Comfort Nose Piece Insert for Fabric Face Mask Support

thingiverse

**NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY** We have had the most success with the 2.5mm thickness in the "long" style. In response to the need for a non-metal nose piece (after reports of rust, metal allergies, sharp edges, MRI machines, tearing out in the laundry,etc.), Eric & Lynda Nelson of the Twin Cities COVID-19 3D Printing Facebook group tasked me with a design. I have been sending it out to be tested among friends and others interested. After initial feedback and redesign, I am ready to send them out while continuing to improve the design through encouraging and constructive help. ;) These files are not for commercial use. Do NOT use PLA, or you could have a hot mess in the washer or dryer. We have used PETg plastic, which has an operating temperature range of -40 °C to °80 C. Our home laundry tests were successful, but you will have to verify that this works for your situation. If it becomes mangled, but not broken, put in boiling water to reform. <https://youtu.be/K4_ghje7Chc> Currently there are two main versions: short and long. Each of these has 3 different thickness options suitable for different uses. TEST STABILITY before inserting. Very occasionally, a 3D print job will not fully fuse the layers. Gently squeeze the nose piece; it should bounce back with pressure but not crack. This is not "fragile," but please remember that this is a small piece of plastic and will break or deform with force. I am testing thicker versions and will add those files when available. You MUST insert these correctly! The inner surface is curved for comfort. This design is asymmetrical due to 3D printing requirements. The hole should be on the left side of your nose when wearing the mask with the nose piece inserted. NOTES: -Think "sunglasses," not "silly putty." This will not fit perfectly, but it does significantly improve fit. -Requires a 1/2" mask channel. You can test potential nose piece fit with a popsicle stick. If your current sewing pattern does not include a channel for a nose piece, we have videos in the works to add channels to completed masks as well as tips on how to easily incorporate channels into your current patterns. Again, this is a volunteer service project. I'm a high school student trying to make a difference and not a profit. Please let me know in the comments what changes should be made to improve this product. Thanks to all who are serving in so many different ways. <3 -Luke