Facing COVID-19 pandemic: development of custom-made face mask with rapid prototyping system

Pasquale Piombino; Umberto Committeri; Giovanna Norino; Luigi Angelo Vaira; Stefania Troise; Fabio Maglitto; Domenico Mariniello; Giacomo De Riu; Luigi Califano

doi:10.3855/jidc.13384

Facing COVID-19 pandemic: development of custom-made face mask with rapid prototyping system

Authors

Pasquale Piombino Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
Umberto Committeri Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
Giovanna Norino Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
Luigi Angelo Vaira Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, University Hospital of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
Stefania Troise Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
Fabio Maglitto Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
Domenico Mariniello Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
Giacomo De Riu Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, University Hospital of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
Luigi Califano Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.13384

Keywords:

COVID-19, Face mask, Personal protective equipment, PPE, 3D-printed

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact. Therefore, the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals is essential. 3D printing technology could represent a valid option to ameliorate PPE shortages.

Methodology: Custom-made face mask were designed on the basis of facial scan and then 3D-printed. The whole protocol is executed with freeware software and only required a 3D printer. Six healthcare workers wore the device weekly thus expressing a judgment regarding quality of work, respiratory and skin comfort.

Results: The estimated total cost of a single mask is approximately 5 USD. The virtual design of a complete mask lasted 68 minutes on average. Most healthcare workers rated comfort as very good.

Conclusions: Based on the encouraging results obtained, we can confidently confirm that custom-made masks are novel and useful devices that may be used in the fight against COVID-19.

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Published

2021-01-31

How to Cite

Piombino P, Committeri U, Norino G, Vaira LA, Troise S, Maglitto F, Mariniello D, De Riu G, Califano L (2021) Facing COVID-19 pandemic: development of custom-made face mask with rapid prototyping system. J Infect Dev Ctries 15:51–57. doi: 10.3855/jidc.13384

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Issue

Vol. 15 No. 01: January 2021

Section

Coronavirus Pandemic

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