A new 3D-printable mask design, inspired by animal noses, promises easy breathing for users while maintaining similar levels of protection against pathogens found in N95 and surgical masks. The general concept may also be useful for improving industrial air filters found in heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
3D printable mask with unique filter (gray) inspired by animal noses. Image credit: Karl Frolics, Josie Yuk, and Sunghwan Jung / Cornell University Many animals have a strong sense of smell that is created by winding air flows in their nasal cavities. A meandering air path creates more surface area inside an animal’s snout and more distance and time for odor ants and particles to travel, increasing the likelihood that particles will get caught on skin surfaces inside the nose where odor receptors can sense them. Such structures make for highly efficient filters that capture particles in the air without a drop in air pressure that can make breathing feel labored.
“One of the benefits of our filter is you can easily breathe air in and out,” said Sunhat “Sunny” Jung, associate professor of biological and environmental engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. At the same time, the bio-inspired mask design matches the efficiency of clinically approved N95 and surgical masks and can capture particles as small as 10 micrometers, which is necessary to prevent airborne viruses that are carried in aerosols when people cough or talk, Jung said.
Jung is a senior author of the paper, “On the Design of Particle Filters Inspired by Animal Noses,” published March 2 in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. Co-senior authors include Sakai BAS, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at South Dakota State University, and Leonardo Chamorro, associate professor of mechanical science and engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
The new masks and air filters were developed after studying the nasal structures of nine species of animals. These included mice that are 50 times, dogs that are 200 times, and pigs that are 700 times more sensitive to smelling than humans. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Masks: Masks that protect against SARS-CoV-2 virus can feel like a nuisance, especially while exercising. A new 3D-printable mask design, inspired by animal noses, promises easy breathing for users while maintaining similar levels of protection against pathogens found in N95 and surgical masks.
The general concept may also be useful for improving industrial air filters found in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Many animals have a strong sense of smell that is created by winding air flows in their nasal cavities. A meandering air path creates more surface area inside an animal’s snout and more distance and time for odor ants and particles to travel, increasing the likelihood that particles will get caught on skin surfaces inside the nose where odor receptors can sense them.
Such structures make for highly efficient filters that capture particles in the air without a drop in air pressure that can make breathing feel labored. “One of the benefits of our filter is you can easily breathe air in and out,” said Suntan “Sunny” Jung, associate professor of biological and environmental engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
At the same time, the bio-inspired mask design matches the efficiency of clinically approved N95 and surgical masks and can capture particles as small as 10 micrometers, which is necessary to prevent airborne viruses that are carried in aerosols when people cough or talk, Jung said. Jung is a senior author of the paper, “On the Design of Particle Filters Inspired by Animal Noses,” published March 2 in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. Co-senior authors include Sakai BAS, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at South Dakota State University, and Leonardo Chamorro, associate professor of mechanical science and engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. The new masks and air filters were developed after studying the nasal structures of nine species of animals.
These included mice that are 50 times, dogs that are 200 times, and pigs that are 700 times more sensitive to smelling than humans. The authors posted their open-sourced 3D-printable mask and filter designs for anyone who wishes to optimize them.
While the paper provides a proof of principle, the authors caution that the mask designs are intended for others to continue and improve upon the research, as their designs have not been clinically proven to protect against disease. Considerations for specific groups of people at higher risk for severe illness Some people are more likely to become very sick with COVID-19 People who are older people with certain medical conditions Pregnant and recently pregnant people at increased risk, and those who live with or visit them, should talk to their healthcare provider about whether they and the people around them should wear a mask or respirator when the COVID-19 Community Level is medium.
Wear a mask or respirator that provides them with greater protection when the COVID-19 Community Level is high, Children ages 2 years and older can wear masks or respirators to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Choose a well-fitting and comfortable mask or respirator that your child can wear properly. A poorly fitting or uncomfortable mask or respirator might be worn incorrectly or removed often, and that would reduce its intended benefits. Choose a size that fits over the child’s nose and under the chin, but does not impair vision. Follow the user instructions for the mask or respirator. These instructions may show how to make sure the product fits properly.
Some types of masks and respirators may feel different if your child is used to wearing cloth or disposable procedure masks. Parents and caregivers may have questions about NIO SH APPROVED respirators (such as N95s), and international respirators (such as KN95s and KF94s) for children. Although respirators may be available in smaller sizes, they are typically designed to be used by adults in workplaces, and therefore may not have been tested for broad use in children. Safety precautions If your child has a medical condition, such as a heart or lung problem, ask their healthcare provider before they use methods to improve mask fit or use an ASTM F3502 mask or a respirator. If your child has a hard time breathing, gets dizzy, or has other symptoms while you are trying to get the mask to fit better or when using an ASTM F3502 mask or a respirator, choose a cloth or disposable mask. They should continue to protect themselves and others. Consult your healthcare provider if these symptoms do not resolve.
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