Breathing Mask / Respirator

thingiverse

This is a remix of a part created by the Billings Clinic. https://www.billingsclinic.com/foundation/3d-printed-surgical-mask/ The original was good, but too restrictive with a good filter material and my nose hit making it uncomfortable. I want these to be used as a dust mask or backup for medical professionals so they might need to wear it for extended periods. I've doubled the surface area for the filter and made the opening bigger which allows less pressure across the filter so less draw around the outside. It also makes it easier to talk while wearing. I use vacuum filter bags as the media. It's not as easy to draw through as cotton but much more effective on viruses as studied by Cambridge. https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/ By increasing the filter size I can also add an insert to be compatible with cotton makeup circles and squares that can be found anywhere already in the correct size. I'll add those tomorrow. This fits my face well (I'm 245lbs), but if a different size is needed just scale up or down both prints. Original and my source files included (Fusion 360). Update 3/28: Added in an insert that can be used with whatever filter material you have. Put the insert into the mask from the front, add your filter, put in the filter cover. I also included a round insert so you can use round cotton makeup sponges. They should filter pretty well and are cheap and abundant. Update 3/29: Print 100% for large size (most likely male size), 95% medium (Most likely female size), and 90% for small. I recommend adding 0.5% to the filter grill to get a tight fit depending on your printer. Update 4/6: Version 6 - See the Zip file for latest files. I've printed about a dozen different versions and think I've come up with the best. Most masks are not comfortable and don't seal. I've added a pipe around the sealing surface to aid in both of those. I made the loops bigger so more materials can be used. I'm using 5/16" nylon cord easily found cheap at hardware stores. Paracord should work as well. I've made a simple line tensioner and a hook system so you can choose to be easily removable or stay in place. I've found it seals well enough I really only need the top strap. For post processing, I used a little silicone at the bridge of the nose otherwise the tension there will eventually give you a headache. The mask sits high on your nose and cups under your chin. If you're still having sealing issues, you can heat the mask with hot water (ten seconds in hot water usually does it) or a heat gun then form as needed. Also, a little weatherstrip behind the pipe can seal bigger gaps. This will most likely be my last edit of this and I'm printing them for some doctor friends and family. I recommend supports for the loops. You can bridge it with good cooling but it's a long print to end in messy loops.