Surgical Mask Tension Relief Straps  

RE: Surgical Mask Tension Relief Straps

Posted by: @nilok

I know everyone is printing face shields, and the media is eating it up......but I feel that there are a lot of printers out there without access to proper materials for the shield portion. 

There is a lot of variation and it's quite frustrating. Here (MA) they are accepting shields of the approved NIH type, but we have no way of knowing if they're used. I suspect they've got them in reserve. Everybody in our group is more-or-less of the mindset that we'll be perfectly happy if every last piece we print is thrown away because they're able to fill the pipeline with real PPE, but we want to be prepared.

Three major hospitals I spoke with here are even declining shield donations that use the projector transparencies. 

Again, lots of variations. Hospitals are going to be the most stringent, but don't forget nursing homes, at-home care and other groups. I've been told grocery workers are most appreciative, as are first responders (police, fire, ambulance, etc.)

What we're really lacking in the US is a nationally-coordinated way of coordinating. Everything is haphazard.

Instead of waiting, wondering, or printing bands that may never go to use, I have been printing a design that has been requested by everyone my wife and I personally know in healthcare.  

https://3dprint.nih.gov/discover/3dpx-013410

That's a great idea and I've been told that "ear protectors" are among the most popular prints received. I'm reaching out to nursing home as I understand that patients are also required to wear masks 24x7 unexpectedly and will be suffering chafing.

I can fit 9 on a sheet at 100% (2h40m) or 11 per sheet at 85% scale (2h08m). 

If you have access to a larger nozzle, those print very nicely with a 0.6mm at 1h14m for 9. It's a quick "upgrade" that increases what you can push out.

PLA works, PETG works even better......and the first bag of 120 I dropped off had the nurse in tears.  I am not posting to take anyone away from masks for docs - just trying to offer an additional way for people to help instead of going stir-crazy.  I have been printing nonstop for 4 days on 2 machines and have been able to provide about 100 per day....and it gives me an excuse to wear my Prusa hoodie while delivering!

Absolutely, and good on ya for it. I've been told that the gesture is really important for the overworked front-liners. I'm focusing on the masks because that's what the guy I connected with locally needs, but I'm printing the odd plate of ear savers as well. One guy is putting little Halloween candy packets on them and is getting good feedback.

RE: Surgical Mask Tension Relief Straps

@bobstro

I hit our huge county nursing home immediately after our Vet and Dentist - they were by far the most appreciative and in desperate need of any and all supplies.  The VA was in similar need and they are on my list for this weekend deliveries.  Unfortunately UNMC put out a notice that they were not accepting homemade PPE, so many doctors/dentists and all the large local hospitals have followed suit.  Even world-famous Children's Medical Center bounced me around for an hour on the phone before telling me that they could not accept donated shields or tension straps.

It extremely frustrating when I know employees at the locations who feel they do need the equipment........but the VA and County Health Center were far more receptive.  Maybe start there for anyone reading this and looking to get involved.

Thanks for the tip on the nozzle, I'll look into snagging a few regardless!  But that's getting a little advanced for me - would a larger nozzle be a good fit for a smaller, thinner PETG part?  Most of my regular printing is with smaller cases and mechanical parts....

I honestly hope everyone is able to print shields, and I would hate for anyone with the materials to swap to something else....this post is just for those lacking materials or in areas that have declined them (for whatever stupid reason).

RE: Surgical Mask Tension Relief Straps

Posted by: @nilok

I hit our huge county nursing home immediately after our Vet and Dentist - they were by far the most appreciative and in desperate need of any and all supplies.  The VA was in similar need and they are on my list for this weekend deliveries.  Unfortunately UNMC put out a notice that they were not accepting homemade PPE, so many doctors/dentists and all the large local hospitals have followed suit.  Even world-famous Children's Medical Center bounced me around for an hour on the phone before telling me that they could not accept donated shields or tension straps.

It seems hospitals here in MA are accepting the PPE prints for now. I've supplied 37 to a local team member for assembly and have another 20 for delivery. After that, I'm going to make a few calls locally. I don't want to over-commit, but I hate to leave anyone hanging. 

It extremely frustrating when I know employees at the locations who feel they do need the equipment........but the VA and County Health Center were far more receptive.  Maybe start there for anyone reading this and looking to get involved.

I'm going to touch base with the local senior center, first responders and smaller organizations further down the food chain.

Thanks for the tip on the nozzle, I'll look into snagging a few regardless!  But that's getting a little advanced for me - would a larger nozzle be a good fit for a smaller, thinner PETG part?  Most of my regular printing is with smaller cases and mechanical parts....

Most of the prints for PPE do quite well with a 0.60mm nozzle. At 0.80mm you start to get into diminishing returns. I've got notes on using different nozzles with the Mk3 here, and my COVID PPE printing notes here.

I honestly hope everyone is able to print shields, and I would hate for anyone with the materials to swap to something else....this post is just for those lacking materials or in areas that have declined them (for whatever stupid reason).

Always good to let everyone know there are options! Good luck with it.

RE: Surgical Mask Tension Relief Straps

Tension relief straps may seem frivolous, but around the ear bands destroy the skin behind your ears in a few hours. The looped masks are usually just for lower risk crew, but they still have to wear them for hours. These are useful.

RE: Surgical Mask Tension Relief Straps

Posted by: @bobstro

Posted by: @nilok

I know everyone is printing face shields, and the media is eating it up......but I feel that there are a lot of printers out there without access to proper materials for the shield portion. 

There is a lot of variation and it's quite frustrating. Here (MA) they are accepting shields of the approved NIH type, but we have no way of knowing if they're used. I suspect they've got them in reserve. Everybody in our group is more-or-less of the mindset that we'll be perfectly happy if every last piece we print is thrown away because they're able to fill the pipeline with real PPE, but we want to be prepared.

Three major hospitals I spoke with here are even declining shield donations that use the projector transparencies. 

Again, lots of variations. Hospitals are going to be the most stringent, but don't forget nursing homes, at-home care and other groups. I've been told grocery workers are most appreciative, as are first responders (police, fire, ambulance, etc.)

What we're really lacking in the US is a nationally-coordinated way of coordinating. Everything is haphazard.

Instead of waiting, wondering, or printing bands that may never go to use, I have been printing a design that has been requested by everyone my wife and I personally know in healthcare.  

https://3dprint.nih.gov/discover/3dpx-013410

That's a great idea and I've been told that "ear protectors" are among the most popular prints received. I'm reaching out to nursing home as I understand that patients are also required to wear masks 24x7 unexpectedly and will be suffering chafing.

I can fit 9 on a sheet at 100% (2h40m) or 11 per sheet at 85% scale (2h08m). 

If you have access to a larger nozzle, those print very nicely with a 0.6mm at 1h14m for 9. It's a quick "upgrade" that increases what you can push out.

PLA works, PETG works even better......and the first bag of 120 I dropped off had the nurse in tears.  I am not posting to take anyone away from masks for docs - just trying to offer an additional way for people to help instead of going stir-crazy.  I have been printing nonstop for 4 days on 2 machines and have been able to provide about 100 per day....and it gives me an excuse to wear my Prusa hoodie while delivering!

Absolutely, and good on ya for it. I've been told that the gesture is really important for the overworked front-liners. I'm focusing on the masks because that's what the guy I connected with locally needs, but I'm printing the odd plate of ear savers as well. One guy is putting little Halloween candy packets on them and is getting good feedback.

 

The VA was in similar need and they are on my list for this weekend deliveries.  Unfortunately UNMC put out a notice that they were not accepting homemade PPE, so many doctors/dentists and all the large local hospitals have followed suit.  Even world-famous Children's Medical Center bounced me around for an hour on the phone before telling me that they could not accept donated shields or tension straps.

It extremely frustrating when I know employees at the locations who feel they do need the equipment........but the VA and County Health Center were far more receptive.  Maybe start there for anyone reading this and looking to get involved.

RE: Surgical Mask Tension Relief Straps

Can confirm the pharmacy and grocer loved them!

Printed this variant that has a Righty / Lefty version and enables one to take of the strap and not have the plastic thing drop into your shirt.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4265066