User Feedback on Moldex N-100 Filtering Face Piece Design

Abstract

Male landscaping mulch handlers were asked to use the Moldex N-100 filtering facepiece and provide feedback on factors associated with usability, comfort, and perceived value of the respirator. Recommendations for design changes to improve comfort and usability were solicited. Mean responses to questions employing a Likert-type scale indicated that the workers found it easy to communicate while wearing the mask and agreed that the head straps were easy to adjust. Questions concerning comfort and voluntary use yielded low scores, indicating that the workers found the masks uncomfortable and that they would be unlikely to adopt patterns of voluntary use. When the results were analyzed along with worker age, the study found that older workers were more interested in voluntary use, however were also more concerned about comfort. Key suggestions for design change involved greater adjustability of the nose piece and improvement of the exhalation valve.