A mask for the medics - you can help too!

There is no denying that the situation is grave as a result of the prevailing pandemic. Even though the Polish health service is far from perfect without this pandemic, all the problems it faces are even more evident with the ever-increasing number of cases of the disease. Therefore, instead of counting on a top-down, systemic solution, a number of initiatives are taken across the country to support Polish medics. As it turns out, some of us can also help.

How do we help?

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Decathlon’s EasyBreath full-face diving mask can easily (thanks to adapters) be converted into a highly effective protective mask for medical personnel AND a ventilated patient assisted breathing device (CPAP). These solutions have already been successfully implemented in Italy (CPAP) and the Czech Republic (protective mask). In Poland, several parallel working groups have been working on similar solutions.

The #MaskForMedics is an initiative to accelerate and coordinate project work. The solution prepared by us and currently implemented into mass production provides protection for medical personnel and patients based on P3R filters with high filtration efficiency (antivirus efficiency: 99.99%)

What we are working on:

1. full face masks with P3R filters for medical personnel.

2 P3R non-invasive ventilation masks for NIPPV (Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation) oxygen therapy patients on COVID-19 using standard hospital oxygen wall valves. The Charlotte and Dave valves are suitable for ISO 22mm tubing.

Why is this a good idea?

a. 3D printing is fast and cheap. There is an increase in the number of people willing to print by offering their machines.

b. Easybreath masks are available in very large quantities, Decathlon has already donated 1,300 masks free of charge for the first batch, the available stock is around 300,000 masks in your homes (figures from Decathlon) and the factory located in Poland (!) can produce more.

c. The masks allow for easy surface disinfection, giving the masks reusability.

d. Masks are full-face and sealed, with filters this reduces exposure to the virus more effectively than surgical masks or visors.

e. At the same time, they offer incomparably greater ease of use – especially important for overworked medical staff and allows patients to use them without additional isolation,

f. These solutions can very realistically save many lives by providing the missing equipment quickly and efficiently to combat COVID-19, which hospitals cannot normally afford.

Where we are:

1. we print prototypes, testing is ongoing, we have a network of 3D printers

2. we are preparing mass production and distribution to hospitals. As of now, we already have orders for over 2,000 kits.

3. we already have over 2,000 applications from hospitals and hospital emergency departments

Who is organising this?

The action is a grassroots, private effort by many organisations andindividuals.

Source: Mask for the medic