Healthcare workers at Royal University Hospital are testing an N95 respirator designed by a University of Saskatchewan engineering team. If the mask is acceptable and passes Health Canada’s inspection, the University could create as many as 60 masks per day using their 3D printers. Grad student Erik Olsen says they are trying to make the masks out of the most commonly available materials for 3D printers so anyone who owns a machine could produce them. The mask is designed to be comfortable, and reusable.

The USask team is also printing and testing another 3D printed mask that was designed in Montana. It has already undergone preliminary testing with staff at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, with positive results. That design also needs Health Canada approval which can take a more than a month.