N95 respirator use during advanced pregnancy

• This study compared physiological and subjective responses to N95 FFRs in pregnant and nonpregnant women.
• HR, RR, SpO2, CO2 level, skin temperature, and subjective responses were evaluated.
• No significant differences between groups were noted during sedentary activity and exercise for 1 hour.
• FHR was not significantly affected by maternal use of an N95 FFR.
• Healthy pregnant women can safely wear an N95 FFR continuously for 1 hour.

BackgroundTo determine the physiological and subjective effects of wearing an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (N95 FFR) in advanced stages of pregnancy.MethodsHealthy pregnant women (n = 22) and nonpregnant women (n = 22) had physiological and subjective measurements taken with and without wearing an N95 FFR during exercise and postural sedentary activities over a 1-hour period.ResultsThere were no differences between the pregnant and nonpregnant women with respect to heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, transcutaneous carbon dioxide level, chest wall temperature, aural temperature, and subjective perceptions of exertion and thermal comfort. No significant effect on fetal heart rate was noted.ConclusionsHealthy pregnant women wearing an N95 FFR for 1 hour during exercise and sedentary activities did not exhibit any significant differences in measured physiological and subjective responses compared with nonpregnant women.