Origami Respirator

by | Mar 22, 2020 | Thought Leadership

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROJECT, INCLUDING TEMPLATES AND INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK:

Open Medical Website

The Origami Respirator is a concept intended to address the shortage of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) within hospitals and other care facilities.  

Below is a video showing how to make a respirator using a vacuum cleaning bag, a zip tie, and 2 rubber bands.  The process entails the following steps:

  • Downloading template files for flat pattern (See embedded form)
  • Trace template on single-ply vacuum cleaning bag material
  • Complete the origami fold sequence described in the video
  • Use zip tie to secure respirator together
  • Attach rubber bands for ear clips

    • FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROJECT, INCLUDING TEMPLATES AND INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK:

    Open Medical Website

    (Big thank you to Tony Gnau at T60 Productions for video editing support!)

    The vacuum cleaning bag was chosen due to its sub-micron filtration and high flow rate capabilities. Alternative materials may be suitable for this origami respirator design. Below are a number of materials provided by Smart Air Filters. As illustrated in the chart below, Vacuum Cleaning Bags have 95% effectiveness compared to Surgical Masks at 97% effectiveness against 1-Micron particles.

    As discussed in the video, the Origami Respirator concept has not undergone the extensive safety and efficacy verification that would be required for a regulated medical device. As such, it is not currently approved by FDA or any other regulating body.

    To download the template files, please use the download form embedded within this page. If there are questions or comments, feel free to send us an email. Thank you for helping resolve the PPE shortage through the coronavirus crisis

    FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROJECT, INCLUDING TEMPLATES AND INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK:

    Open Medical Website
    Written by Eric Sugalski

    Written by Eric Sugalski

    Eric Sugalski is the founder and president of Archimedic, a contract medical device development firm with offices in Boston and Philadelphia. Sugalski has led the development of a novel pediatric life support system, cardiovascular implants, laparoscopic surgical devices, and an array of wearable diagnostics. In addition to his technical background, Eric provides companies with product development strategy that encompasses regulatory, reimbursement, and fundraising requirements. Eric obtained a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

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