How and why use the EasyBreath® surface snorkeling mask as a personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic?

B Thierry; C Célérier; F Simon; C Lacroix; R-H Khonsari

doi:10.1016/j.anorl.2020.05.006

How and why use the EasyBreath® surface snorkeling mask as a personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2020 Sep;137(4):329-331. doi: 10.1016/j.anorl.2020.05.006. Epub 2020 May 23.

Authors

B Thierry¹, C Célérier², F Simon², C Lacroix³, R-H Khonsari⁴

Affiliations

¹ Pediatric ENT Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris University, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Pediatric ENT Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris University, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France.
³ Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Cochin University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris University, Paris, France.
⁴ Department of Pediatric Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris University, Paris, France.

Abstract

During the COVID-19 outbreak, personal protective equipment is widely used to limit infection of caregivers. Innovative solutions have been described to overcome supply shortage. The adaptation of the EasyBreath® surface snorkeling mask by the Prakash team has benefited from outstanding media coverage. We present four 3D-printed devices that we have modified from the initial innovative design in order to adapt to local constraints. We tested the mask during surgery. The modifications that we made provide better ergonomics, visibility and communication capacities, but that have no official approval for use and can therefore only be recommended in the absence of a validated alternative solution. 3D printing is a tool of prime importance in the production of devices for medical use in health crisis situations.

Keywords: 3D printing; COVID-19; Personal protective equipment; SARS-CoV-2; Tracheostomy.

MeSH terms

COVID-19
Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
Coronavirus Infections / transmission*
Equipment Design
Humans
Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / prevention & control*
Pandemics / prevention & control*
Personal Protective Equipment*
Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
Pneumonia, Viral / transmission*