Ear saver explained
An ear saver, also known as mask strain release strap or mask extender,[1] is an accessory to personal protective equipment (PPE), relieves strain on a mask wearer's ears created through the loops of masks. Ear savers were designed as novel items during the COVID-19 pandemic by the open-source hardware community in response to requests from medical professionals reporting heavy strain on their ears.[2] Ear savers have since been commercialized for a broader population of users as the pandemic wore on.[3] [4]
Manufacturing
Four methods are used to manufacture ear savers: 3D printing, laser cutting, injection molding, and sewing (a modified version with crocheted buttons on a headband).[5] [6] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the maker movement alone produced more than 2.2 million ear savers.[7]
See also
Notes and References
- News: Jacobs . Amber . Year 7 student's 3D-printed coronavirus face mask extenders raise funds for bushfire victims . 17 June 2021 . ABC News . 22 July 2020.
- Web site: February 22, 2021. DESIGN MAKE PROTECT. Open Source Medical Supplies.
- Web site: Lord. Emma. 17 Problem-Solving Products To Make Wearing A Face Mask With Glasses Easier. 2021-02-22. BuzzFeed. en.
- Web site: Bennett. Alexis. 2020-08-12. If You Aren't Wearing One of These Ear Savers With Your Mask, Your Ears Are Missing Out. 2021-02-22. Cosmopolitan. en-US.
- Web site: PROJECT LIBRARY. 2021-02-22. Open Source Medical Supplies. en-US.
- News: It's not just a fashion statement... it's an ear saver for those who wear masks often CBC News. en-US. CBC. 2021-02-22.
- Web site: COVID-19 Maker Response. 2021-02-22. Nation of Makers. en-US.
