Our Technology

In order to provide purified air to those in the most high risk environments, we have developed a novel, inexpensive, accessible PAPR device that is lightweight and 3D printable within 24 hours. Printed using ABS, PLA, or other filaments, paPURE is mounted to the user’s hip and contains an accessible hobby motor, available batteries (rechargeable 4 AA batteries and/or 4 9V batteries), a 3D-printed compressor fan, and aluminium foil wires. Additionally, changing battery configurations alters fan speed to ensure optimal flow rate. This motor drives the compressor fan which, with the help of a fan shroud , pulls air through attached filter(s) and into an output channel. After passing through the fan, the air flows through a customizable hosing adapter, entering an available mask [e.g. traditional, adpt. N95, etc.] (See Appendix 2.5).

Through this accessible technology, HCPs are given access to pure positive pressure air systems (in which airflow serves to seal any gaps in masks, as well as reduce respiratory fatigue in HCPs), drastically decreasing their infection risk in areas such as ICUs and ERs. Even N95’s have proven ineffective due to high viral particle concentrations associated with common procedures. In addition to some sealing tape, the motor and batteries are easily available. The device’s customizability allows for interoperability with existing masks, filters, and hosing (See Appendix 3.1), allowing hospitals, and possibly surrounding hobbyists/machinists (regulatory dependent), to produce PAPRs for their physicians and nurses, thus protecting frontline HCPs. For images and procedures: See Appendix 1 and 2.