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Safran develops, 3D prints anti-COVID-19 kit for Easybreath mask


April 15, 2020  By Wings Staff

The adapted Easybreath mask can be used by both caregivers and patients on ventilators to combat the spread of COVID-19. (Photo: Safran)

Safran on April 14 unveiled its efforts to adapt the Easybreath Subea snorkeling mask from sports retailer Decathlon to protect medical personnel from airborne droplets that could transmit the coronavirus. Safran has already 3D-printed these anti-COVID-19 kits and is providing 200 modified masks to university hospitals.

The company and its partners on the project have made the resulting 3D-printing files used to produce the kits available on an open-access, free-license basis — allowing hospitals and healthcare professionals to make their own adaptation kits.

Safran worked on the project in conjunction with engineering firm Segula Technologies, which contributed its expertise in production engineering to immediately gear up for higher-volume production. Research and testing support was also provided by the French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA). Safran is working with IRBA on a number of projects to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safran explains the Decathlon Easybreath mask meets key conditions in the ability to develop a simple, quick solution, yet is available in large volumes. The adapted Easybreath mask fitted with the anti-COVID-19 kit, which includes antiviral filtration cartridges, plus accessories and connectors used in intensive care units, also meets the requirements of both caregivers and patients on ventilators.

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For caregivers, Safran explains it provides protection by filtering inhalation via two filters in the mask’s upper and lower ducts. The efficiency of the filters is 99.99 per cent. For patients, the upper duct filters exhalation, which limits contamination of the environment, while still allowing oxygen therapy, while the lower duct is fitted with a respiratory assistance kit. In addition, Safran notes it can be quickly reused after being decontaminated by soaking.

Doctors who tested this solution found that it complements existing Easybreath adaptations, explains Safran, and also effectively meets their requirements. The company continues to explain the modified mask reflects the standard principles of patient oxygen supply: It’s directly opposite the mouth, which makes breathing easier.

Tests at IRBA and Henri-Mondor University Hospital in Créteil, near Paris, have proven its effectiveness based on the same configuration: The mask protects the caregiver, limits contamination of the surrounding area and supports oxygen treatments.

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