Reusable FFP2 Respirators
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE IVF AB - RISE IVF AB, Mölndal |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 000 000 |
| Project duration | May 2020 - March 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Innovations to mitigate the crisis |
| Call | Finding new ways in the time of a crisis |
Important results from the project
The aim of the project was to develop a reusable face piece respirator that achieves class FFP2 according to EN149 and that can be produced in existing sewing factories. Due to difficulties in finding filter materials which achieve a sufficiently high separation and can be handled in a safe manner to change filter media in the washable respirator, the goal has not been reached. On the other hand, a splash-proof face piece with BFE 98% that is fully washable up to at least 50 times has been developed in the project. Some work remains to achieve approved breathability.
Expected long term effects
About twenty different filter materials have been evaluated, mainly with regard to technical performance but also cost, a fully washable prototype has been developed that can handle at least 50 washes and where minor adjustments would make it possible to use the face piece also in he health care sector. So far, no production of the face pieces has started, but the prerequisites regarding materials and design exist.
Approach and implementation
The project was mostly conducted according to an agile approach. The project started with material selection and product design where many iterations and adaptations were made before the project converged towards face masks Type IIR. The available competencies in the project complemented each other well. What could have possibly increased the pace of the project would have been a project manager with even more experience to lead agile project.