The coronavirus outbreak of 2020 has brought to the forefront of the human domain a never before seen effort of all medical staff around the globe. The scope of this global operation is taking a big strain on medical professionals on one end, and of course, the many people combating the illness on the other.
Gladius is an open-source 3D printable respirator mask and is a symbol of combating the coronavirus pandemic. Gladius utilizes existing filters used for ventilators and it is intended for the front line heroes working in the healthcare industry. In addition to Gladius, we have developed Auditus - the tool that helps frontline staff to communicate unobstructed when wearing Gladius or another mask. Auditus is an open-source app that helps medical staff to communicate while wearing masks and PPE.
Auditus - Communication AppA big hindrance that has presented itself in the hospitals is the struggle to communicate. Doctors wearing PPE equipment can only barely communicate without resorting to shouting in an effort to be hard by the people who need their help. To help better the workflow of doctors and other health workers we are developing a solution. Auditus is an app that helps the people in the front line. Via a clever use of Bluetooth technology, it enables better communication from worker to patient, and with even more useful features it presents an efficient tool for boundaryless communication between all involved in the quest to save lives.
Auditus is a simple yet intriguing solution that makes use of already existing hardware technologies, thus needing only a software platform to bring its functionality to life. The application is developed in the Android native environment, where we used novel approaches of manipulating audio streams, Bluetooth and wired connectivity, and state-of-the-art speech recognition.
Auditus will enable all doctors around the world to execute their work better and with more precision without getting as exhausted. On the other side, it also enables other positives with its features like multilingual communication with patients who come from abroad, which is especially applicable to the regions that consists of many different countries that all speak different languages. With Auditus we are striving to take the strain off the medical staff who are more fatigued by the day and at the same time provide communication where it is most necessary. To one patient words of encouragement may be the difference between life and death and to others, sadly, they can be the last words they will ever get to hear.
Gladius respirator mask is a prototype of a mask utilizing existing filter solutions and is a mask for everybody that has access to 3D printer or 3D printing service.
Gladius HeroesGladius Heroes respirator mask is a prototype of a mask utilizing existing filters used for ventilators (see details about filters below) and it is intended for the front line heroes working in the healthcare industry.
What do you need?
- 3D printer (model is not important)
- 3D model of the respirator
- PLA filament
- Breathing Filter*
* Breathing filters are stocked in most health centers and hospitals as an accessory for ventilators. The model of the filter used to design the respirator is certified to 99.99% efficiency. The filter the mask was designed for can be found here.
3D print settings
- Rafts: No
- Supports: No
- Resolution: 0.2
- Infill: 15%
- Filament material: PLA
Notes: No supports needed. We recommend 3 perimeters. PLA is used for it’s relative non-toxicity and personalization/fitting options.
Printing position: The mask must be printed in the original orientation (vertically), as otherwise the filter seal could be compromised
Gladius FriendsGladius Friends respirator mask is a mask for everybody that has access to 3D printer or 3D printing service. The mask is reusable and can be fitted with a variety of filter materials for everyday use.
What do you need?
- 3D printer (model is not important)
- 3D model of the respirator mask
- PLA filament
- Filter material
Recommendations for production
- Rafts: No
- Supports: No
- Resolution: 0.2
- Infill: 50%
- Filament material: PLA
Filter installation
- There is a variety of filter materials available with different specifications that may be used in the time of crisis and are scientifically supported. NASA researched HEPA filter properties and researchers from Cambridge University tested multiple domestic materials that may be used as filters.
- It is recommended that whichever filter material is selected, it is carefully cut into 60 x 60mm square and tightly glued into the mask cover. The adhesive that can withstand up to 70 degrees Celsius must be used. Please avoid harmful materials and respect the manufacturer’s instructions on the application.
- The adhesive must dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Gladius mask may be reused with right disinfection and sterilization
With the right disinfection and sterilization, the mask is reusable. Coronavirus is a heat-sensitive virus and becomes inactive when heated to 56° C for 15 minutes [1, 2]. Experts state that at the time of rationing during the outbreak of coronavirus in China, masks were sterilized and reused [3]. They proved to successfully deactivate the virus during dry sterilization (use of industrial oven heat) at 56° C.
Note, that it is very important how you handle the mask before the sterilization process, as it must at all times be treated as contagious (infected with coronavirus).
DisclaimerThe participants of this project do not take any responsibility for the use, use cases, dangers from the manufacturing process, and outcomes of wearing this design (or designs derived from it), in any way, shape, or form; nor do we claim that this product offers medical-grade or any kind of protection from COVID-19.
We realize and emphasize that this is a prototype, and should not be considered as offering protection from COVID-19. Testing and certification of this face mask, from all aspects, from production, assembly, fitting, and reusability, is currently under-way. The user and manufacturer of this mask assume ALL RESPONSIBILITY for, including, but not limited to: manufacturing, modifying the design, fitting procedures, disinfection procedures, wear, use.
Gladius and Auditus are not certified tools and do not replace certified equipment. The authors assume no liability and make no representation, warranties, or guarantee of any kind. The use of this app is at your own risk.
Also, it is not the purpose of this project to replace official certified medical equipment, but to offer an alternative to bandanas, coffee filters (we’re hearing such sad stories from around the World), etc.
It is an open-source, goodwill project, aiming to do the best we can to help each other in a very difficult situation.
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