Improved Elastic Attachment for BolivAIR Mask

thingiverse

I downloaded and printed the BolivAIR mask. I found the mask and filter holders to be well designed, which suited my needs perfectly since I required a 110% size for myself. However, I was unable to get the elastic tensioners to work as expected. The elastic slipped right through, possibly due to the fact that I didn't have any elastic wide enough available in stores, which were all sold out in my area. I had plenty of 3/8" wide elastic on hand, so I designed a combination hook/tensioner. One end of the elastic can be permanently attached to one hook using hot glue, while the other end remains adjustable. This design allows the wearer to choose whether to leave the elastic in place or detach it. I made one of these for my mother, who is 81 years old and still insists on making grocery runs. She leaves the bottom strap attached, slips it over her head, then clips on the top strap. This design is intended for use with 3/8" elastic, approximately 14 inches long for the bottom strap and 18 inches for the top. My other observations include: 1. Hot glue sticks well to foam tape but peels off PLA easily. Cyanoacrylate (super glue) works much better and sticks to both materials. 2. The original instructions suggest making an angle cut in the foam and starting attachment at the bridge of the nose, but I found it easier and more effective to: a. Cut the foam slightly long b. Fold the foam in half c. Glue the fold into the bridge of the nose first d. Glue one side all the way around and trim it at the bottom with a razor blade e. Glue the second side, trimming at the bottom to match the first side 3. To remove loose fibers from the edges of the filter, apply a small amount of white school glue. It will seal the edges without sticking to PLA. 4. Be sure to "cauterize" the ends of the elastic with a soldering iron or flame to prevent fraying.