How to Make Bellus3D's Face Mask Fitter

Use Face Scanning and 3D Printing to Improve Seal of Face Masks

Bellus3D's Face Mask Fitter is a personalized 3D printed plastic frame that is contoured to the specific shape of a person's face to improve the seal of surgical or similar face masks. The mask fitter model can be generated with Bellus3D's face scanning app on an iPhone 11, iPhone X, or iPad Pro with FaceID capability.

The NIH has listed the Bellus3D Mask Fitter as appropriate for clinical use.

The Loma Linda University School of Dentistry has worked with us on the development and testing of the Mask Fitter and have found that it enhances the peripheral seal of a mask .

If you are interested in directly ordering manufactured mask fitters, we have partnered with several resellers that you can order from here.

Warning: While our fitter seems to improve the seal of a face mask, it has not been tested for effectiveness in preventing illness, and you should use it at your own risk.

What You Will Need

You will need to scan the wearer's face using Bellus3D FaceApp, which requires an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera (iPhone X, Xs, Xs Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max). If you are using an iPad Pro, you can scan using Bellus3D Dental Pro.

To 3D print the fitter, you will need a 3D printer using material such as PLA plastic.

Band Material: You will need material to create a band to hold the fitter in place around the head. We recommend a chain of thin rubber bands. It may also be possible to use elastic cloth or string.

Filter Material: A surgical mask is preferred. Other filtering materials may work with reduced effectiveness, such as cotton cloth.

What It Costs

There is no charge to download and scan your face using either or FaceApp or Dental Pro app for iOS.

To export a mask fitter frame, there is an in-app purchase option that depends on which frame design you choose, starting at $1 per Mask Fitter.

Scanning with Bellus3D FaceApp

Download Bellus3D FaceApp from the Apple App Store Stand or sit in a stationary place so that you will be able to turn your head 90° to the left and right when you are ready to scan. Remove glasses or anything else obscuring your face. Launch the FaceApp application and select the FACE option. Position the phone directly in front of your face at a distance that causes the red oval to turn green. Once the oval turns green you can push the white button at the bottom of the phone display in order to initiate the scan. Hold a neutral facial expression (don't smile) for the duration of the scan.

The application will prompt you to turn 90° to the left, then back to the middle, 90° to the right and then back to the middle.

Once the capture is complete, FaceApp will stitch together the various perspectives to form the 3D model. In the bottom right corner, you can press the "Mask Fitter" button to generate the fitter model. Select the Mask Fitter Type that is right for you. You can see the different types of Mask Fitters here. Press the "export" button in the bottom right to send the .stl file to your computer. You can do this by choosing the email option, and then opening the mail with the .stl attachment on your computer.

Printing the Fitter

Bellus3D software generates a .stl 3D model file that is supported by most 3d printing software. The following description is for X-Maker from Qidi Tech, a FDM 3D printer, using the Qidi Print Windows app that comes with the printer. The process should be similar for other printers.

See the specs for the Qidi X-Maker here

Open the STL file and it will appear in the printer bed You can optionally rotate the model 180 degrees so the side with the hooks face down. This helps to create a smooth interior surface touching your mask. Press “Lay flat” icon in the rotation tool to make sure the model stays flat on the printing surface. Choose PLA (or other material). Choose 100% Infill. Select “Add Support” and set Support settings as pictured. Click “Prepare” button to create a printer ready .gcode file and save it to a USB memory stick. Plug the USB stick in the printer and follow the printer instructions to print it.

Using the Fitter

After printing the fitter, remove any extra support plastic and sand the surfaces so that they are smooth. Avoid breaking the hooks that are used for holding the bands. Create an elastic band and attach it to the fitter. If you are using thin rubber bands, you can attach them to the hooks, and then make a chain to create a band that fits around the head. If using a surgical or face mask, put on the mask first. If using unsecured material like a cloth square, you can hold it in place over your face. Put the fitter over the mask, and check in the mirror to see that it matches the model in the app. If fitted properly, the mask material should move in and out when you breathe, and minimal air should escape around the edges of the fitter. When taking off the fitter, carefully remove it while avoiding contact with your eyes. The fitter can be reused, but should be thoroughly sanitized by submerging it in a disinfectant solution. Some 3D-printed materials may be porous and more difficult to sanitize.

Mask Fitter is a trademark of Bellus3D, Inc.