3D printed reusable respirator filter
Context
Context
Respirator masks that filter pathogens at a level corresponding to N95/N100 (NIOSH USA) or FFP2/FFP3 (Europe) are necessary for various health care responses including COVID and TB.
In health care settings the most used respirator mask, often referred to simply as the N95, is considered a single use item (though short-term re-use may occur). Planetary health concerns relating to reliance on disposable single-use items have been increasing over the past few years with some organizations beginning to rethink procurement in line with a more environmentally aware approach.
The global COVID pandemic has resulted in an enormous increase in the use of N95/N100 respirators and resulting waste production. In addition, the pandemic exposed supply chain vulnerability, and the need to mitigate risks and ensure that medical staff always have access to the protection that they need. The reusable respirator has also been shown to offer enhanced safety for some individuals who are unable to maintain a good facial seal with a disposable respirator mask.
The use of reusable respirators, often referred to as elastomeric respirator masks as an alternative to the single use N95 mask has therefore been identified as a possible solution to many issues; improving safety, reducing freight and waste volume as well providing a cost-saving option that could be highly advantageous in resource poor settings.
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
While the elastomeric mask itself can last years, the mask requires small disc like filters to be placed in sealed cartridges on the front of the mask (usually 2). These filters need changing more often than the mask itself to ensure safe functioning. Guidance depends on the manufacturer but could range between changing filters every 2 months to every 12 months.
To ensure a sustainable supply of filters and therefore ensure staff have access to respiratory protection wherever they are, these filters should be available locally.
Objective
Objective
To 3D build affordable and accessible N95 filter capacity (or above) equivalent filters compatible
with MSF procured elastomeric masks to ensure sustainable access to respiratory protection.
Rules
Rules
– Cheap to produce and distribute, ideally less than 1 CHF per unit.
– Environmentally friendly – using material which is biodegradable or at least less environmentally harmful than the current disposable options.
– Proven to meet necessary international standards for a respirator mask for health care setting. At least or higher than N95 (USA NIOSH)/FFP2 (Europe EN149-2001), P2 (Australia NZ).
– Proven splash resistance > or equal to 120mmHg.
– Easy to use by layman (non-medical) person
– Universal – potential to adapt technology to allow filter to be used on different elastomeric mask models.
3D printed Insulin Delivery Units
Context
Context
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems. One type of diabetes (Type 1) is cased by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. People with this type of diabetes require daily and calibrated injection or infusion of insulin to lead a normal life.
Type 1 patients will always require injection of insulin. However there are different insulin preparations and delivery systems available. Input of insulin is different from person to person and differ by age and lifestyle. Individuals and families have to train and self-administer the insulin. They have to learn and adjust the insulin dose based upon glucose concentrations and food intake. Insulin administration has been simplified over the years by using insulin pre-filled pens and pumps. However these technologies remain out of reach of most resource poor settings due to cost and lack of access.
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Until there is adequate and uniform access of insulin analogues, patients in resource poor settings are subject to insulin injection devices (pens and pumps) that are scarce and expensive. Needles are often not adapted to children, or small dosages and not easy to gauge for some patients.
Objective
Objective
To 3D build affordable and accessible insulin injection system that is adaptable to any insulin refill cartridge.
Rules
Rules
– Cheap to produce and distribute, ideally less than 1 CHF per unit.
– Environmentally friendly – using material which are biodegradable
– Accurate delivery of insulin – abel to grad and administer insulin in 0.1 unit increment
– Easy to use by layman (non-medical) person
– Universal – can accept any type of insulin refill and compatible needles
– Able to pass as a class II medical device and/or ICE 62366 safe usability regulations