Visualization of the helmet design. The top port is connected to an air filtration pump, which is not shown in the image. (Credit: Dongjie Jia)

Researchers have designed an open-faced helmet for patient use that is connected to a medical-grade air filtration pump from the top that creates a reverse flow of air to prevent cough droplets from exiting the helmet.

In a computer simulation using computational fluid dynamics, they showed the helmet design can contain 99.6 percent of droplets emitted from coughing within 0.1 seconds. The proposed helmet has a shell that is 1 mm thick and fully encloses the head with access and vacuum ports.

A nozzle is attached to the access port to extend the distance droplets must travel against the flow and minimize their chance of escape through the opening, allowing for a smoother flow transition that reduces patient discomfort generated by flow turbulence.

The helmet is especially beneficial to clinicians who come in contact with symptomatic or asymptomatic patients. Dentists and otolaryngologists are at particular risk, since they need direct access to the mouth, nose, and throat of patients.

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