Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NIH3D

Surgical Mask Ear Saver

Created by mattias.jonsson
Created:
4/30/20
Submitted:
3/6/23
Published:
3/6/23

Select an image below to view

3DPX-014123

Licensing:

CC-BY-NC
66
9
Version 2
Description

Ear-saving surgical mask straps

Surgical masks are now worn the entire day by health care professionals and others. The straps typically wrap behind each ear. After wearing these for several days, the skin behind the ear starts to break down. This ear-saver design takes pressure away from the ears.

About this design

  • Designed to print fast, to be compact and pocketable, and easy to clean
  • Since they attach to the mask, they won't get lost, and are super easy to clip/unclip
  • Downside of this design: It does take a moment to attach to the mask. Clinicians who change their masks frequently might like other double-sided designs with hooks for the straps.

Usage instructions

  • Wipe with a cleaning solution before use
  • Put one elastic band through a hole and wrap around
  • Adjust so that the elastic strap forms a triangle
  • Repeat for the second piece
  • Clip behind the head
Generic ear-saver packaging slip
Illustration of how to use the ear-savers
Ear-saver model visualization