A novel reusable anti-COVID-19 transparent face respirator with optimized airflow

Abstract

This novel face mask is designed to be a reusable respirator with a small and highly efficient disposable fabric filter. Respirator material requirements are reduced by 75% compared to traditional designs and allow repeated cleaning or sterilization. The probability of virus particle inhalation is reduced using novel air filtration pathways, through square-waveform design to increase filter airflow. Air enters the mask from right and left side filters, while the area in front of the mouth is isolated. Clear epoxy is used for a transparent frame, allowing lip-reading, and mask edges contain a silicone seal preventing bypass of the filters. The mask is manufactured using silicone molds, eliminating electricity requirements making it economical and viable in developing countries. Computational fluid dynamics numerical studies and Fluent ANSYS software were used to simulate airflow through the filter to optimize filter air path geometry and validate mask design with realistic human requirements. The breathing cycle was represented as a transient function, and N95 filter specifications were selected as a porous medium. The novel design achieved 1.2 × 10−3 kg s−1, 20% higher than human requirements, with air streamlines velocity indicating local high speed, forcing and trapping virus particles against filter walls through centrifugal forces.

Surface interactions and viability of coronaviruses

“…Nowadays, various types of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been widely adopted by hospital staff and individuals in daily life in order to tackle this aggressive transmission [21]. Especially, usage of different types of face masks and making a habit of wearing PPE has successfully provided a proper way of protection to the wearers against such risks [22,23]. However, contact routes created by inanimate objects acting as vectors of transmission after being exposed to the respiratory tracts of an infected person still carries a significant risk in terms of transmission since they are not easy to track.…”

Voluntary adoption of social welfare-enhancing behavior: Mask-wearing in Spain during the COVID-19 outbreak

“…It is worth noting that, recently, a newly designed and easier to use type of masks is invented, so we should worry less about comfort and mask-usage as hurdles to mask-wearing. See Alenezi et al [ 13 ] for a detailed discussion.…”

Development, manufacturing, and preliminary validation of a reusable half-face respirator during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…In response, researchers have attempted to develop reusable respirators to replace disposable N95s [ 20 ]. However, few novel respirators have been assessed by QNFT on HCW.…”

“…In the hospital setting, available options include hydrogen peroxide vapor phase decontamination and autoclaving at high heat [ 1 ]. However, as per CDC instructions, solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol) and high heat (greater than 50°C) should not be used to disinfect elastomeric respirators [ 20 ]. In our case, each component of the respirator was disinfected separately (excluding the filter containing cartridge) prior to and after each testing.…”

“…In our case, each component of the respirator was disinfected separately (excluding the filter containing cartridge) prior to and after each testing. The respirator body, harness and straps were disinfected using a diluted household bleach solution (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) as recommended by the CDC [ 20 ]. To prepare the solution, ~ 180 mL of household bleach was added to 3.8 L of water.…”