Engineers in Italy have transformed scuba diving masks into ventilators - and now the specialist masks could be arriving at UK hospitals to treat coronavirus patients.
A 3D printer business based in Italy helped hospitals by converting a snorkeling mask into a C-PAP mask for oxygen therapy, required to help people with severe cases of Covid-19.
The business, named Isinnova, joined forced with sports chain Decathlon who provided their "Easybreath" snorkeling masks to transform into ventillators.
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It is now understood hospitals in the UK are considering using the converted masks and there was an internal request for snorkeling masks at Royal Bolton Hospital.
Protolabs, a firm based in Telford, has also been involved with making the specialist valves which are fitted to the masks, known as the 'Charlotte' valve.
However, the inventors have said they should only be used in emergency situations and are not encouraging people to donate their snorkeling masks to hospitals.
Isinnova have patented the ‘Charlotte Valve’ and said it will remain “free to use” so that all hospitals around the world could use it “if necessary”.
A blog post from the firm said: "We are reiterating that the idea is designed for healthcare facilities and wants to help in realization of an emergency mask in the case of a full-blown difficult situation, where is not possible to in find official healthcare supplies. Neither the mask nor the link are certified and their use is subject to a situation of mandatory need.
“Usage by the patient is subjected to the acceptance of use of an uncertified biomedical device, by providing a signed declaration.
"Whereas the effectiveness of the project, we decided to urgently patent the link valve (Charlotte Valve), to prevent any speculation on the price of the component.
“We clarify that the patent will remain free to use, because it is in our intention that all hospitals in need could use it if necessary.
“We decided to freely share the file for the realization of the link in 3D printing. Unlike the respirator valve, the link is easy to make, so it is possible for all makers to try to print it correctly.
“Healthcare facilities in difficulty will be able to purchase the Decathlon mask and get in contact with 3D printers who could make the piece and provide it.
“We clarify that our initiative is totally non-profit, we will not obtain any royalties on the idea of the link, nor on the sales of Decathlon masks.”
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and NHS England have been contacted for comment.
