An ear saver, also known as mask strain release strap or mask extender, 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. Ear savers have since been commercialized for a broader population of users as the pandemic wore on.
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). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the maker movement alone produced more than 2.2 million ear savers.
See also
References
- Jacobs, Amber (22 July 2020). "Year 7 student's 3D-printed coronavirus face mask extenders raise funds for bushfire victims". ABC News. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
- "DESIGN | MAKE | PROTECT" (PDF). Open Source Medical Supplies. February 22, 2021.
- Lord, Emma. "17 Problem-Solving Products To Make Wearing A Face Mask With Glasses Easier". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
- Bennett, Alexis (2020-08-12). "If You Aren't Wearing One of These Ear Savers With Your Mask, Your Ears Are Missing Out". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
- "PROJECT LIBRARY". Open Source Medical Supplies. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
- "It's not just a fashion statement... it's an ear saver for those who wear masks often | CBC News". CBC. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
- "COVID-19 Maker Response". Nation of Makers. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
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