Reinventing the N95 Respirator Mask by Joshua “MalaMaker” Malavolti, Member of River City Labs, Makerspace in Central Illinois On May 20, the N95 alternative mask project, which ended up being called the MalaMask Project, began in a garage in Central Illinois. After about a week-and-a-half of research and posting on social media, I was followed on Twitter by an account named @AlecRandazzo, who at the time followed one person and was followed by one person. I came to learn through interactions with Alec that he was... a) Not a bot out to seek my bitcoins; b) Alec Randazzo in real life; and c) a member of Nova Labs.
to 3D print the plastic components of the Malamask, mold and cast the silicone gaskets, cut the approved filter materials, create straps, and assemble the masks for distribution to local healthcare professionals. For more detailed information on Malamasks and their specs click here
From there, Alec plugged me in to Nova Labs and they became an integral part of the MalaMask project. Nova Labs helped to shape the playbook and documentation as it is published today. Without the help of their makers and the resources they offered, the project would not be where it is today, which truly shows the power of the maker community. Thank you Nova Labs, from myself and on behalf the members of River City Labs in Peoria, IL. Currently, Nova Labs volunteers are working
“A mask is only as good as the filter that it uses... Filter First, mask second!” Page 12 | May Newsletter | Nova Labs
