Review of materials and testing methods for virus filtering performance of face mask and respirator

Abstract

Respiratory protection devices such as face masks and respirators minimize the transmission of infectious diseases by providing a physical barrier to respiratory virus particles. The level of protection from a face mask and respirator depends on the nature of filter material, the size of infectious particle, breathing and environmental conditions, facial seal, and user compliance. The ongoing COVID‒19 pandemic has resulted in the global shortage of surgical face mask and respirator. In such a situation, significant global populations have either reused the single‒use face mask and respirator or used a substandard face mask fabricated from locally available materials. At the same time, researchers are actively exploring filter materials having novel functionalities such as antimicrobial, enhanced charge holding, and heat regulating properties to design potentially better face mask. In this work, we reviewed research papers and guidelines published primarily in last decade focusing on, (a) virus filtering efficiency, (b) impact of type of filter material on filtering efficiency, (c) emerging technologies in mask design, and (d) decontamination approaches. Finally, we provide future prospective on the need of novel filter materials and improved design.