Full face masks for COVID-19 therapy

[pointy]

I work in healthcare. That is less than ideal, but it would work. The risk for transmission would be higher than with a closed loop used in standard intubation though. There is also a higher risk for leaks, loss of positive pressure, but necessity is the mother of invention and who knows, given"s the shortage, this may save lives.

Being intubated exposes a patient to avoidable risks if non-invasive ventilation could work for him. As Angelo conceded, this would not be a solution for the sickest patients, but it might help to increase overall survival. It could also be used with more basic, and plentiful, ventilators (Bipap machines) at a time when hospitals would need to make the best use of all their equipment.

I think you also have to consider the ethics of intubating a patient for infection control purposes (efficient filtering of exhaled gases) rather than for what would give him his

I work in healthcare. That is less than ideal, but it would work. The risk for transmission would be higher than with a closed loop used in standard intubation though. There is also a higher risk for leaks, loss of positive pressure, but necessity is the mother of invention and who knows, given the shortage, this may save lives.

best chance for survival.

 

[pointy]

An Italian medical doctor, with the help of a 3D printing workshop, managed to adapt full face snorkelling masks to be used for forced ventilation of patients with Covid-19:
View attachment 575903
DIY respirators to save lifes in the COVID crisis
It’s working!

Great idea Angelo.
Is it possible to autoclave or otherwise decontaminate this DIY interface? Which brands of snorkel mask could be fitted to your printed manifold? Do you know anyone who could make and supply this part? Would you be willing to share plans and instructions with those who are equipped to make this part for themselves?

 

[lowviz]

Would work well for vast majority of patients who need mild or moderate respiratory support. It is safer for the patient as it will not require sedation and eliminates some other risks associated with intubation.

AND it frees up a Ferrari ventilator for someone who really needs it...

 

[Angelo Farina]

Great idea Angelo.
Is it possible to autoclave or otherwise decontaminate this DIY interface? Which brands of snorkel mask could be fitted to your printed manifold? Do you know anyone who could make and supply this part? Would you be willing to share plans and instructions with those who are equipped to make this part for themselves?

The 3D printing workshop who create the parts need for modifications is here:
Easy – Covid19 ENG | Isinnova
You can download the STP 3D model form this page and print it yourself.
The mask is the one by Decathlon, the larger sport equipment reseller here on Italy (I suppose in Europe), who has his own line of scuba and snorkeling products.
These masks are inexpensive (19.99 €): MASCHERE,BOCCAGLI SNORKELING - Maschera SNORKELING EASYBREATH
So when it is time to clean, it is easier and cheaper to dispose it and use another...

 

[Altamira]

I wonder if our medical community is aware of this potential work around for a proper ventilator. Realizing that it would not be appropriate for all situations, but if it has the potential to save lives, I hope those that have some expertise in this setup can break through the bureaucracy in our "we know it all" government.

 

[pointy]

The 3D printing workshop who create the parts need for modifications is here:
Easy – Covid19 ENG | Isinnova
You can download the STP 3D model form this page and print it yourself.
The mask is the one by Decathlon, the larger sport equipment reseller here on Italy (I suppose in Europe), who has his own line of scuba and snorkeling products.
These masks are inexpensive (19.99 €): MASCHERE,BOCCAGLI SNORKELING - Maschera SNORKELING EASYBREATH
So when it is time to clean, it is easier and cheaper to dispose it and use another...

Thanks for all of this. I'll pass this info along to some people over here might who might put it to good use.
Also, I was wondering if you used this rig to provide CPAP to spontaneously breathing patients connected to high flow gas from a blender; Or is it best used as an NIV interface?

 

[Angelo Farina]

Thanks for all of this. I'll pass this info along to some people over here might who might put it to good use.
Also, I was wondering if you used this rig to provide CPAP to spontaneously breathing patients connected to high flow gas from a blender; Or is it best used as an NIV interface?

I am an engineer, not a medical doctor. So better if you make these questions to the guys who actually invented this modification. Their names are on the web page I have linked...
They hope that this can save lifes also outside their hospital, and this is the reason for which they published the STL files and the instructions for making the modification.
If the Decathlon (Subea) brand is not available in the USA, you can probably adapt the concept to low-cost snorkeling masks available there.

 

[lowwall]

As long as they don't use them for snorkeling...

Seriously, the thing that makes them useful here - airtight and difficult to remove - should disqualify them for use as snorkeling equipment. The positive pressure from the oxygen machine presumably solves the remaining issue of dead air space allowing CO2 buildup.

 

[Angelo Farina]

Seriously, the thing that makes them useful here - airtight and difficult to remove - should disqualify them for use as snorkeling equipment. The positive pressure from the oxygen machine presumably solves the remaining issue of dead air space allowing CO2 buildup.

CO2 buildup is a good thing for a patient with respiratory insufficiency, as it stimulates the breathing reflex.
In fact a special gas, called Carbgen, is used during anesthesy: it is pure oxygen with a 5% CO2: CARBON DIOXIDE 5%/ OXYGEN MEDICAL GAS MIXTURE | Drugs.com

 

[Angelo Farina]

As long as they don't use them for snorkeling...

In reality these Decathlon masks are well designed for snorkeling. They have two internal chambers, separated by a set of one-way valves. Fresh air is inhaled form the snorkel and enter the upper chamber, with a nice defogging effect on the glass. Then the fresh air passes through the valves in the lower chamber, where there are mouth and nostrils. So you inhale from the low-volume lower chamber. When you exhale, the air cannot go up in the much larger upper chamber, and is forced to exit into the water through the front exhaust valve.
So the CO2 buildup is minimal, as the volume of the lower chamber is comparable to that of a normal snorkel.