• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.313-318
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• 2020

Since radon is an inert gas and is a monoatomic molecule, the size of one particle represents the size of an atom, which means that it has a radius of approximately 1 to 100 nm. Therefore, if the mask has a radius smaller than the size of general fine dust and ultra fine dust, but it is possible to block the inhalation of radon more than a certain amount, it is considered that the exposure through the inhalation of radon can be reduced through normal indoor wear. Accordingly, we would like to find out the radon blocking effect of a mask worn in everyday life. Looking at the reduction rate of radon for each mask, cotton masks decreased by 33.45%, medical masks by 33.50%, KF 80 masks by 35.12%, and KF 94 masks by 37.72%. It was found that the radon blocking effect of the cotton and medical masks was somewhat inferior to that of the KF mask, but the difference was not so great that the introduction of radon into the air could be blocked to a certain level by wearing a mask.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.439-446
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• 2021

This study was to investigate whether there are differences in subjective bad breath-related characteristics and psychological characteristics of sports masks printed with natural minerals compared with quarantine masks and cotton masks. The study subjects were divided into 30 people in the Sports Mask Group, 30 people in the KF Mask Group (KMG), and 30 people in the cotton mask group (CMG), and a total of 90 subjects participated in the study. It was randomly sent to use 1 mask per day and 3 masks for 3 days. The study period was conducted from October 15, 2020 to October 30, 2020. As a result of the study, there was no difference in the use of masks between the three groups in terms of bad breath health and dry mouth. However, the sports mask was superior to other masks in oral respiration and bad breath angle. As a result of analyzing psychological factors, there was no difference between the 3 groups for depression. However, in the stress factor, sports masks were superior to other masks in stress. The results of this study are valuable as suggesting the direction of use of functional masks, and we hope that they will be used as basic data for functional mask research to be studied in the future.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.113-120
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was the accuracy of cardiac compression, fatigue, and physiological changes of the rescuer for different mask type in cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR). Data collection was from 9 to 12 May 2022, the participants were a total of 24 paramedic students with a BLS provider at D University. The students participated in an experiment in which 12 students each wore a surgical mask (Dental mask) and a fine particle 94% blocking mask (KF94 mask) and performed CPR for 2 minutes over a total of 7 times. As a result of the study, in the analysis of the quality of the rescuer's chest compression according to the type of mask, there was a significant difference in the compression speed (F=24.91, p<.001) and bad compression hand position (F=14.54, p=.024) in the group wearing the KF94, Fatigue showed significant differences in both the Dental mask group (F=51.16, p<.001) and the KF94 mask group (F=63.49, p<.001). Among the physiological changes, heart rate showed a significant difference between the Dental mask group (F=34.79, p<.001) and the KF94 mask group (F=35.55, p<.001), and the respiratory rate showed a significant difference between the Dental mask group (F=25.02, p=.001) and the KF94 mask group(F=23.02, p=.002). Therefore, in order to improve the quality of efficient chest compression and reduce the fatigue and physiological changes of rescuers, it will be necessary for rescuers to wear suitable personal protective equipment.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.862-872
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• 2020

This study explores the effects of facemasks on respiratory, thermoregulatory, cardiovascular responses during exercise on a treadmill and at rest. Five male subjects (25.8 ± 0.8 y, 171.8 ± 9.2 cm in height, 79.8 ± 28.1 kg in weight) participated in the following five experimental conditions: no mask, KF80, KF94, KF99, and N95. Inhalation resistance was ranked as KF80 < KF94 < N95 < KF99 and dead space inside a mask was ranked as KF80 = KF94 < N95 < KF99. The surface area covered by a mask was on average 1.1% of the total body surface area. The results showed no significant differences in body core temperature, oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), heart rate or subjective perception among the five experimental conditions; however, cheek temperature, respiratory ventilation and blood pressure were greater for KF80 or KF94 conditions when compared to KF99 or N95 conditions (p<0.05). The differences among mask conditions are attributed to the dead space or specific designs (cup type vs pleats type) rather than the filtration level. In addition, the results suggest that improving mask design can help mitigate respiratory resistance from increased filtration.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.179-185
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to provide basic data on the negative factors of oral health in masks and the importance of oral health management according to the use of masks to prevent novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). From May 3 to 31, 2021, 232 adults aged 20 to 59 across the country were surveyed and statistically analyzed. As for the mask selection, 63.9% of men and 61.3% of women chose the KF_94 mask for both men and women, and it was found that the older they were, the more they chose the KF_94 mask. Self-recognition of dry mouth and bad breath due to wearing a mask showed that the group wearing a cotton mask felt high dry mouth, and there was a statistically significant difference. There was a significant positive correlation between mask type, dry mouth(r=.142, p<.05), and age(r=.234, p<.01). There was a significant positive correlation between mask wearing time and age(r=.158, p<.05), and it was found to be negatively correlated according to occupation, and was statistically significant(r=-.472, p< .01). Dry mouth had a statistically significant positive correlation with bad breath(r=3.04, p<.01) and age(r=.224, p<.01).

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.406-414
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• 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the inhalation resistance(IR) and fiber structure of disposable masks when exposed to repeated heating and ultraviolet(UV) sterilization. The experiments consisted of a lab-scale and a field test. For the lab-scale test, KF94 and N95 masks were selected and a trial was composed of three repetitions of an 80-min sterilization. For the field test, a subject participated over four days, of which a KF94 was worn without sterilization, and the same trial was conducted during the next four days with daily sterilization. The results showed that the IR of the KF94 mask(9.5 Pa) gradually increased according to the sterilization up to the second repetition(15.6 Pa) but decreased at the third treatment(9.7 Pa). However, the N95 mask did not showany tendency of IR during the repetitions. Microscope photos showed several warped or blackened fibers in the stiffener layer after the repeated sterilization. After wearing a KF94 mask for four consecutive days, its IR decreased until the three days but increased the fourth day, whereas another KF94 mask with sterilization showed an increase in IR for the four days. In the microscope-photos after the consecutive four days, outside fibers and stiffener layers were warped or became less dense. In summary, the IR of the KF94 mask slightly increased through the three~four rounds of heating and UV sterilizations, but the fiber structures were not significantly deformed by the repeated sterilization. To reduce discarded mask waste, the repeated sterilization of masks can be recommended.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.399-407
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• 2022

Wearing a mask is essential during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For this study, an online survey was conducted on the actual use of masks among adults in their twenties and older. We used 389 questionnaires for the final analysis, excluding insincere or incomplete questionnaires. We then analyzed the responses using descriptive statistical analysis, frequency analysis, t-test, and ANOVA. More than half of the respondents indicated that they wore a mask for five to ten hours a day, with KF masks being the most frequently used. Participants who most frequently used cloth masks were more likely to consider color, design, and eco-friendliness, while those who used KF masks were more concerned with price and safety. There was no significant difference in purchase satisfaction between mask types, but the purchase intention was higher for KF masks. When purchasing a KF mask, there were significant differences across genders in terms of price and eco-friendliness preferences. There were also significant differences across age groups in price, eco-friendliness, skin irritation, and comfort preferences. Previous studies have shown a significant difference in gender and age in terms of preferred mask colors and designs. However, this survey found no significant difference across these categories. These findings indicate those mask manufacturers should consider safety and eco-friendliness over mask color and design.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.417-432
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• 2024

This study aimed to enhance the comfort of health masks by conducting in-depth interviews, online surveys, and wearing tests on commercial health masks. The findings are summarized below. In-depth interviews revealed that the most comfortable mask styles were ranked as follows: Beak-1 (B-1) & Beak-2 (B-2) style > Flat style > 3-Horizontal foldable (3H) style. Men generally preferred flat style masks, while women favored beak-shaped masks. The internet survey results showed that 77.8% of surveyed brands offered a variety of mask styles, with 3H and B-2 masks being the most common. Different brands provided masks with different filtration levels, ranging from KF-AD to KF94. Size consistency also varied among brands, with flat masks having relatively consistent dimensions and B-2 masks showing significant size differences. Wearing tests indicated that 3H and B-1 masks were highly satisfying for categories like "itchiness," "unpleasant odor," and "mask slipping." Conversely, flat masks scored the highest satisfaction in classifications such as "stiff," "heavy," "thick," "hot while wearing it," "moisture accumulation," "breathing discomfort," "short ear straps," and "itchiness". Overall, the flat style, B-1, and B-2 yielded higher satisfaction levels, while 4-Horizontal foldable (4H) and 3H garnered lower satisfaction scores on wearing tests.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.245-253
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• 2015

Objectives: One aim of the study is to compare filtering facepiece masks for healthcare workers between Korea and other countries. The other is to emphasize the importance of fit testing for these masks using an analysis of previous research. Materials: An extensive literature review was performed by searching a number of websites and existing studies. Results: KF94 and KF99 masks certified by the Korean CDC are suitable for healthcare workers as filtering facepiece masks. The standards for these respirators are similar to FFP2 and FFP3 of EN 143 and 149. The performance, such as filtering efficiency, is almost the same between KP94 and N95. It was found that fit testing of respirators for healthcare workers was important to reduce infection risk. Conclusions: KF94 should be emphasized as filtering facepiece masks for healthcare workers rather than N95. Even though Korea has no fit testing regulations, implementing fit testing in healthcare settings is strongly recommended to decrease infection risk.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.113-125
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• 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the normalization of mask-wearing worldwide, and young children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory diseases. Children's masks come in various sizes and shapes, causing confusion among consumers who struggle to find products that can accommodate their child's unique physical conditions. This research aims to analyze the shape and dimensions of health masks designed for young children. A total of 67 mask varieties were collected, and 58 were subjected to analysis. The masks were found to have two primary shapes: foldable and beak-like, with sizes categorized as small and extra-small. The majority of masks were manufactured in Korea, and the size labeling systems varied among manufacturers. The mask materials were non-woven fabric or polypropylene, and there was diversity in terms of the adjustable earbands and the use of additional accessories. The dimensions of the masks varied depending on their shape, with significant differences in the weight and the length of the wire holes. Subsequent research should focus on conducting wearability evaluations to verify the dimensional suitability of commercially available children's health masks based on shape and size. Additionally, this study aims to provide foundational data that can assist in the development of children's masks with size ranges that differentiate them from adult masks and cater to specific age groups.