Trial of REuseable MASK to improve asthma patients’ respiratory health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
REuseable face MASKs to reduce viral respiratory infection and exacerbation risk in adults with asthma: a randomised controlled trial (REMASK Trial)
IRAS ID
352721
Contact name
Adrian Martineau
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 3 days
Research summary
People with asthma are more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, which are a major cause of asthma attacks. Reducing the risk of these infections in individuals with asthma is an important research priority. One potential solution is the use of face masks to limit the spread of respiratory viruses. Although masks have been studied in the general population, their use specifically in people with asthma has not been tested, despite high interest in similar interventions among those with airway diseases.
Standard face masks, like cloth or surgical masks, reduce virus spread by trapping respiratory droplets from infected individuals. However, respirators such as FFP3 masks offer much better protection for wearers by filtering out airborne particles. These masks are widely used in healthcare and have been linked to lower COVID-19 infection rates. However, they require fit testing, are disposable, costly, and can be uncomfortable for long periods, making them less suitable for everyday use outside healthcare settings.
New reusable masks, such as those by Flo Mask (www.flomask.com), may provide a practical alternative. These masks feature elastomeric face plates that do not require fit testing and offer high filtration efficiency. Their lightweight design makes them more comfortable for prolonged wear and their reusability renders them potentially cost-effective for prevention of acute respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations, and offers a route to reducing the environmental impact associated with widespread use of disposable masks containing plastics.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EE/0045
Date of REC Opinion
6 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion