When it really happens: SHTF...

[Surpmil]

I'll throw this idea out there for anyone that wants to run with it: one of the problems we have is disposable masks that don't fit properly, particularly around the nose and cheeks as they are to some extent stretched over the high points of the face. This is particularly important for health care providers obviously.

I suggest the solution is 3D scanning of the faces of these workers and 3D printing of mask holders to fit the face of each worker precisely.

The holders or frames can be configured for whatever disposable mask or screw-on element is available or suitable.

If paper masks are used as the "element" , a recess in the holder or frame can be created into which the paper mask is placed and either secured with a removable adhesive or a 3D printed ring or "frame" which will make a tight seal against the main holder or "frame". Some kind of snap or clip attachment being advisable obviously, perhaps with a compressible lining on one or both sides of the paper mask to ensure a good seal. Perhaps some off-the-shelf sealing strip could be used for that?

For the best seal around the face, a convex edge which can be covered with medical tape(?) to keep the plastic of the 3D printed frame off the skin may be best, or a flat edge to which some disposable adhesive and compressible sealing "tape" can be attached?

3D scanning and printing technology is common and easily transportable and pretty quick these days.

So there it is. Maybe it's out there already, I haven't looked.

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[Gil Boyd]

The serious issues here in the UK are, the female staff who naturally have soft skin around their noses face, have to endure a tightened mask laying in the same place every day for up to 12 hours. It has taken its toll on many a beautiful face, with sore areas becoming hard to endure.
Really feel sorry for them, and who ever comes up with an air cushioned alternative or something similar will have cracked it. Lets hope they do soon!

[Flying10uk]

I'll throw this idea out there for anyone that wants to run with it: one of the problems we have is disposable masks that don't fit properly, particularly around the nose and cheeks as they are to some extent stretched over the high points of the face. This is particularly important for health care providers obviously.

This is one of the reasons that I use a proper respirator with disposable filters, when I go shopping, so that the mask has a good fit on the face. Another reason is the thickness of disposable masks, is in my opinion too thin to provide adequate protection if good protection is desired. Disposable dust masks are unsuitable for paint spraying because they provide inadequate protection and, in my opinion, they are unlikely to provide adequate protection against the "virus".

In my opinion going into a grocery shop/supermarket carries a high risk of catching the "virus" and that is why I now wear a proper respirator when I do my grocery shopping. However, every time that I turn the television on the news seems to get grimmer and grimmer and this has got me thinking "Am I under-protected when I do my grocery shopping?" Perhaps I should up my protection and enhance my P.P.E.? Should I wear a full mil spec service respirator and if I do should I stop there or should I also wear a full N.B.C. suit complete with the correct gloves and overboots. Obviously, I would again have to ask, speaking through my respirator, at customer services: "Good afternoon, would it be acceptable for me to wear full Nuclear, Biological and Chemical protection when I next do my shopping?"

I witnessed a couple more cases on Friday of "Human Magnetism Syndrome", walking to and back from work. One of those affected by this new phenoqamom was subjected to a double deflection on each side of the road and this was the first case of "double deflection", caused by the "Human Magnetism Syndrome", that I have witnessed. The poor victim got deflected right across the road at an angle of about 45 degrees by the powerful magnetic field of a fellow sufferer, only to be deflected back across the road by another person suffering from "Human Magnetism Syndrome". Fortunately there were no cars heading in this direction at the time of the incident.