The long-term goal of this study was to identify improvements to both the functionality and comfort of a hygiene masks that protect the wearer from pollen. We conducted a survey on young adults who suffer from hay fever and who use specialized or generic masks to protect from pollen. The results indicate that many females who use a specialized mask are highly aware of problems. We focused on the users, so that the problems with the masks were studied from the viewpoint of associated symptoms and other treatments. Our findings will be of use in the design and development of more comfortable and practical masks for both sexes but particularly for women.
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