Enhancement of peripheral seal of medical face masks using a 3-dimensional–printed custom frame

Ahmed, Abu Shakil; Zhong, Zichun; Suprono, Montry S; Savignano, Roberto; Riter, Holli; Oyoyo, Udochukwu; Wilson, Alisa; Reece, Rebecca; Kim, Jessica; Cho, Eun-Hwi; Handysides, Robert; Richardson, Paul; Caruso, Joseph M.; Li, Yiming

doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2021.03.011

Cited by 8 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…For dentists, ASTM level 3 and level 2 medical face masks were made available, which have a filtration level less than but close to the N95 respirator (14). The ASTM level 1 medical face masks were offered to administration personnel, as although it does not have the same filtering efficiency as respirators ( 14), these subjects do not deal directly with procedures that generate aerosols.…”

Section: Sample Characterizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To prevent the risk of transmission of pathogens, in addition to the personal protective equipment (PPE) already routinely used in routine dental care (lab coat, cap, procedural gloves, and protective eyewear), new PPE has been recommended by the World Organization (WHO) for use in procedures involving the generation of aerosols (4,6,(8)(9)(10), and as an alternative to surgical masks, the use of facial respirators (eg the N95 model, which has 95% efficiency in filtering microorganisms) (6,(11)(12)(13). This recommendation is justified because surgical masks have a poor marginal fit and/or peripheral sealing (11,14,15), while respirators have a better seal with the professional-respirator skin interface allowing them to minimize the entry of aerosols (14)(15)(16)(17).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It should be noted that another important feature that can interfere with the adjustment of respirators is related to individual anatomical variations, such as the shape of the nose due to ethnic differences or the size of the face, in which women have a smaller face than men (15,18,19). Marginal peripherical sealing can be improved, when using ASTM surgical/medical masks, by using a 3D-printed custom-frame (14). The individualized fitting of this frame helps to concourse the anatomical difference between subjects.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Another relevant piece of data regarding the use of respirators was generated by the difficulty of acquiring or securing replacement supply during the Covid-19 pandemic (11,14,15,18). Currently, there is no more shortage of facial respirators, but it was noted that the reusing can interfere both with the adjustment of the elastics, caused by loosening due to repeated use, as well as with increased risks of contamination (18).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To help professionals during the shortage of respirators in the COVID -19 pandemic, a previous study evaluated the use of a custom frame produced using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, in order to provide peripheral sealing of the ASTM level 3 and level 2 surgical/medical face masks (14). This study suggests that the use of a 3D-printed custom frame was found to achieve an effective peripheral seal that was comparable to N95 respirators.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Evaluation of Customized Peripheral Sealing Device Acceptance for Surgical/Medical Masks Among Dental Professionals during Early COVID-19 Pandemic

Roque‐Torres

Kim

Costa

et al. 2022

Odovtos - Int J Dent Sc

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A 3-dimensional (3D) printed custom-frame can improve the peripheral seal of readily available surgical/medical masks. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of a 3D-printed custom-frame with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) surgical/medical masks and the use of a face shield. A total of 206 subjects from a dental school participated, who answered a multiple-choice questionnaire. Participants received an invitation through the institutional email of the school via Qualtrics platform. 3D printed custom-frames were fabricated for each participant. According to their response, participants were divided into 4 groups: mask only (M), mask and frame (MF), mask and face shield (MFS), and all 3 personal protective equipment (MFFS). Data was analyzed in absolute and relative frequency. The acceptance of a 3D-printed custom-frame in the group MFFS varied between “poor”/’’very poor” (44.7%). It allowed “good” performance of routine procedures (40.3%), but “poor” visual quality (48.1%). Musculoskeletal tolerance and ease to perform movements were adequate. There was no interference in olfactory sensitivity (44.7%) or in the ability to breathe (34.5%). Finally, it showed "moderate pain" (48.1%) on the ear and "no pain" (38.9%) on the head. The 3D-printed custom-frame adapted to ASTM surgical/medical face masks showed reasonable tolerance. Side effects of ear pain ranging in degrees were noted. Further research is indicated to evaluate safety, comfort, compliance, side effects, and occupational hazards of long-term use of enhanced PPE recommendations.Avoiding the recurrent outbreaks of COVID-19, the use of PPE by the public is necessary. Improper PPE use is a major source of concern for human and environmental health. Preventing such activities can be done by following steps involved in PPE disposals or by getting a new way to re-use such as improving peripherical sealing. Our work highlights that a custom-frame can improve protection, without adverse effects.

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Section: Sample Characterizationmentioning

confidence: 99%