PAPR Shield Replacements
When one thing goes
When seeing a patient, the best piece of protection a health worker has is a PAPR system. Pulling air through a viral filter and streaming it over the face, the wearer can breathe virus-free air in any environment.
Critical to this is the lens / cuff which provides the shield and the seal, and are in critically low supply for the common PAPR systems. They were only ever designed for single use, and when they’re out, the machine is out.
We have designed and are manufacturing safe replacements for crisis use while in short supply.
Polyurethane Lens / Cuff
This lens / cuff uses polyurethane to gently contour to the face with a more comfortable fit.
Features:
PC Lens + Flappers, TPU cuff
Polygonal shape for easy fabrication
SM / MED size, MED/LARGE size
Durable Lens / Cuff Replacement
This lens / cuff uses a flexible vinyl to go under the neck, which is less elastic than the traditional model but can be sterilized and cleaned for many uses while in short supply.
Features:
PC Lens + Flappers, Vinyl cuff
Pouched for ergonomic contouring
Polygonal shape for easy fabrication
Durable cuff for multiple uses
S, M, L sizes
Learnings from Manufacturing PAPR Replacement Shields
This is a higher risk device than the regular face shield, with more opportunity for different failure modes. Having trained operators is important and we saw major benefits to having operators be building several days a week to keep the skills fresh. We did pay our operators hourly for this job and found this to be an awesome way to create high quality products while also fostering a sense of purpose and community.
Quality control of completed packets after manufacturing was also really valuable in ensuring high quality product
PAPR systems are not typically used in nursing homes/hospices/small clinics. These are typically used in acute care hospital settings in the ERs or respiratory clinics. They are gaining wide spread use throughout hospitals at this point during COVID.
We started with Vinyl cuffs assuming hospitals would prefer a more durable material for potential reuse. Feedback indicated demand for polyurethane and we switched.
The triangular shape of our design allows for slightly improved visual region over the original.
Durable Vinyl Lens / Cuff Assembly
