Local 3D printing group makes respirators for CMH

A local 3D printing group has successfully created a 3D printed respirator for Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar.

Matt Havens, a physician assistant at Butterfield Park Medical Center, Bolivar, and a team of his technology friends and family started collaborating last week trying to develop personal protection equipment that would replace N95 masks that are in short supply.

The 3D printed masks are made out of thermoplastic and use PVC/rubber weather stripping, ¾” elastic bands and a HEPA filter. Two prototype masks passed a “fit test” at CMH, which ensures that the masks properly fit and protect medical staff from inhaling dangerous substances or viruses such as COVID-19. Each mask takes about 3-5 hours to print and plans will be made available to the public.

The advantages of using 3D printed masks are they are durable and can be cleaned with sterile cleanser between each use. Also, the HEPA filters can be replaced easily when they become contaminated.

“Last week I posted a 3D print file for masks due to a severe shortage of N95s,” Havens says. “Unfortunately that widely-shared file was not actually viable to filter. A group of tireless tech-heads answered the call to help create one that works.”

Havens collaborated with friends Keith Kelly and Matthew Winder, and received assistance and input from his brother Nicholas Havens, M.D., an infectious disease physician and the deputy chief of staff of Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, Missouri. Other collaborators included Haven’s cousin Todd Morton from Rolla, and other 3D printing group members Dennis Siegfried, Lucas Roberts and Darrick Hemphill.

“Due to the group’s efforts, we may have the opportunity to keep hundreds if not thousands of health care workers safe since the design will be freely disseminated,” Havens says.

Anyone interested in helping to 3D print masks to use at CMH or have other questions can connect to https://www.keithstestgarage.com/respirators/.