Surgical Mask Seal - COVID19

thingiverse

Surgical Mask Face Seal This 3D print is designed to enhance the face seal of loose-fitting face masks (surgical style). Please view the video link and notes for demonstration and assembly instructions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqUZOWDLw38&feature=youtu.be Patent Pending Due to the urgency of the PPE shortage caused by COVID-19, this item has been released for individual production via 3D printing. It may be 3D printed for personal use or donation to individuals and/or medical centers fighting COVID-19. Disclaimer: This device was created to improve the facial seal of surgical style loose-fitting masks. However, it has not been tested or approved by any governing institution. As a result, no guarantees can be made about its effectiveness. Additionally, As an engineer, I stress the importance of using appropriate filter materials. This device may help seal a loose-fitting mask to the user's face, but proper filtration is achieved with a properly chosen filter medium and a secure seal. This device may assist in creating a "better" facial seal, but consider the following: (1) Commonly available filter materials may not have sufficient filtering characteristics for COVID-19. Without an appropriate filter material, the seal becomes arbitrary. (2) A decreased breathing surface area will result in increased velocity and resistance. This leads to increased material saturation, which then increases resistance. Ultimately, this results in a higher differential pressure across the mask. This is concerning because too high of a differential pressure can lead to a failure of the seal → i.e., a wet mask = a bad mask Print and Assembly Notes: I printed this at a fine resolution (.1mm), but I've also tested 0.3 mm for speed, and the fit seemed adequate. I used PLA, but most any rigid material will have the desired outcome. Assembly requires approximately 44 inches of elastic strap (12", 12", 20"). However, improvised materials may be suitable. To assemble: The open end of the "V" is the bottom (chin). Use the 20-inch elastic strap to pass through the bottom holes. Feed one end of the strap into the hook clasp and tie a hoop knot in the opposing end. With the 12-inch elastic, tie knots at each end. These will act as stops. Feed one elastic strap through one of the top holes (from inside the V to outside). Then feed that strap into the double-clasp. Repeat for the opposite side. To Don the Mask: First, don your loose-fitting face mask. Then, while holding the mask seal assembly up to your face (bevels toward face - flat surface outward), pull the top elastic strap around the back of your head (similar to an N95). Next, carefully transition to the lower strap and secure it behind your neck using a hook and loop. Draw the elastic strap through clasps to tighten. Note: The lower elastic strap is intended to cross in front of the chin (just below the bottom lip). However, for some individuals, it may be possible to secure below the chin. Washing: I have been washing this assembly by submerging and soaking it in a bleach and water mixture. I used the recommended ratio for cleaning surfaces (available on the bleach container or online). I left the part submerged for a few minutes then rinsed it thoroughly with clean water. Finally, allow the part to dry. I realize that this will eventually destroy the elastic and PLA; however, during our testing iterations, we did not notice any immediate signs of degradation. We suspect that the part will survive a large number of cleaning iterations. Again, I offer no guarantees on the effectiveness of the device or this cleaning method. Without proper testing... it's all assumptions. I truly hope this helps. Good luck.