A Mask for the masses

thingiverse

I'm worried about the Covid-19 Virus too, but I believe we should all take universal precautions. As someone with certifications in air and blood-borne pathogens, Clean Sterile Field Protocol training, EPA 608 Universal, and 15 years of fabrication and material sciences experience, I know how crucial it is to be proactive. Like many of you, I'm a problem solver who loves finding creative solutions. When I saw the shortage of masks for adults and kids, I knew I had to act fast. After researching for 90 hours, I developed a solution that uses viral-rated materials in a way that aligns with the N95 Patent. The printed mask minimizes the amount of filter material needed. Here's what you'll need: * 3M Filtrete 1900 Air Filter (a viral-rated air filter used in home AC units) * Vent filters (structural filter material for airflow and middle layer effectiveness) * Foam or felt (for padding and comfort) * Elastic straps (head straps with 1-inch holes; size to fit your needs) * Spray adhesive (for working with foam and felt) The Mask: I printed the mask without supports, achieving a perfect fit. FDMs and larger SLAs can print the face contact side on the build plate for faster times. I built both faces for printing with SLA. To assemble the mask: 1. Print the mask with no supports. 2. Use an SLA to print the face contact side on the build plate for faster times. 3. Do not use 90% to clean; instead, use ethanol to keep it safe. 4. Heat up the nose piece with a blow dryer on high to soften it for molding. 5. Press the mask up to your face, ensuring it's not too hot but soft enough to mold. 6. Pinch your nose and allow it to cool to lock in the shape of your nose. 7. Cover the nose piece inside with foam for comfort. 8. Loop the elastic through the holes and measure/cut it a little short for tension. 9. Secure the elastic with high-temp acrylic hot glue, creating loops and securing them. 10. Cover all face contact points with felt for added comfort. The Filter: The filter uses viral-rated materials from the leading manufacturer of N95 masks. I discovered that the 1900 series air filter is made from the same material as the N95 mask, but with one layer instead of three. To create a filter: 1. Disassemble the 1900 series filter carefully, avoiding damage to the surface area. 2. Remove the frame and use the remaining material (about 40 inches by 25 inches) for your filter template. 3. Use the med_maskLg_B print trace to draw the inside space onto paper (I prefer cardstock). 4. Cut out the template, which will become your filter shape. 5. To make one filter, you'll need three layers of 1900 series and two layers cut from vent filters, all using your template. 6. Compress the layers down to about 13mm and seal the ends with hot glue (not high-heat acrylic). 7. Slide the filter into med_maskLg_B and insert it into your mask. 8. Use a blow dryer to make minor shape changes if needed. Remember, this design is in alignment with 3M's patent but not a direct infringement on it. Any claims of safety about the filter design are based on research, personal knowledge, and experience. The FDA has not approved this filter design, so please be cautious when using it.