How comfortable is your mask? Co-creation of the concept of comfortability of masks to develop alternative, washable, locally manufactured and comfortable chirurgical masks with a high filtration performance.

International audience

English. The recent health crisis due to COVID-19 highlighted that there was a lack of tools to fight against pandemics. In order to slowdown the virus propagation, and due to lack of chirurgical masks for consumers, a new kind of mask was developed for non-sanitary purpose and dedicated to consumers. Made of fabric and knit, this mask was produced by textile industries who temporary dropped down their main activity of production. But a large heterogeneity was observed in terms of mask protection. This heterogeneity was also observed for imported chirurgical masks dedicated to consumers. In this context, a washable, locally manufactured fabric with a high filtration performance was developed to produce alternative and comfortable masks for consumers. The aim of the present study is to explore the concept of comfortability of masks in order to produce masks that are efficient in terms of protection but also easy to wear by consumers. Two focus groups were conducted with ten consumers each to develop concepts linked to the comfortability of masks. For three hours, consumers talked about masks throughout a brainstorming, a simulation, a comparison between several masks and exchanges of experience. Results of the focus groups led to the following definition: “A mask that is comfortable is a mask that do not cause discomfort or unpleasant sensations. It is a mask in which one feels comfortable. It is a mask that is adapted to everyone’s face, for which one can choose the best size and that sticks on the face no matter the situation. It is a mask in which one breathes easily, a mask that protects oneself, the others, and the planet. Finally, a mask that is comfortable has a texture and a material that bring pleasant sensations when wearing it.The faith is to use the results of the present study for developing masks which will meet the comfortability criteria while assuring a high protection against viruses. Indeed, it is well known that integrating consumers at the heart of product development is crucial to ensure that final products will be accepted by consumers.