During times of unprecedented crises, companies and individuals from all backgrounds and industries come together to help deliver solutions that can save lives in emergency situations. The most recent innovation came from 3D Printing company Isinnova, which has developed and successfully tested a 3D printed adapter that can turn a snorkeling mask into a non-invasive ventilator for COVID-19 patients.

The idea came about when Issinova was contacted by the former head physician of the Gardone Valtrompia Hospital, Dr. Renato Favero, who shared his idea for addressing the shortage of hospital C-PAP masks for sub-intensive oxygen therapy. This has emerged as a particularly pressing problem recently due to the spread of COVID-19 and its effects on patients requiring ventilator support. The fix entailed the construction of an emergency ventilator mask, produced by adjusting a commercially available snorkeling mask. 

Isinnova collaborated with Decathlon, the French supplier of the Easybreath snorkeling mask. The product was dismantled and studied, and a new component was designed that could connect the mask to the ventilator. This component was named the Charlotte valve, and it was soon turned into a 3D model which is now available to download for free, and can be 3D printed by anyone who would like to contribute to the cause. 

Threedium is proud to have lent its support to this initiative by creating a 3D visualization of the mask and an instructional walkthrough of its functionality, complete with steps on how to set it up. You can explore the ventilator mask, and also follow step-by-step instructions on how to assemble it here.

As we patiently await for the end of this crisis to draw near, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the companies involved in these and other such lifesaving projects. Your contribution during these difficult times is invaluable.  

• Covid-19
• Isinnova Mask
• Decathlon
• Charlotte Valve
• 3D Viewer
• 3D Visualization
• Threedium