Due to the current pandemic, the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) such as masks, gloves, and gowns, is critically important. Some workers are required to wear PPE for long shifts, sometimes 8 hours or more. Wearing a mask for such a long time can cause skin irritation or breakdown where the straps contact the individual’s ears. Different adapters have been designed to use with the mask. When worn properly, the mask adapter lifts the straps off of the individual’s ears, alleviating the skin irritation that comes with prolonged use.
TechACCESS staff has been happy to utilize 3D printing technology to make and donate hundreds of mask adapters to direct care providers. Recipients have included staff of
HMEA (TechACCESS’s parent company) residential programs, hospital workers, veterinary clinic staff, and first responders.
TechACCESS used a
3D print file adapted by Jon Mack from an earlier design used in China. Jon stretched the adapter and made it a little more flexible when printed from standard filament such as PLA.
TechACCESS is utilizing two 3D printers to create the adapters. Running at full capacity the printers can make 60 to 80 adapters per day. Above is a photo of the Prusa Mini at work. It may be a small machine, but the mini can print 6 adapters at one time.
If you or anyone you know would like a donation of mask adapters, please contact TechACCESS at
techaccess@techaccess-ri.org. We’re happy to do our part to keep everyone safe while we work together to get through this difficult time.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the first responders, front-line healthcare workers, Direct Support staff, and all of the individuals who go to work every day delivering mail, stocking grocery shelves, delivering packages, etc.
