Dynamic Infrared Thermographic Evaluation of Facial Thermal Response During Face Mask Wearing

The study proposes a sensor-based experimental protocol for quantifying dynamic facial temperature changes during face mask use by means of infrared thermography (IRT). Eight face masks, including filtering respirators, surgical masks, and one textile mask, were evaluated on three participants under controlled indoor conditions. Thermographic data were acquired at four defined measurement stages: prior to mask application, immediately after donning, after 15 min of continuous wear, and immediately after removal. The measurements reveal a reproducible temporal temperature pattern across participants and mask types, consisting of an initial cooling phase, subsequent heat accumulation during wear, and a pronounced temperature increase following removal. Thermal variations were observed both in mask-covered and uncovered facial regions. The inner canthus exhibited high sensitivity to these changes, supporting its use as a stable reference area. The study demonstrates the suitability of IRT for protocol-driven, non-contact assessment of dynamic facial thermal response during mask use.