Improved Surgical Mask Strap Ear Saver

thingiverse

We've developed a new surgical mask strap design that boosts material efficiency by 57%, enhancing comfort, functionality, and preventing the straps from digging into doctors' and nurses' ears during extended wear. The updated design prints in just one-third of the original time and can fit at least twice as many on the print bed as the previous model. Surgical masks are meant for temporary use, but healthcare workers have been wearing them day after day during the pandemic. NHS staff found that elastic straps were cutting into their ears, causing soreness and discomfort. In collaboration with the National 3D Printing Society, we improved an existing grip design concept. However, the original design had some issues highlighted by NHS staff in the East Midlands region. The previous design was prone to snagging on hair and difficult to put on and take off multiple times without touching the mask, posing a significant contamination risk. NHS feedback indicated that our new design snagged far less in hair compared to the original model. By hooking one side of the elastic onto the grip before donning the mask, we've reduced the risk of contamination and made it easier to put on the strap.