Transparent Face Mask

thingiverse

Most people wear face masks today to stop COVID-19 from spreading. Unless you're wearing an N95 respirator, your primary goal is to prevent yourself from spreading viral particles when you sneeze, cough, talk, and even breathe! Face masks also partially protect you from incoming viral particles. Besides being somewhat uncomfortable, your mask covers half your face. So, you smile with your eyes, greet with a nod, and try to speak clearly enough that others can understand your muffled speech. But what happens when you meet up with a friend or stranger who needs to read your lips to understand you? I have access to a 3D printer and was printing and supplying Montana Masks during the peak PPE shortage in the United States. A friend approached me about making a transparent mask so that she could better communicate with people who are hearing-impaired. There are instructions for sewing cloth masks with transparent film around the mouth and one for 3D printing by A Mask for All (thing:4249825). I was not entirely satisfied by either option, so I set out to design my own, using the Montana Mask (www.makethemasks.com) as a base. This design has a large window that allows full view of the mouth from someone standing in front. Just as with the Montana Mask, weather strips provide a seal around the face. Air flows through vents at the chin (either through filter material -filter option- or behind a barrier -no filter option), keeping the window from getting fogged up as the wearer speaks. Transparent Masks help each of us cover our face without hiding it, be understood when we speak, share our SMILE!!! DISCLAIMER: This is a work in progress. I have not yet tested the mask for effectiveness in protecting against viral particles or for proper breathability. Visitors to this site are encouraged to make the mask as described, conduct their own testing and provide feedback. I assume no liability and make no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the safety, efficacy, or appropriate use of these masks in any particular situation.