Bellus3D face scanning creates personalized 3D-printed Mask Fitter to improve the effectiveness of surgical masks

Bellus3D, Inc., a Silicon Valley startup, offers personalized 3D printable Mask Fitter frames to improve seals on face masks. This innovation comes in response to the global pandemic of COVID-19 and the associated surge in demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) masks for workers in healthcare, essential businesses, and private individuals.

According to the CDC, one of the important aspects of mask performance is prevention of leakage at the boundary of the protective face mask and the wearer's face. Based on a study by the NIH, surgical mask filtration is equally effective against infectious aerosol particles when compared to N95 mask filtration. However, since surgical masks do not provide a good fit on a face, aerosols enter and exit the mask regardless of the efficiency of the mask filter.

To solve this issue, the Bellus3D application allows anyone to scan their face and generate a 3D-printable file of the Mask Fitter that can be used with most 3D printers. This personalized, precise-fitting frame can be placed over an existing surgical mask to ensure a tighter seal. In addition to increasing protection against disease, the personalized frame design takes into account comfort, airflow and motion. The tight seal around the nose bridge area lessens fogging of the wearer's glasses. The frame does not press on the lower jaw tightly to allow the lower jaw to move freely, to talk easily, and to allow some air to get through.

"We are excited to contribute a solution for people who need to achieve better protection using surgical masks or other masks with better seals and comfort. We are offering Bellus3D FaceApp with a 3D-printable Mask Fitter feature free of charge to help fight the spread of COVID-19," says Eric Chen, CEO of Bellus3D.

The Bellus3D FaceApp application can be downloaded on the Apple App Store.

About Bellus3D, Inc.

Bellus3D is the innovative leader in high-resolution 3D face scanning. Our goal is to enable personalized products using the face by providing fast, easy and affordable 3D face scanning to companies and individuals who are creating products for the face. We are working with companies in key vertical markets including dental, eyewear, medical, cosmetic and 3D Printing to facilitate their goal of delivering highly personalized products to their customers.

More information about Bellus3D products: https://www.bellus3d.com

More information about the NIH study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4589201

Bellus3D Press Contact: Eric Zarakov, ezarakov(at)Bellus3D.com, Phone: (408) 499-3173

Bellus3D, Bellus3D Dental Pro, the Bellus3D logo, and Bellus3D ARC are registered trademarks of Bellus3D, Inc.