3D Printed N-95 Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned.
Ann Biomed Eng
; 49(12): 3666-3675, 2021 Dec.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1391896
ABSTRACT
Early in 2020, the pandemic resulted in an enormous demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), which consists of face masks, face shields, respirators, and gowns. At our institution, at the request of hospital administration, the Lifespan 3D Printing Laboratory spearheaded an initiative to produce reusable N95 masks for use in the hospital setting. Through this article, we seek to detail our experience designing and 3D printing an N95 mask, highlighting the most important lessons learned throughout the process. Foremost among these, we were successful in producing a non-commercial N95 alternative mask which could be used in an era when N95 materials were extremely limited in supply. We identified five key lessons related to design software, 3D printed material airtightness, breathability and humidity dispersal, and ability for communication. By sharing our experience and the most valuable lessons we learned through this process, we hope to provide a helpful foundation for future 3D-printed N95 endeavors.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Printing, Three-Dimensional
/
N95 Respirators
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Ann Biomed Eng
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S10439-021-02859-z
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