Reusable Face Mask with Fabric Seal

pinshape

The problem with these 3D printed masks has typically been a poor fit and lack of proper seal against the face. To address these issues, this remix of junaling's design is attempted: https://www.thingiverse.com/things/ \n\n This mask is meant to be printed in PLA, which can be molded to the contours of your face after being placed in near-boiling water for just a few seconds. Take care to avoid submerging the airway opening, because if it warps, the cap may not fit correctly. See video for demonstration.\n\n After molding, you should get a good seal (you can check by covering the airway with tape and trying to breathe in). However, some unfiltered air might still seep in around the edges. To address this issue, the "fabric seal" is introduced. Instead of removing all leaks, it filters them the same way the airway is being filtered.\n\n This is done as shown in the video, using a circular piece of cotton fabric roughly 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. It is held in place by the insert and completely covers the outside of the mask, which is then secured to your face once fastened. The result is that the air coming through the outer edges of the mask is also filtered.\n\n To maintain cleanliness, wash the mask with soap and water like you would your hands. Avoid washing it in a dishwasher as the PLA will warp. For the cotton fabric, simply throw it in the washing machine for cleaning. It may be useful to have several pieces of fabric on hand for swapping out.\n\n Please note that no promises are made regarding the effectiveness of this design. Cotton is clearly not equivalent to an N95 filter. However, hopefully, it's better than nothing, and once all single-use masks are gone, this kind of reusable mask may be what we are left with. Use at your own risk, and consider adding an additional filter if desired by leaving enough space between the cap and the mask.