Custom fabrication of cloth face masks assisted by a CAD/CAM system for use during a shortage of surgical masks

抄録

Although wearing surgical masks likely reduces the transmission of respiratory infections, other mask types may be used when they are in short supply. A previous study showed that surgical masks were three times more effective than homemade masks at blocking transmission due to their fit. Therefore, we designed a custom-made cloth face mask assisted by a CAD/CAM system to achieve an improved fit of cloth masks. One 38-year-old male participant scanned his own face using a 3D selfie app and imported the data into CAD software to design a mask frame. This was printed in dental photocurable resin using a 3D printer and completed within 3 hours. Paper towels can be attached to the frame with glue or the frame can be used to cover a handkerchief. The custom-made mask has a proper fit to cover the nose and oral cavity and can be an alternative option during a surgical mask shortage. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2021; 55: 21-25)