The history and value of face masks | Semantic Scholar (2025)

This narrative review examines the possible transmission mechanisms of the SARS-COV-2 virus, making emphasis on the role of aerosols, the history of their use inside and outside the hospital environment, and the mechanisms by which they offer protection.

It is concluded that face mask use is effective in both detaining excreted microorganisms as well as protecting the wearer from microbes in the air, and therefore, should be implemented in the prevention strategies of respiratory diseases.

This review describes the different types of commercialized face masks, their main fabrication methods and treatments, and the progress achieved in face mask development during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An agenda for future research is proposed, including improved characterization of the situations in which masking should be recommended or mandated; attention to comfort and acceptability; generalized and disability-focused communication support in settings where masks are worn; and development and testing of novel materials and designs for improved filtration, breathability, and environmental impact.

There were high levels of concerned raised anxiety on panic buying of face masks by the public during the initial outbreak of the pandemic, a high shortage among the essential group of people in need of face mask by the health care teams as well as the common people to fight strong against the virus.

Face-mask-associated itch is a frequent problem among HCW in the COVID-19 pandemic, which may lead to the spread of the virus among health care workers and their shortage during the pandemic.

This review recommends enhancing current CDC transmission-based precaution guidelines by including requirements for patients to don surgical masks while under investigation for respiratory viral infections or with active respiratory virus infections.

The variability in testing protocols and FE evaluation methods of different face mask materials and/or brands showed the main challenges researchers currently face is the inability to simulate or mimic true aerosol filtration scenarios via laboratory experiments, field tests, and in vitro/in vivo investigations.

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Recent army experiences have emphasized the fact that carriers and droplet infections are two factors which must receive a large share of attention in the management of contagious diseases.

The results indicate that the use of face masks might be reconsidered, as they have not been proven to protect the patient operated by a healthy operating team.

Timelines for the adoption of each basic article of surgical attire by surgeons and anesthesia providers were determined by analysis of historical operating room photographs from 1863 to 1969.

The role played by the findings and technologies of the cystoscope led to advancements in every other aspect of urology, from infertility to oncology and from incontinence to stone disease.

A transparent mask which I made several years ago to protect my face during oral and nasal examinations is described, which consists of a film and two round head paper fasteners one-half inch long.

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