Dear Editor,
I found very interesting the article wrote by Swennen et al.1 about custom-made 3D-printed face masks. The fabrication of this prototype is a promising idea and is a feasible alternative since medical, N95 and FFP2/3 masks are in shortage in different countries2.
With respect to the authors, what I found essential before its massive production is its use in real-life situations. The reliability of mask not only depends on face seal leakage but also on its correct use, compliance and fitting3.
Healthcare workers (HW) have to wear a mask for long periods and if the person feels discomfort wearing it, it would affect the compliance during its use. The discomfort experienced by HW has been associated with tight-fit models4 It was previously demonstrated that flat fold N95 respirators offer and enhanced facial comfort without compromising its protection level5.
In my opinion, the idea is motivating but I should recommend the fabrication of a thinner mask to enhance general comfort in HW.
It is also important to scan the face in neutral and while performing typical facial expressions as smiling, these facial movements may increase contact pressure at the chin6.
Seal leakage, fitting, and compliance have to be validated in future studies. Since there is a lack of time to perform them, I strongly recommend the fabrication of thinner custom-made 3D-printed facemasks and the use of face visors as a barrier.
Funding
None.
Competing intersts
Nothing to declare.
Ethical approval
Not applicable.
Patient Consent
Not applicable.
References
- 1.Swennen G.R.J., Pottel L., Haers P.E. Custom-made 3D-printed face masks in case of pandemic crisis situations with a lack of commercially available FFP2/3 masks [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 2] Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020;S0901-5027(20):30123–30125. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2020.03.015. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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