Reusable Face Mask with Fabric Seal

thingiverse

Video: https://youtu.be/8c5_soc6yK0 The main issue with these 3D printed masks has been a poor fit and inadequate seal against the face. To address these problems, I've remixed junaling's design, found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4228729. This mask is intended to be printed in PLA, which can be molded to the contours of your face after being submerged in near-boiling water for a short time. Be cautious not to submerge the airway opening, as warping may result in an improper fit. Watch the video for more information. After molding, you should achieve a good seal (you can test this by covering the airway with tape and attempting to breathe in). However, some unfiltered air might still enter through the edges of the mask. This is where the "fabric seal" comes into play. Instead of trying to eliminate all leaks, we filter them in the same way as the airway. To do this, use a circular piece of cotton fabric approximately 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter, as shown in the video. The insert holds it in place, and the fabric completely covers the outside of the mask, securing it with your face once fastened. This allows the air entering through the outer edges of the mask to be filtered. Clean the mask using soap and water, just like you would wash your hands. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher, as the PLA will melt. For the cotton fabric, simply throw it in the washing machine. It may be helpful to have multiple pieces of fabric on hand for easy swapping. I make no guarantees about the effectiveness of this design. Cotton is not equivalent to an N95 filter, but hopefully, it's better than nothing. Once all single-use masks are gone, reusable masks like this one might become our primary option. Use at your own risk.