Wearing Comfort of Disposable Respirators: Experimental Analysis of Structural Properties and Physiological Indexes.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to establish an evidence-based respirator selection framework mitigating occupational pneumoconiosis risks caused by poor compliance due to discomfort. This study assessed wearing comfort via two experiments on structural performance and physiological indicators. Participants wore different respirators and performed tasks (sitting/low-intensity vs simulated occupational task/medium-intensity) while parameters were measured. XGBoost-SHAP analysis method was used to identify key comfort determinants. The wearing comfort was co-regulated by multiple factors in low-intensity task, with expiratory resistance most critically influenced heart rate, and inspiratory resistance-dominated facial temperature. Expiratory resistance became the decisive burden predictor in medium-intensity task. The valved models (9501V+/9502V+) minimized physiological strain, with the earband type performing better. This SHAP-based ergonomic tool enables protocolized respirator deployment by activity intensity, reducing work-related respiratory disease risks through clinically actionable safety guidelines.