3D-printed valves to assist noninvasive ventilation procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study

Aim: To produce valves to be used with full-face snorkeling masks for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) procedure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic Materials methods: ISINNOVA's Charlotte valves for full-face snorkeling masks used for NIV procedures were redesigned, produced by selective laser sintering additive manufacturing, and submitted to air leakage tests Results: The final model assembly did not present air leakage during the NIV procedure on human models, minimizing risks of air contamination Conclusion: This study shows the feasibility of using additive manufactured valves with snorkel facial masks to support health systems during COVID-19 and possible future pandemics