Abstract
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. 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. 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. 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.
Highlights
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic originated in Wuhan in December 2019 [1]
Our goal is to offer a practical solution to deal with the COVID-19 emergency
During the health crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to protect healthcare workers by providing them with adequate personal protective equipment
Summary
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic originated in Wuhan in December 2019 [1]. The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 was promoted by its easy interpersonal transmission through respiratory droplets [3]. The virus causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a flulike syndrome mainly characterized by fever, chemosensitive dysfunctions and respiratory symptoms [4,5]. In the critical phase of lockdown for COVID-19, a greater request takes precedence over PPE availability. It is mandatory, especially for doctors, nurses, dentists and all healthcare workers to obtain adequate PPE, at least the FFP2 (N95) protective face masks, ensuring sufficient self-protection and limiting the spread of the virus. 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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