COLD WEATHER FACIAL PROTECTION DEVICE FOR ANTARCTIC PERSONNEL

• Main Authors: Nielsen, Arne G., Perlitsh, Max
• Other Authors: NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH LAB NEW LONDON CT
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1961
• Subjects: Protective Equipment; *PROTECTIVE MASKS; TEMPERATURE; RESPIRATION; COLD WEATHER TESTS; HEAT PRODUCTION(BIOLOGY); EYEGLASSES; ANTARCTIC REGIONS; MOISTURE; Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0639170; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0639170

A review of Antarctic facial protection problems is presented and a prototype face mask described which has enabled the wearer to be comfortable for one hour in a cold test chamber at 70F., as against extreme discomfort experienced after three minutes under identical conditions but without the mask. The mask is lightweight and provides protection for the face, eyes, oral structures, and the respiratory tree. It has no external power source, but relies entirely on re-cycling of natural body energy (heat and moisture). With the mask in place, the temperature of the inhaled air measured on the labial surface of the central incisors was 60F. Without mask protection, temperatures measured under identical conditions were as low as 32F. The eye protective feature remained fog-free for the one hour period. Ice accumulation within the mask was not a problem during the test period. Provision has been made for protection against snow blindness.