Evaluation of properties of elastomeric head straps of filtering facepiece respirators.

Frequent donning and doffing of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) can reduce their effectiveness due to the residual deformation of their elastic head straps. This study investigates the loss of elasticity of head straps during repeated use. Five elastomeric tapes were tested as FFR head straps, and their tensile strength was measured using a DU-100 dynamometer after repeated donning and doffing cycles.