Surgical masks versus N95 masks for operating room nurses' symptoms from surgical smoke
Official title: COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF SURGICAL MASK AND N95 MASK USE ON PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF SURGICAL SMOKE IN OPERATING ROOM
Run by Bartın Unıversity · NCT07404956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test compares whether surgical masks or N95 masks reduce physical symptoms from surgical smoke in operating room nurses.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Bartın Unıversity Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bartın, Bartın) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07404956 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are sterile operating room nurses aged 18 or older who work at least four hours per day, five days per week, can wear both surgical and N95 masks continuously during shifts, and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Nurses with chronic respiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological, or dermatological conditions, pregnant staff, those in supervisory or non-sterile roles, or those planning unit changes were excluded and may not benefit from the findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-group prospective quasi-experimental study enrolled 38 sterile operating room nurses at a state hospital in Bartın, Turkey. Participants wore surgical masks and N95 masks according to protocol for at least four hours per day over a four-week period, with symptoms recorded using a Descriptive Information Form, Numerical Rating Scale, and Symptom Follow-up Form. Investigators compared rates of musculoskeletal, respiratory, ocular, and other physical symptoms between mask types. Results indicated fewer musculoskeletal complaints (muscle weakness, upper-extremity myalgia, cramps) with N95 masks and fewer respiratory and ocular complaints (watery eyes, redness) with surgical masks, leading to the conclusion that mask type affected symptom incidence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, choosing the more appropriate mask could reduce occupational symptoms from surgical smoke and improve comfort and safety for operating room nurses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has documented health risks from surgical smoke and some protective effects of respiratory protection, but direct comparisons between surgical masks and N95 respirators for these specific symptoms remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Willingness to participate in the study * Aged 18 years or older * Working as a sterile operating room nurse at least 4 hours per day, 5 days per week * Compliance with the protocol requiring continuous use of both surgical mask and N95 mask for at least 4 hours per day * Ability to communicate verbally and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed psychiatric disorders * Presence of chronic respiratory, musculoskeletal, or neurological diseases * Presence of chronic dermatological conditions or allergies affecting the facial or respiratory area * Speech or communication impairments * Pregnancy * Holding a supervisory role (e.g., charge nurse) or non-sterile nursing role * Planned unit change or rotation during the study period
Where it's running
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Bartın State Hospital
Bartın, Bartın, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: sevim çelik, Professor — Bartin University Health Science Faculty
- Study coordinator: Hilal Çetin Baltutar, Nurse
- Email: hilalcetinbaltutar@gmail.com
- Phone: +905336087874
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.