BiosecurityA few weeksStarterLow-cost kit

Elastomeric respirator project ideas

Reusable respirators could protect essential workers in a severe pandemic. Many projects here are about evidence, communication and distribution.

Download PDFReading & writingVisualData

Why it matters

Stockpiles only help if the equipment fits, people wear it correctly and it can reach them in time.

Output: A guide, review, design or plan.

Ideas

  • A first-hand write-up of buying and using one
  • A fit-testing guide
  • Evidence review: efficacy, safety, supply chain, scalability
  • Common failure modes and how to communicate them
  • An emergency distribution plan
  • Would an approved “standard” elastomeric work?
  • 3D-printed adapters for different face shapes
  • Cleaning and maintenance protocols
  • Child-sized versions

Getting started

0 of 5 done
  1. Read the list of ideas above and pick the one you would most enjoy.

  2. Check the source to see whether someone has already done it.

  3. Scope it down to something you can finish in your available time.

  4. Do a quick first version and show it to someone.

  5. Write up what you made and share it with the source authors.

Related projects

Biosecurity1–3 hoursGuided

Make a one-page guide to wearing a respirator properly

A great mask that leaks at the sides protects far less than people think. Make a clear, visual guide to fitting a respirator and the most common mistakes.

VisualReading & writingView project
BiosecurityA few weeksIntermediate

Estimate what a city needs in a pandemic

How many critical workers would a city need to protect? How much indoor space is there? What data would a government want on day one of a crisis?

DataView project

Further reading

Related mentored projects