COVID-19 PPE Solutions

COVID-19 PPE Solutions - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) community

About this project

This is the first medically reviewed open source gown design by Open Source COVID19 Medical Supplies headed by Gui Cavalcanti in Berkeley, California.

The Open Source Medical Supplies medical team has reviewed this suit design, and suggested it be made out of the Tyvek 1433R (i.e. thin and flexible covering) that could be found in any hardware store.

The pattern has minimal seams as sewing seams make the garment more permeable because of needle holes. Please read through the techpack for full construction details based on what kind of machine you have accessible. These recommendations are here to try and get it to be the best as we can despite it being a non medical grade suit. The less seams the better!

*Disclaimer: These suits are not medical grade, but still can be used by other hospital workers and staff who don’t necessarily come in direct contact with patients.

Their fabrication package can be found here:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-Xr-67gs2qw0o44-hy-INb89I9m-wcLD

The challenge

Creating a protective bodysuit that is quick to sew, easy to clean and that can be scaled to be manufactured in large quantities.

Who it helps

Due to COVID19, Medical facilities worldwide are facing a dire shortage of protective gear, including face shields, N95 masks, protective suits and other personal protective equipment. Protective suits act as a physical barrier for healthcare workers's bodies when dealing with sick patients. Many conventional manufacturers have suspended production to follow government-mandated social distancing or run into supply chain issues due to the disruption in the global economy. The Maker Community has committed to enacting Plan C: filling in the gap with an global network of independent DIY fabricators.

How it works

Their fabrication package can be found here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-Xr-67gs2qw0o44-hy-INb89I9m-wcLD

Bill of Materials-

Fabric: Spun-Bond

Fabric

Remarks: Materials should be able to resist soaking from blood and other

fluids. Suggested alternative materials to create non medical grade

suits are water repellant fabrics like nylon tafetta or poly

microfiber, commonly used as fabric for umbrellas and raincoats.

These can be reused and washed. For a disposable version, non

woven material of at least 50gsm can be utilized. Do a drop test

with water to check if it will repel liquids.

Zipper: ZiPROTECTIVEr +

ZiPROTECTIVEr Pull

Tab

Remarks: Finished zip of 28” should be used, but if unavailable, a continious

zip with pull may be used. If no zippers are available, adjust the

pattern to create an overlap of at least 2” per side to secure with

velcro. Make sure it closes securely.

Drawstring for hood: 1/4“ Twill Tape (Flat)

41” long per suit

Remarks: Alternative materials: Bias tapes, shoelace, self-fabric bias tape,

ribbon.

Sleeve and bottom hem: 1/4“ Rubber Elastic

Tape

Remarks: Alternative: 1/4“ garter, 1/4“ mobilon

Thread: Notes: Use Tex size between Tex 24 to 30 only (or Tiket 80 to Tiket

120)

Project details

The build files for COVID-19 PPE Solutions are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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