The Air-Wave.org Protector™

The Air-Wave.org Protector™ is a combination of a popular full-face snorkel mask connected with a custom 3D printed connector to a medical-grade filter and an air pump used in the welding industry for personal protection. The air pump creates a positive pressure in the mask, potentially reducing air leakage and promoting the ease of breathing. Preliminary testing indicates that the solution provides better protection than the commonly used FFP2 masks.

Safety and comfort

A team of healthcare professionals tested the snorkel mask used and found it to work well. Glasses can be worn and the mask allows for communication with patients and co-workers. The reusable mask can be decontaminated using readily available cleaning methods.

Availability

The design of the solution is “open-source” which means it can be freely copied and used to support healthcare professionals worldwide. The parts of the 3D-printed connector created by the TU Delft will be available through our website as well as the certified filters and PAPR units.

While some aspects of the solution are still in development and testing continues, the group has decided to share their design and progress widely. Royal Dutch Shell and RapidCenter have already started printing Air-Wave.org Protector™ connectors and offered their full cooperation to contribute to the solution that is being developed.