Effects of masks on body′s thermal response in indoor environment

Abstract

The effects of wearing different types of masks on human physiology and psychology were explored. The physiological parameters (core temperature, heart rate, skin temperature) and subjective response (thermal sensation voting and thermal comfort voting) were measured in the artificial climate chamber at 26 ℃ (slightly hot environment) and 32 ℃ (hot environment), to study theeffects of masks on the thermal response of male and female subjects. The results show that there are no significant differences in core temperature and heart rate between men and women wearing different types of masks at the two operating temperatures；significant differences are found in the average skin temperature of men and women between the two operating temperatures；there are significant differences in the average skin temperature between different mask types for women when the operating temperature was 32 ℃；significant differences in thermal sensation and thermal comfort between men and women wearing different types of masks at the same operating temperature are found, and the difference in the thermal environment is stronger than that of slightly hot environment. Masks have a greater impact on women′s physiology and psychology than men. It can be seen that there are still significant differences in physiological parameters and psychological responses between individuals wearing different types of masks, and there are differences between genders. This conclusion provides a reference for exploring the effect of local facial stimuli on the overall thermal response.

Keywords

• mask
• thermal comfort
• physiological parameters
• thermal environment
• thermal sensation