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Digital Life supplies ear pads for mouth masks in healthcare

23-04-2020

Our Digital Life, research group at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS), has recently made plastic ear straps - made of PET plastic - for mouth masks. The straps ensure that the mouth caps stay in place better. So far, Digital Life has supplied 750 to Cordaan and 150 to the IC department of OLVG Oost.

Care staff from Cordaan noticed that 'one size fits all' does not apply to face masks. Often the caps do not fit well or slide off the face when bending over. That is why the healthcare institution contacted our Digital Life research group, as we are researching creative technology for the health sector, among others.

Somaya Ben Allouch - lecturer of our research group - and the lab coordinator were exceptionally allowed to work in the space of the AUAS's Makers Lab. They took an existing design from the internet and adapted it until the ear straps were satisfied.

'We cut them from PET plastic with a laser cutter,' said Somaya, who locked herself up in the lab for two days with a colleague to work on the ear straps. 'The plastic 'cap' (also known as polyethylene terephthalate) has a smooth surface, which makes it easier to keep clean.'

The current design is suitable for different types of face masks. The care staff of Cordaan and the OLVG are so happy that they immediately asked for more. Somaya: 'They say they are very comfortable and very practical. So in the coming days we will dive back into the lab.'

(source: Het Parool, April 22, 2020)