Investigation of the fit and protective performance of surgical face masks

This study investigates the fit and protective performance of surgical face masks. Measurements were conducted using the AccuFIT 9000 device, which evaluates particle concentration inside and outside the mask to determine the fit factor as an indicator of sealing quality. Three commercially available textile surgical masks were tested under controlled conditions. All exhibited low fit factor values, indicating poor sealing and significant particle leakage. The results highlight the complex relationship between material properties and real-world effectiveness, stressing the importance of both textile selection and mask design. Despite the limited sample size, the findings offer valuable insight for the development of more efficient and sustainable surgical face masks.