TPU Flexible Filament PPE Respirator

Body and straps in TPU    Insert and clips PLA

Please read all the notes .

Here is my current effort at designing a Respirator that uses a home made fabric filter.
I get the impression that two layers of T shirt Jersey type material could be enough to filter out a virus.
I have not been unable to test this . There must be an organisation that has the equipment in their Health an Safety Departments to test this filter.

Fabric is pressed into the recess with the insert from the inside of the body on a flat surface.

I added a layer of Leggings Fabric for cosmetic reasons . I suppose as many layers as possible is best but it becomes difficult to breath through more than 3.

Join two straps by passing the ends through both slots from opposing directions .

The main Idea is that the respirator is reusable the filter fabric could be cleaned in a 60 degree wash or boiled. The body and straps cleaned with recently boiled water and soap or alcohol wipes . Do not boil TPU or PLA that would be too hot and deform them. Make sure all is bone dry before use. DO NOT SHARE ANY PPE .

I see many people wearing Respirators , as distinct from Masks , that are not sealed to the nose. My idea has sides that flatten onto the cheek to make a comfortable seal and seal to the nose properly. It is not as comfortable as a silicone moulded mask but nearly a tenth of the price once you have purchased the filters .

I did try to print the body with a full length of strap making it a two piece Product but I decided to make the straps separately with slide clips upping the part count.

I am pleased with the straps and clips . They may seem a bit flimsy but they worked well with the material I had.

Check sides are folded out and flattened to the cheeks. Test the fit by gently covering the filter with flat hand breathing in and out . In should be impossible out will show where the fit is a bit lose . If the seal does not pass this test it will be no use to you.

This Design was to fit my face and nose , which is not small ,I hope that other sizes can be generated by scaling the STL.

I intend to thicken the wall a little and print it a bit slower as the interior was a bit stringy. If any one has any suggestions for fit or improvements I would love to hear from you.

I hope to follow up with the modified design but I cannot print any more at the moment as I have run out of material and on a pension cannot afford another reel at the moment.

Note the bed of my printer is quite small 180x180 so when I take the straps off I give them a little stretch which lengthens them permanently.

See pictures showing respirator fitting well with eye protection and My Idea for a 2 litre Cola Bottle Visor one of my favourite upcycling resources.

Stay Safe , Stay Well .