Abstract

Fit and filter are two equally important components of all respiratory devices worn to fight virus transmission. During a pandemic when certified respirators and medical mask supplies are low, the public should turn to improvised personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the spread of infection. The article draws from the PPE literature to propose down-to-earth solutions like a “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) respirator for the masses that requires no sewing. All components are affordable and readily found during a lockdown. The prototype’s design individualizes fit to respond to facial diversity and to insure the proper use of eyeglasses and goggles. A step-by-step method modifies two plastic yogurt containers and uses a shoelace to hold a removable filter away from the wearer’s nose and mouth. It generates an efficient seal that wearers can test to ensure that air exchanges occur through the filter rather than around the edges of the device. Different filter solutions are proposed, but the choice of filters can adapt to new scientific discoveries. This design case study focuses on improving the fit of improvised PPE. The research has practical relevance as it proposes a custom-fitted, low cost, and reusable DIY respirator that can reduce airborne transmission of respiratory viruses.