TY - JOUR T1 - Effect of surgical mask on exercise capacity in COPD: a randomised crossover trial JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J DO - 10.1183/13993003.02041-2021 VL - 58 IS - 4 SP - 2102041 AU - Kuniaki Hirai AU - Akihiko Tanaka AU - Hiroki Sato AU - Yoko Sato AU - Yoshitaka Uchida AU - Eisuke Inoue AU - Hironori Sagara Y1 - 2021/10/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/58/4/2102041.abstract N2 - Patients with COPD infected with SARS-CoV-2 are more likely to require intensive care and have a higher risk of mortality [1, 2]. Vaccine strategies are critical in reducing the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, vaccination alone cannot ensure prevention and control due to the emergence of new variants of the coronavirus [3, 4]. The use of masks in community settings is another strategy to prevent COVID-19 [5]. Therefore, it is reasonable for patients with COPD to use face masks in public places during the COVID-19 pandemic.Although patients with COPD using a surgical mask while walking were more likely to develop dyspnoea than those without a mask, there was no decrease in 6MWD or SpO2. A surgical mask can be safely recommended for COVID-19 prevention in patients with COPD. https://bit.ly/3xldw4PThe authors thank all the patients and the team of investigators who participated in the study. ER -