Thread by @findmeabluebird

~ The Dental Mask: DIY Info, Parts List, and Notes ~

Here is everything needed to make your own Dental Mask at home! 🧵

This mask comes courtesy of @DentalMasks who designed and tested it. They have received Kanro funding to make and send the devices– free of charge– to mask blocs and collectives over the next year.

They will be used as loaner equipment in the community, so that anyone can request and use them for safer dental work. As with any Kanro grant, the IP is open-source; this means you can make your very own dental mask for personal use!

But first, some clarifications; PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

@DentalMasks is the inventor here. I have no affiliation with this project other than familiarity w their work, a shared interest in masks and fit testing, and a desire to help ppl avoid infections at the dentist.

(I did have the opportunity to fit test one of the masks, and recently wore it to a dental appt; thread to follow soon).

These masks are NOT for sale by @DentalMasks. There are ONLY TWO WAYS to access them:

1- Borrow a premade one from your local mask bloc (if your bloc doesn’t already have one, ask them to request a free mask as outlined in prior linked thread).

2- Use the parts list below to order supplies, and make your own mask.

For those interested in future updates, follow @DentalMasks and turn on notifications from them.

Notes:
-Total cost for all parts is currently ~$140 with provided links, but prices fluctuate so this is an estimate
-If possible, donate unused parts to local mask bloc so that others who are under-resourced can more easily build and share their own
-Mask is latex-free

-Only some snorkel colors are available in small size; double-check size after making color selection
-Mask was designed and tested with two specific types of tape; do not substitute with other types of tape

-Do not use the valves for any other mask-related application without fit testing them
-Side clippers are needed for this project; standard clippers don’t work well
-If hot glue gun, glue sticks, and sharp scissors are on hand at home, total cost is ~$20 less

Parts list ($81):
Blower- $20
Nose snorkel- $28
Moldex P100 7740+ filter- $17.50
Valves- $15 for 24 pieces

Supplies ($56):
Gorilla Glue Crystal tape- $10
Gorilla glue gun and stick- $18
Self fusion silicone tape- $15
Side cutter clippers- $7
Sharp scissors- $6

Optional supplies ($31):
Disinfectant wipes- $7.50 for 20 bulk pack may be more economical for mask blocs
Dust plugs- $6 for 10 pieces
Filter covers- $7 for 2-pack
Tinted film- $10 for 2-pack

Links–
Blower:
amzn.to/3VWvkCr

Nose snorkel- size SMALL (pick your color!):
amzn.to/4gwSgR8

Moldex P100 filters (2-pack):
amzn.to/4fFknw7

Valves (24-pack):
amzn.to/3PgZhJQ

Latex-free air seal tape:
amzn.to/49WLWQB

Hot glue gun and sticks:
amzn.to/420yYz9

Self fusing silicone tape:
amzn.to/3C4aJp4

Side cutter clippers:
amzn.to/4h0bheO

Sharp scissors:
amzn.to/3PhDD8a

Benzylkonium wipes (optional, can use soap and water on the face portion):
a.co/d/3PrJ0oL

Dust plugs (optional, can use Gorilla Crystal Tape instead):
a.co/d/4JLam2W

Filter covers (optional, protects the filter):
gemplers.com/products/p100-…

Tinted film (optional, for dentist light protection):
amzn.to/41T5mn4

*Some of the above links may be affiliate links; proceeds from associated purchases will be donated to mutual aid. Alternatively, supplies can be searched and ordered using non-affiliate links.

DIY Build Pictures to follow along:

User Guide link:
docs.google.com/document/d/1l2…

The best part about this new device: there are now a suite of options for mitigation of airborne pathogen risk during dental work.

So, where does this mask fit re: other dental hacks?
For both cost and protection: Versaflo hack > Dental Mask > Readimask.

Which dental hack is best for you? It comes down to cost, accessibility, and comfort level. Are you open and able to do a craft project? What are you willing to wear (or switch to) in the office?

The Versaflo PAPR hack by @doughzenjo is the most expensive and protective option:

*The Honeywell Primair PAPR can be used instead of the Versaflo, but it requires mods:

The Dental Mask hits a sweet spot between protection and cost. Its design is roughly similar to a CR box, utilizing a filter, a fan, and tape.

Fit factors are variable; they range from “better than a Readimask” up to scores in the 4,000’s (within NIOSH PAPR-level protection).

Each premade device is fit-tested, and two of them have been independently tested by myself and one other Portacount owner thus far. Many of the devices have fit factors above 1,000!

The Readimask hack is easiest: readily accessible, cheapest, and still a good option, but thorough face washing, alcohol wipe if tolerated, and SkinTac wipe are strongly advised to enhance the adhesive seal.

Thanks to @DentalMasks for the idea, and for their hours of testing to find the one fan that works for this configuration.
This is a welcome– and ingenious– addition to our options for safer dental care. We all need dental work!

How to access a Dental Mask:

discord.gg/NEyGzGcM

Readimask hack:

Amazon supply list:

@TogetherWeMask Insta link about the Dental Mask

instagram.com/p/DH60lwhvOPW/…

@TogetherWeMask @threadreaderapp Unroll