Healthcare professionals all over the country are facing shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE). Currently, the use of N95 masks far outpaces the availability and manufacture output. Supply chains, at best, can promise an increased supply in weeks, but the essential need is right now. As a last resort, medical professionals are forced to reuse the masks they have on hand. To reduce the risks of reusing these masks as much as possible, N95s go through a sterilization process that makes them safer to use, but may also cause the mask's straps to fail.

To resolve this problem, Sarah Flora of Geisinger Health System has designed a temporary solution—3D printed clips and straps.

3D PRINTED PARTS REQUIRED PER MASK

• Print with Nylon 3D Printer Filament
  • 2 x Merged Straps
  • 2 x Straight Straps
    • Straight Straps are extensions and might not be needed for everyone.
• Print with Tough PLA 3D Printer Filament
  • 2 x Female Buckles
    • FormLabs White Resin also works for Female Buckles
  • 2 x Male Buckles
  • 2 x Strap Connectors
    • Strap Connectors are to add the extensions to the merged straps

You can find more info including assembly instructions here: https://www.matterhackers.com/store/l/reusable-3d-printed-straps-for-n95-face-masks/sk/MV80FZDG