facemask frame - For self-made disposable(exchangeable) facemask

thingiverse

In February 2020, we couldn't find facemasks in any shop in Japan due to the COVID-19 epidemic. You can make a disposable, exchangeable facemask with non-woven wipes (or air filter paper sheet), some rubber strap, and a stapler. The proper sheet size is approximately 17cm x 17cm, which is nearly one-fourth of a NIPPON PAPER CRECIA Wypall X70 sheet. At first, I attached fabric outside the frame. I found that I could use this in an exoskeleton style too. Maybe you can try both styles and choose the better fit. -- Option: strap adjuster is here https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4273940 2020/4/5 update: clip fixed, lateral frame with strap hole added, old parts archived. 2020/3/14 update: nose frame fixed. 2020/3/13 update: strap adjuster fixed. 2020/3/8 update: nose frame fixed, strap adjuster added (for 6mm width rubber strap). 2020/3/5 update: 2 other types of clips added. --- Because hospitals also ran out of masks due to the new coronavirus chaos, I tried making a temporary makeshift mask using household items. The fit is not inferior to surgical masks. A paper size of approximately one-fourth of a Japanese-made NIPPON PAPER CRECIA Wypall X70 sheet (about 17 x 17 cm) seems just right. After fixing the paper to the frame, please shrink both sides by referring to the photo and secure with a stapler. The trick is to slightly stretch the side frames. In fact, the material of the rubber strap determines the fit. Let's use a soft rubber. Reusing only the rubber part of disposable masks also seems a good idea. From strength and flexibility, PETG seems suitable as the print material. While PLA can also be used, it is hard and brittle, so it may break easily or cause problems with the fit of the nose frame. Initially, I thought of attaching paper to the outside of the frame, but you can also attach it inside the frame and use it as an exoskeleton. In fact, using a flexible paper inside may improve the fit. The only problem is the appearance. The actual filtration performance will be determined by the type of paper used, so it's not suitable for medical use. However, non-N95 surgical masks do not have clear prevention effects against infections. I think it can still be used daily to prevent large droplets from dispersing and to keep your hands away from your face. For patients with symptoms or medical institutions, please use medical masks as much as possible. 2020/4/5 update: As COVID-19 has spread further, people have come to understand that even cloth masks can have some effect on reducing droplets. However, N95 masks are still necessary for treatment where COVID-19 patients are in close contact. For asymptomatic people (whether infected or not), non-woven wipe masks also seem to have some effect.