Anear saver, also known as mask strain release strapormask extender,[1] is an accessory to personal protective equipment (PPE), relieves strain on a mask wearer's ears created through the loops of masks. Ear savers were designed as novel items during the COVID-19 pandemic by the open-source hardware community in response to requests from medical professionals reporting heavy strain on their ears.[2] Ear savers have since been commercialized for a broader population of users as the pandemic wore on.[3][4]
Four methods are used to manufacture ear savers: 3D printing, laser cutting, injection molding, and sewing (a modified version with crocheted buttons on a headband).[5][6] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the maker movement alone produced more than 2.2 million ear savers.[7]
|
| |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
| ||||||||
| Helmets |
| ||||||||
| Other protective |
| ||||||||
| Hairwear and other items |
| ||||||||
| Eyewear |
| ||||||||
