could never get the wire to fit my nose correctly.” “… would not seal around my nose …” |
Nose wires should be tested to relieve pressure and conform to the nose comfortably and securely. Material property considerations: strength, malleability, thickness |
| Head & Neck/Bands | -Discomfort -Irritation -Tight -Stuck in hair -Slipping on hair |
“The elastic was very irritating.” “The rubber bands are very uncomfortable and get wrapped in hair.” “The plastic toggle adjusts and straps were very very uncomfortable.” “… upper cord to stay more on the top of the head.” |
Bands should be tested to relieve pressure on the head and neck. Bands must not interfere with hair in donning and doffing. Material property considerations: tension, slippage, thickness, elasticity, contour to head, relationship to hair types |
| Ears/Ear loops | -Sore -Loose |
“… made my ears hurt.” “… tighter ear loops or adjustable ear loops.” |
Ear loops should be tested to reduce pulling and rubbing behind the ears. However, ear loops do not guarantee a secure mask seal. Material property considerations: adjustability, elasticity, material softness |
| Chin/Foam | -Itchy -Tight -Irritation -Difficulty breathing |
“… tight on my chin.” “Itchy and irritating under the chin.” “It really hurt under my chin/neck. Felt like it was digging into my airway.” |
Chin foam should be tested to fit comfortably under the chin and secure the mask seal without breathing interference. Material property considerations: moisture-wicking, position, material softness |
| Cheeks & Cheekbones/Foam | -Irritation -Sticky/sweat |
“… rash around cheeks.” “The foam strips after a period of time stick to the face and become irritating.” “… the foam, it starts to get sweaty.” |
Cheek foam should be tested to aid in mask seal, cushion pressure impact, and limit effects of heat and moisture retention. Material property considerations: moisture-wicking, shape retention, temperature regulating, material softness |
| Face/Filter media | -Irritation -Itchy -Difficulty breathing |
“Itchy on face and irritated after.” “… very hard to breathe in. The mask collapsed on itself when I breathed in and expanded when I breathed out.” |
Filter media should be tested for standard filtration efficiency, breathing resistance, and biocompatibility, while considering ways to prevent fiber abrasion. Material property considerations: skin-friendly, material softness and texture, breathability, fiber breakdown |
| Overall mask design | -Unpleasant appearance -Poor fit -Side effects -Tight -Hot |
“The mask is very big and bulky and I do not like that feeling or look.” “It's comfortable … just too big for my face. Felt like it was always hitting my eyes …” “Make a bigger size, m/L was still pretty tight on most people and gave me a bad headache.” “… very uncomfortable and tight and hot.” |
All interrelated components of mask design should be considered in their effect on fit, discomfort, and mask wear experience. Design considerations: aesthetics, unobtrusive shape, size selection, secure and comfortable fit, temperature regulating |