Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM) Extended Wear Comfort Evaluation

Abstract : At the request of the 77th Aeronautical Systems Group, testing was conducted to assess the comfort of the Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM) when worn by aircrew for extended durations under controlled environmental conditions representing high-performance and heavy aircraft operations. JSAM ensembles configured for USAF, Navy, and Army derivations were evaluated. The 12-hour (0700-1900) high-performance aircraft test scenario centered on evaluating the JSAM for use in high-G environments. The simulated operational environments were generated by using the human centrifuge, a flight simulator, and a thermal chamber. The 16-hour (0700-2300) large aircraft test scenario centered on evaluating JSAM for use in long duration airborne operations. The simulated operational environments were generated using a thermal and hypobaric altitude chamber. Approximately every two hours during each test scenario the participants completed two paper-and-pencil surveys. The Comfort Questionnaire identified the subjective degree and anatomical site of any experienced discomfort. The Profile of Mood States provided subjective evaluations of personal emotional status - 'affect' or how the subject felt. Comments from the participants and observations from the test team members were also recorded. The JSAM ensemble was successfully worn by all six of the test subjects through the 12- and 16-hour testing periods. Moderate discomfort was reported in a very few instances during the test periods; severe or extreme discomforts were never reported any time during the test periods. The subjects did not experience any affective or emotional distress during the 12- or 16-hour test periods. The subjects and the test team strongly concurred that precise initial fitting of the JSAM by well-trained life support technicians and practiced donning by experienced aircrew are critical for comfortable extended wear.