Thread by @findmeabluebird

Coming soon to a mask bloc near you (and your home if you’re crafty): the dental mask! It’s designed by @DentalMasks, a Kanro-funded project to help protect ppl from infectious aerosols during dental work. 🧵

See alt text for info and disclaimer.

The dental mask uses a snorkel, a portable blower fan, and P100 filters. It has been Portacount-tested to verify efficacy, and currently is undergoing final stages of optimization.

H/t @MariaMGillespie for pic, modeling prototype demo

The masks will be sent to mask blocs upon request as community loaner equipment. Since the masks are provided free of charge under the auspices of grant funding, they will not be for sale; nor will they be sent to private addresses for personal use.

However, materials and methods will be provided online for those who want to build their own. Total cost for the diy build is less than $140 (less if supplies are shared).

Details:

-All parts are latex-free

-Has already been worn for dental appts, including bitewing xrays

-Requires nasal breathing for optimal protection similar to the Readimask nose hack; however, the dental mask can be briefly lowered to mouth for safer talking

-Thus far, Portacount N99 mode testing in the nasal breathing zone shows fit factors in the 250-4000 range (250-4000x cleaner air compared to ambient air)

-This has been confirmed by another Portacount tester, and is up to an order of magnitude better than typical fit test results w the Readimask nose hack (for reference, the nose hack tests in the N95-level 100-200 fit factor range)

-Testing w probe inside open mouth shows 2x cleaner air, indicating a small amount of protection for the oral cavity. This means the mask may provide some benefit even w mouth breathing, making it a good option for children or anyone who has difficulty w exclusive nose-breathing

-Seal does not need to be tight because of positive pressure air flowing through the mask (this mask uses the same design principles as a certified PAPR); good fit factors have been obtained even while holding finger between mask seal and face

Please share, repost, and send info to your local mask blocs! Feedback has been received from the first bloc w a prototype for loaning: the mask has been requested so frequently that they have now asked for a second one.

Dental masks will be provided on a first come/first served basis. Please be patient; masks must be made to order and tested prior to mailing out, so they will ship on an ongoing basis throughout 2025.

Mask blocs can make a request in one of the following ways:

1- Send a request by DM to @DentalMasks for instructions on sending mailing address via email (encrypted option available)

2- Join the Discord “Fit Testing for All” server and post a request in the #dental channel.

discord.gg/3m6M7Rmw6q

We all need safer dental work!

/end

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