Surgical masks versus N95 masks for operating room nurses' symptoms from surgical smoke
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF SURGICAL MASK AND N95 MASK USE ON PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF SURGICAL SMOKE IN OPERATING ROOM
This test compares whether surgical masks or N95 masks reduce physical symptoms from surgical smoke in operating room nurses.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bartın Unıversity Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bartın, Bartın) |
| Trial ID | NCT07404956 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Bartın, Bartın
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.