Face masks made using 3D printers offer improved protection, research suggests

Almost 90% of volunteers wearing the bespoke masks passed a face fit test, compared to 76% wearing single-use masks

The masks are designed to fit the user’s face (University of Edinburgh/PA)

Face masks made using smartphones and 3D printers could help better protect people during future epidemics or further waves of coronavirus, according to research.

Engineers at the University of Edinburgh devised a system to create bespoke, reusable masks for health workers – designed using photos taken with smartphones.