cone-mask face mask respirator(w.i.p.)

thingiverse

This thing is still a work in progress. The thing consists of three scad files: one for defining the outline of the mask with optional perforations, one for shaping and soldering or welding the mask cutouts into cones, and one for bending wire for a mask holder idea that's still being worked on. Things to note are that it's probably best to use two or three layers per mask in case you burn a hole in a layer while soldering. I've ended up using material cut from 3M Filtrete 1900 MPR home air filters, but was initially thinking of using vacuum bags; however, I had trouble finding safety information about available brands and my initial tests on some off-brand bags left me feeling nauseous with abdominal cramps. Remixes are welcome and invited. One thing that still needs to be figured out is a proper mask holder - I've been thinking of making one by bending wire, but couldn't really figure out the right gauge wire or how to attach straps and assemble the details. The pegs idea seems like a possibility, but it's not quite worked out yet. Some related things are a post on reprap.org about masks and an image gallery on imgur.com showing some of my mask designs. Update (05/18): I made some new cutout SVGs for different shape faces, and maybe a plain old semicircle is the best option. Still working on getting a better fit with the holder. Update (06/02): Still trying to figure out how to strap it to my face - the latest version I made bending wire over my peg form seems like an improvement over hardware cloth, but there are still some kinks to iron out. The paper liners may not be necessary after all, and probably just provide a growth medium for any fibers that get through. Update (07/12): I did some more work on the masks recently - switching to cut-up home air filters seems to have made them work better. I discovered that Casa brand vacuum bags contain an anti-fungal agent that gave me stomach cramps, so I switched back to Filtrete 1900 MPR home air filters. Update (07/25): I made a new mask holder with some 14-gauge wire that I doubled up into a fairly stiff loop. It's working well so far - just be sure to fasten it in such a way that no sharp points stick out and it doesn't come undone, or you might end up poking yourself in the eye!