4D-Customised Respirators to Protect Healthcare Workers from COVID-19

Respirators are critical for keeping healthcare workers safe and the healthcare system effective during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, existing devices often provide a poor seal either because standard sizes do not fit the diverse facial topographies of NHS staff, or because respirators cannot compensate for facial movements caused by speech, yawning, and other actions. This project aims to economically manufacture seals for an FFP3 respirator that are not only customised to the face of the wearer but also maintain their seal during facial movements. In doing so, we also aim to improve comfort and facilitate the communication required during high-stress clinical scenarios. The project is a collaboration of clinical and engineering researchers based at the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals and will address these challenges by using a novel combination of dynamic facial imaging, computational design and 3D printing. The data generated through this pilot project will lay the foundations for further projects to improve the comfort and effectiveness of PPE, and eventual trials to enable roll-out of these devices.