Engineering:Ear saver
An ear saver, also known as mask strain release strap or mask extender,[1] is an accessory to personal protective equipment (PPE), relieves strain on a mask wearer's ears created through the loops of masks. Ear savers were designed as novel items during the COVID-19 pandemic by the open-source hardware community in response to requests from medical professionals reporting heavy strain on their ears.[2] Ear savers have since been commercialized for a broader population of users as the pandemic wore on.[3][4]
Manufacturing
Four methods are used to manufacture ear savers: 3D printing, laser cutting, injection molding, and sewing (a modified version with crocheted buttons on a headband).[5][6] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the maker movement alone produced more than 2.2 million ear savers.[7]
See also
- Maker culture
- Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
References
- ↑ Jacobs, Amber (22 July 2020). "Year 7 student's 3D-printed coronavirus face mask extenders raise funds for bushfire victims". ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-22/3d-printed-face-mask-extenders-to-help-bushfire-victims/12479820.
- ↑ "DESIGN | MAKE | PROTECT". February 22, 2021. https://opensourcemedicalsupplies.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Design-Make-Protect_21.01.27.pdf.
- ↑ Lord, Emma. "17 Problem-Solving Products To Make Wearing A Face Mask With Glasses Easier" (in en). https://www.buzzfeed.com/emmalord9/problem-solving-products-to-make-wearing-a-face-mask-with.
- ↑ Bennett, Alexis (2020-08-12). "If You Aren't Wearing One of These Ear Savers With Your Mask, Your Ears Are Missing Out" (in en-US). https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/g33577089/best-ear-savers-for-face-masks/.
- ↑ "PROJECT LIBRARY" (in en-US). https://opensourcemedicalsupplies.org/library/.
- ↑ "It's not just a fashion statement... it's an ear saver for those who wear masks often | CBC News" (in en-US). CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/masks-ears-1.5919212.
- ↑ "COVID-19 Maker Response" (in en-US). https://www.nationofmakers.us/covid-19-maker-response.
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