Influence of Face Mask on Breathing During Hyperventilation Test

Abstract

The aim of present study was to evaluate the changes of breathing pattern related to the influence of the face mask during voluntary hyperventilation. We compared respiratory variables in recordings with and without mask in different periods of hyperventilation test. Our finding – the mask increases some variables at rest (inspiratory time) and during recovery period after voluntary hyperventilation: (inspiratory time, tidal volume and pulmonary ventilation). The mask decreases respiratory variability at rest and during recovery periods. These effects can be provided by behavioural influence and the additional dead space of apparatus.