面罩與呼吸防護具用於防疫時的使用策略

Strategies for Using Face Coverings and Respirators for Epidemic Prevention

COVID-19的爆發對全球民眾的健康與經濟發展造成了嚴重的衝擊。過去，在對抗呼吸道傳染疾病的工作中，大多集中在藥物與疫苗等生物醫學工具的研發與採購。然而，這些生物醫學工具的研發，不僅成本高而且時間冗長，並且往往僅對單一病原體有效。相比之下，包含面罩（Face covering）與呼吸防護具（Respirator）在內的非藥物措施，具有適用於對抗所有空氣傳播病原體的潛力，並且能在疫情初期提供即時防護。然而，由於大眾對於面罩與呼吸防護具的使用存在認知不足或誤解，導致在使用建議及術語上缺乏一致性。因此，本研究主要的目的在透過實驗測試與理論計算的方式，評估如呼吸流率（Airflow rate）、佩戴密合度及測試樣本等級等參數對不同粒徑微粒過濾效率的影響，進一步量化面罩與呼吸防護具在保護環境及人員方面的效能。
研究結果顯示，由於剛從口鼻呼出之液滴微粒的粒徑大且速度快，因此，即使是佩戴不密合的面罩，在防止受感染者透過呼吸而污染環境的目的上，仍可具有一定的效果，此時，如果可以選用空氣阻抗較低的濾材，並加強面體的剪裁、善用鼻部襯墊與鼻梁壓條，則面罩的效果會更往上提升，於此同時，也可以強化佩戴面罩對於佩戴者本身的保護效果。其次，當使用的測試樣本等級越高，則面體的密合程度就必須越受到重視，否則不但無法發揮測試樣本所具備的過濾功效，反而會造成更多的洩漏。意即，在同樣不密合的佩戴情況下，使用面罩對於佩戴者的防護效果不一定會比使用呼吸防護具時的效果差。

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted both global health and the economy. Efforts to combat respiratory infections have primarily centered on drug-based interventions. However, these approaches often involve high costs and lengthy research periods, and biomedical tools typically target only one pathogen at a time. In contrast, non-pharmaceutical measures, such as respirators and masks, can be applied to a wide range of airborne pathogens and offer immediate benefits during the early stages of a pandemic. Despite this, recommendations for their use and related terminology vary across guidelines, often due to limited understanding or misconceptions regarding respirator and mask usage. This study aimed to develop an experimental system to examine the effects of respiratory flow rate, mask fit, and filter material grade on the protective performance of respirators and masks for both the wearer and the surrounding environment. The ultimate goal is to inform decision-making, ensuring that individuals have access to the most suitable respirators or masks based on their specific needs.
The results indicate that even a poorly fitting mask can effectively reduce the spread of respiratory particles. When a filter with lower air resistance was used and mask fit was improved through better use of nose pads and the bridge, outward protection and wearer protection were both enhanced. Additionally, the filter material grade must align with the mask’s design; otherwise, the filtration capacity may be compromised, leading to increased leakage. These findings suggest that the protection provided by masks, even with an imperfect fit, can be comparable to that of respirators under similar conditions.