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I have a generic question about the usage of n95/99 or higher filtration respirators in high-altitude flights. With current pandemic situation we see many government/airlines are enforcing the use of mask in-flight. Now, although the cabin is usually pressurized to 8000ft when cruising, ambient O2 concentration inside the cabin stays below normal [1,2]. As per the datasheet of 3m n95 respirator - "Do not use in atmosphere containing less than 19.5% oxygen."

Does the use of respirator in-flight, along with low ambient O2 level, pose possible dangers of hypoxia? Or any other serious illness?

Reference:

  1. Aldrette JA, Aldrette LE. Oxygen concentrations in commercial aircraft flights. South Med J. 1983;76(1):12‐14.
  2. Humphreys, S., Deyermond, R., Bali, I., Stevenson, M., & Fee, J. P. H. The effect of high altitude commercial air travel on oxygen saturation. Anaesthesia. 2005; 60(5), 458-460.
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  • You need a link to prove that oxygen percentages drop in a pressurised cabin. This seems rather unlikely.
    – Graham Chiu
    Commented Jun 8, 2020 at 6:41
  • barometric pressure x 0.209 (atmospheric fraction of O2) = atmospheric Po2. At sea level, 760 x 0.209 = 159 mm Hg. While at 8000ft, 564 mm Hg x 0.209 = 118 mm Hg. With less driving pressure it is similar to lower O2 concentration. Anyhow I have added some references above.
    – Feynman's Sock
    Commented Jun 8, 2020 at 7:38
  • Oxygen pressure drops but the percentage you said also drops. What is it replaced by?
    – Graham Chiu
    Commented Jun 8, 2020 at 21:34
  • 4
    The relative mix of gasses in air does not change with altitude. Only the pressure changes, so the N95 datasheet's warning doesn't appear to be relevant.
    – Carey Gregory ♦
    Commented Jun 9, 2020 at 1:19
  • Yeah, they feed in stored air to help pressurize the compartments.
    – Graham Chiu
    Commented Jun 9, 2020 at 3:56

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