3D printed PAPR hood adapter demonstration
Channel: Paul Chase
Date: 2020-05-03

Local hospital needed to adapt their PAPR hoods to newer pumps - so I designed and printed a simple solution.  The PAPR hood goes over the doctor's or nurse's head and shoulders, with the port in back supplying fresh filtered air from a filter on their belt.  This particular hood uses a friction-fit coupler, and the hospital wanted to connect it to a hose that has a locking connector. 

Nova Labs members rose to the occasion to print and distribute a few batches :-).  Our members continue to explore the joy of making even in our current distributed state!  The need was brought to our attention by one of our members.

If anyone is in a similar situation, the design files are here - released under Creative Commons non-commercial - feel free to print/modify/use as long as it's not being sold for profit.
STL: https://github.com/nova-labs/Nova-I3/blob/master/PPE/papr%20adapter.stl
Dimensions: https://github.com/nova-labs/Nova-I3/blob/master/PPE/papr%20adapter%20Drawing%20v2.pdf

I also designed a part that replaces the black piece on the hood, which is held on with a zip tie.  It requires cutting off the zip tie to remove the black plastic part and re-attaching the hood, which has pros and cons.  Pro: better hold; Con: harder to remove to sterilize and/or replace, plus requires more work to install, and a no-snag zip tie.
STL: https://github.com/nova-labs/Nova-I3/blob/master/PPE/papr%20adapter%20ziptie.stl
Zip tie: https://www.mcmaster.com/zip-ties/no-snag-cable-ties/

Nova Labs is working on many PPE solutions - check out our efforts, and please donate if you can!
https://www.nova-labs.org/ppe-challenge/