Question 1

What is MyMask Movement?

Accepted Answer

MyMask Movement is social enterprise with a 501(c)(3) foundation built by volunteers dedicated to addressing the shortage of face masks by creating a virtual supply chain powered by 3D scanning, generative design, and digital manufacturing. Our mission is to save as many lives, as quickly as possible, by protecting front line workers. Founded in March 2020, our international group of volunteers has backgrounds ranging across 3D modeling, computer vision, engineering, medicine, computational fluid dynamic modeling, and more.

Question 2

What does MyMask Movement do?

Accepted Answer

We have developed a free iPhone app that utilizes Apple's Face ID depth sensing technology, found in iPhone X and later models. The app will create a facial scan that can be sent to 3D printers to create a personalized, custom-fit face mask.

Question 3

Why is there still a shortage of masks?

Accepted Answer

The demand for PPE has only increased since the beginning of the pandemic, especially as all medical workers return. When the pandemic and PPE shortage first began, there was a 4-6 month backlog in the supply chain. While PPE manufacturers scramble to keep up with the demand, the pandemic only worsened, and the US is reaching new peaks everyday.

Question 4

Why can’t we just make more N95 machines?

Accepted Answer

Mask machines take 6 months to manufacture and cost upwards of 5 million dollars with multi-year payback periods. The just-in-time nature of the supply and demand market dynamics of the N95 market makes shortages an inevitable market reality during times of crises and shocks to the demand curve (i.e., pandemics, forest fires, etc.).

Question 5

Does MyMask Movement make masks?

Accepted Answer

We are collaborating with numerous global generative design and additive manufacturing experts to produce masks using the personalized facial scans created by our iPhone app. Currently, we are in the process of providing masks to priority healthcare workers who are in the highest risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Question 6

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

Our headquarters are in Stanford, California, but our remote team of over 100 volunteers spans across the globe.

Question 7

How does the technology work?

Accepted Answer

Using Apple's facial recognition technology, we have redirected its use to creating precise 3D scans of the user's face to create a form fitting mask. All it takes is an iPhone X or higher model, our free mobile application, and yourself.

Question 8

Why can’t we just injection mold these masks?

Accepted Answer

Injection molding these masks would lead to mass produced, ill-fitting masks. One size does not fit all, and we want to individually manufacture each mask to fit you. We don’t just want to break the mold; we want to make the mold extinct.

Question 9

Aren’t 3D printed masks dangerous because you can’t sterilize them?

Accepted Answer

Some 3D printed masks cannot be sterilized because the material cannot withstand repeated cycles of high temperatures and moisture. These face masks are manufactured with industrial grade TPU, a material capable of withstanding repeated cycles of high temperatures and moisture.

Question 10

But what about so-and-so 3D printed mask?

Accepted Answer

M3 masks are printed on industrial grade HP MultiJet Fusion Printers (4200 Series) at industrial scale. These printers create a complex lattice of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), blocking microscopic particles from penetrating through the mask and only allowing the flow of air through the filter. Masks printed on homebrew machines can be porous, impossible to sterilize, and even toxic for human use. Unlike other common materials used for 3D printing, we use ESTANE® 3D TPU M95A-545, which is capable of withstanding high temperatures and can be repeatedly sterilized in an autoclave or other sterilization methods. You can sanitize and reuse the mask for up to 6 months.

Question 11

How is this different than so-and-so custom-fitted mask?

Accepted Answer

High Accuracy, High Precision 3D Scanning. We use a multitude of advanced 3D sensing modalities, including structured light, structure from motion, and photogrammetry enhanced with photometric sensing techniques. We are able to produce consistently high-precision and high accuracy 3D scans that are simply impossible with any other mobile-based technique in use, especially around the nose bridge and chin. Generative Design. Our highly accurate and precise 3D scans enable us to produce superior inputs for our generative design algorithms that create a perfectly fitting mask unique to each individual user. We first apply a sizing algorithm and then we apply morphing algorithms to achieve this. Extensive Testing & Validation. We have invested heavily in the testing, calibration, and validation of our technology across a wide set of users, which we have done in partnership with Health Canada. This is also why we are pursuing full FDA approval with the goal of becoming the first and only FDA approved 3D printed mask and also the first and only FDA approved custom fitted mask. Supply Chain. We have also invested significant time and resources into establishing supplier relationships (including minimum volume commitments) and a decentralized network of additive manufacturing partners that enable us to produce the masks we design at consistently high and uniform quality.

Question 12

Where are these masks produced?

Accepted Answer

We have developed a robust supply chain with 3D printing manufacturers scattered throughout the United States in order to bring our proprietary technology to market. The manufacturers we currently collaborate with include AVID PD, Fathom, Forecast 3D, Forerunner, and Qualified3D. These 3D printing operations are located in the Bay Area, San Diego, Colorado, and Michigan, respectively. MyMask Movement’s long-term goal is to
expand localized printing capabilities to every major region within the US healthcare space.

Question 13

I’m a healthcare worker, how do I get a mask?"

Accepted Answer

You will need access to an iPhone X or later model to be able to create a personalized facial scan. Please contact us at Jesse@mymaskmovement.org

Question 14

I’m not a healthcare worker, how do I get a mask?"

Accepted Answer

We are currently prioritizing front line medical workers, but hope to scale our operations so we can protect other at-risk individuals. You will need access to an iPhone X or later model to be able to create a personalized facial scan. Please contact us at Jesse@mymaskmovement.org

Question 15

How are you funded?

Accepted Answer

Our operations are only possible through the support of our corporate sponsors' and the JJJ Foundation's support. If you're interested in donating, you can find the donation link here or at the top right of our website.

Question 16

If I donate, what does the money contribute to?"

Accepted Answer

MyMask Movement is working to save as many lives as fast as possible, starting with the most impacted communities – healthcare workers, frontline workers, and the elderly. Your donation will help us provide masks to hospitals, retirement homes, and research institutes as far as Kenya.

Question 17

Is my donation tax deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We will send a donor letter at the end of the year.

Question 18

Can these face masks replace current medical face masks like N95s?

Accepted Answer

We are trying to address the critical shortage of face masks that medical professionals and other high-risk individuals are facing. MyMask Movement offers a filter agnostic mask, meaning it can be paired with any available filter, but none should be considered N95 equivalents.

Question 19

How does sizing work? Am I a small, medium, or large?"

Accepted Answer

There’s an infinite number of sizes, because each person has a unique size. No two masks are the same, and your mask will only fit you.

Question 20

How well does the mask fit? Is it airtight?

Accepted Answer

With our facial scanning technology, we are making personalized masks only meant for you. This creates an airtight seal around the nose bridge, face, and chin, so air particles only enter through the filter area.

Question 21

Why is fit so important? Why should I care about it?

Accepted Answer

Fit determines how well your mask creates a seal around your face, especially the nose bridge and chin area. Without an airtight seal, air particles can enter and leave when you inhale and exhale, putting yourself and others around you at risk. This why we created personalized masks to ensure an airtight seal for maximized protection.

Question 22

Is it hard to breathe in?

Accepted Answer

Not more so than a regular N95. Our team members have worn this out for hours and have had no problem breathing. Surgeons have worn these masks in the operating room for up to 5 hours with no problems breathing.

Question 23

What material is used to make the mask?

Accepted Answer

Our masks are made of biocompatible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) that is capable of withstanding multiple cycles in an autoclave and even your dishwasher at home.

Question 24

Is the mask reusable? If so, how long can I use it for?"

Accepted Answer

The mask is reusable, but filters and elastics should be replaced when deemed necessary. We recommend getting a new mask after 6 months, as the human face changes over time, and the fit may no longer be sufficient.

Question 25

Can I autoclave it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, TPU is capable of withstanding high temperatures, so it is autoclave-safe!

Question 26

I don’t have access to a proper sterilization equipment, how can I sterilize it?"

Accepted Answer

You can sterilize your masks using soap and warm water, and the masks are also dishwasher safe. Please refer to the CDC website for further instructions and recommendation on mask sterilization.

Question 27

How do I assemble, wear, and sterilize the mask?"

Accepted Answer

Please reference this PDF for further instructions on assembly, wear, and sterilization.

Question 28

How have you tested this?

Accepted Answer

We are currently testing our masks to meet FDA and NIOSH N95 respirator surgical mask standards.

Question 29

Is this mask FDA or NIOSH certified?

Accepted Answer

MyMask was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to relieve the ongoing PPE shortage. We are working with the FDA to be authorized for use under Emergency Use Authorization in times of medical crises. Also, we are looking to obtain FDA and NIOSH approval by the end of summer.

Question 30

Can I print this mask at home?

Accepted Answer

While we give the option to export the .STL file, printing these masks at home is not recommended. We use industrial grade 3D printers that create an impenetrable barrier to air particles that standard 3D printers cannot create. We cannot guarantee the quality of the masks if you print it at home.

Question 31

Can I get a mask for my child?

Accepted Answer

We are still validating our mask and its effectiveness with children. That said, we have developed a scaling algorithm that scales the mask size up and down based on each individual’s user face.

Question 32

I don’t like the straps, what can I do?"

Accepted Answer

We’ve designed our mask to be strap agnostic. You can swap out the supplied straps for any strap with a width of ⅝” or less.

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