Personalized 3D-Printed frames improve N95 respirator fit and comfort
By developing a low-cost method for customizing N95 FFRs, Flinders University medical experts have likely addressed some of the challenges of achieving a proper fit. This achievement can have far-reaching implications for the safety of frontline health workers and their ability to protect themselves against respiratory viruses. N95 FFRs are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including viruses. However, achieving a proper fit is crucial to ensure their effectiveness. Ill-fitting masks can compromise their protective capabilities, allowing contaminants to bypass the filtration system. Customization of FFRs helps to improve the fit, enhancing the overall efficiency and comfort for the wearer.
The development of personalized 3D-printed face frames for N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) is a significant breakthrough with wide-ranging applications. The researchers from Flinders University, led by Darius Chapman and Professor Anand Ganesan, conducted a prospective crossover trial in healthcare workers to compare the performance of personalized 3D-printed frames with regular respirators. Their findings were published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. The researchers used a mobile iPhone camera and an app to capture 3D scans of volunteers’ faces. These scans were then imported into a software program to create individualized facial structures and features. A plastic and silicone-coated frame was produced using a commercially available 3D printer based on these facial impressions or virtual scaffolds.
According to Mr. Chapman, the personalized 3D-printed frames significantly improved quantitative fit testing, respirator comfort, and tolerability. The researchers believe that with further refinement, this technology could greatly enhance the correct fitting of N95 and other FFRs, which are vital in healthcare systems, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
