Reusable respirator for ensuring overall safety – Easy2reUse elastomeric half mask
The mask is also intended for broader, general use and it meets general fit and standard requirements. It is also designed to be durable, easy to clean and comfortable to use for long periods of time. It is also cost effective as the life cycle costs of the reusable mask are low.
Objectives
The main objective is to develop and test a new type of reusable respirator that is effective in terms of both the environment and costs.
To ensure that the respirator can be used and placed on the market, an application will be made for an EU type-examination certificate. Security of supply and storage in case of crisis situations are taken into account in the respirator's design.
Sub-objectives of the project. Develop a respirator that
- is comfortable to use even for long periods of time.
- is made of components that are durable and can withstand cleaning methods.
- fits snugly on all faces.
- is made of non-hazardous materials.
- has a low breathing resistance.
- meets the filtration efficiency requirements.
- meets all requirements for respiratory protective devices and their manufacture in the EU.
- is suitable for long-term storage. The long storage period guarantees security of supply in crisis situations.
In addition, the project will
- develop and test methods for cleaning the materials used in the respirator.
- support the manufacturer in drawing up documentation for the mask, testing it in an accredited laboratory and obtaining EU type-examination certificate.
- draw up a model for the use of the mask in crisis situations that is suitable for EU countries.
- determine the cost and environmental impact of manufacturing the respirator and its resale price.
- collect user experiences from different test groups.
- bring the respirator from development to mass production. This way it can be stored and used to protect workers in the health care and other critical sectors as well as the general population.
Data and methods
The overall safety of the reusable respirator is ensured by a multidisciplinary international project consisting of seven work packages. Aspects of the project that experts from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health will participate in include
- studying the user experience and making fit tests for the respirator.
- ensuring that the respirator and its manufacture are in compliance with EU requirements.
Results and impact
Our mission is to develop a new generation of respiratory protective devices that promote people’s health and well-being and reduces negative environmental impact.
Our experts
Maija Leppänen
Project group
- Erja Mäkelä, Senior Specialist
- Ilkka Kantasalmi, Chief Specialist
Partners
- LUT University, Finland
- LAB University of Applied Sciences, Finland
- National Emergency Supply Agency, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Finland
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencian Community (FISABIO), Spain
- Independent Heath Consultancy BCNHealth, Spain
- Catholic University of Louvain (UCLouvain), Belgium
- Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia
- Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Czech Republic
- Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania
Funding
HERA and research organisations