Surgical Masks Affect the Peripheral Oxygen Saturation and Respiratory Rate of Anesthesiologists (Frontiers, PMC, 2022)

Findings: This study found that wearing surgical masks for more than 2 hours led to statistically significant decreases in peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and increases in respiratory rates among healthy anesthesiologists.

Preliminary Report on Surgical Mask Induced Deoxygenation During Major Surgery (PubMed, 2008)

Findings: This observational study on 53 surgeons reported a decrease in SpO2 and a slight increase in pulse rates after the first hour of wearing surgical masks during major operations. The authors suggest the decrease in SpO2 may reflect a significant drop in arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), potentially linked to mask use or operational stress.

Surgical Masks as Source of Bacterial Contamination During Operative Procedures (ScienceDirect, PMC, 2018)

Findings: This study demonstrated that bacterial counts on the external surface of surgical masks increase with extended wearing time, with significant differences noted between 4- to 6-hour and 0-hour groups (p < 0.05). The authors suggest that surgical masks could become a source of bacterial shedding, potentially increasing the risk of surgical site infections.

The Impact of Ubiquitous Face Masks and Filtering Face Piece Application During Rest, Work and Exercise on Gas Exchange, Pulmonary Function (Springer, 2021)

Findings: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that surgical masks and FFP2/N95 masks increase airway resistance and may negatively impact gas exchange, with a noted decrease in oxygen saturation during exhausting exercise.

Blood Gas Levels, Cardiovascular Strain and Cognitive Performance During Surgical Mask and Filtering Face Piece Application (Scientific Reports, 2022)

Findings: This randomized crossover trial found that surgical masks and FFP2 masks increase airway resistance and carbon dioxide rebreathing.