Ideso PAPR
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / People-Centric Design
Company Name:Ideso
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Marc Ruwiel
Design Team / Other designer(s):Anesh Magan, Brad Inch
Other Contributor(s):Dr Ettienne Myburgh, Dr Johan Theron
Manufacturer Name:Ideso
Distributors Name:Ideso
Client Name:Ideso - in house project
Project Location:Cape Town, South Africa
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Video URL:View
Product Description:
The Ideso PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) has answered an urgent need for comfortable and effective equipment that protects health care professionals who are most vulnerable to air borne viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic created a global shortage and has put strain on the supply chain for protective wear. In addition, the existing disposable face masks do not provide an adequate protective barrier against the virus. This is especially concerning for individuals in the medical care field who are required to work long hours. The PAPR is 3D printed, making it affordable (cost under USD500), modular, allowing components to be replaced and cutting out expensive and time consuming injection mould manufacture. Feedback from health care professionals like doctors, dentists and physiotherapists has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the ease of use, light weight, comfort and, importantly, the level of safety.
The Ideso PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) has answered an urgent need for comfortable and effective equipment that protects health care professionals who are most vulnerable to air borne viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic created a global shortage and has put strain on the supply chain for protective wear. In addition, the existing disposable face masks do not provide an adequate protective barrier against the virus. This is especially concerning for individuals in the medical care field who are required to work long hours. The PAPR is 3D printed, making it affordable (cost under USD500), modular, allowing components to be replaced and cutting out expensive and time consuming injection mould manufacture. Feedback from health care professionals like doctors, dentists and physiotherapists has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the ease of use, light weight, comfort and, importantly, the level of safety.
Product Innovation / Specification:
The IDESO PAPR is a powered air purifying air respirator that uses a blower to force air through two certified P2 filters into the breathing tube and head piece. In doing so a positive chamber of filtered virus free air is produced in the head piece. The blower provides 116 liters of purified air per minute. The unit can be used continuously for 16 hour before recharge is required. In situations where both protection and comfort is needed, the IDESO PAPR is the ideal solution. The head piece is lightweight and offers an excellent field of vision, making it ideal for performing tasks over long periods at a time. Replaceable P2 filters are specifically designed to protect against particles and particulates such as dust, smoke, mists, organic vapors. The shielding screen on the headpiece can also be easily replaced. By using the IDESO PAPR with P2 filters medical practitioners are provided with peace of mind knowing that they are protected. Ideso PAPR specifications Filters : N95/ P2 ; Replaceable Material : PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament Visor : 0,5mm PETG clear Battery : 14,8V 2200mAh Li-Ion with over-voltage protection Battery running Time : Approx 16h Charge Time : Approx 1,5
The IDESO PAPR is a powered air purifying air respirator that uses a blower to force air through two certified P2 filters into the breathing tube and head piece. In doing so a positive chamber of filtered virus free air is produced in the head piece. The blower provides 116 liters of purified air per minute. The unit can be used continuously for 16 hour before recharge is required. In situations where both protection and comfort is needed, the IDESO PAPR is the ideal solution. The head piece is lightweight and offers an excellent field of vision, making it ideal for performing tasks over long periods at a time. Replaceable P2 filters are specifically designed to protect against particles and particulates such as dust, smoke, mists, organic vapors. The shielding screen on the headpiece can also be easily replaced. By using the IDESO PAPR with P2 filters medical practitioners are provided with peace of mind knowing that they are protected. Ideso PAPR specifications Filters : N95/ P2 ; Replaceable Material : PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament Visor : 0,5mm PETG clear Battery : 14,8V 2200mAh Li-Ion with over-voltage protection Battery running Time : Approx 16h Charge Time : Approx 1,5
Product Sustainability Approach:
Initially intended to be produced using injection moulding, it was decided to manufacture using 3D printing in order to save the 2 - 3 months required for tooling manufacture as well as the associated high cost. As such products can be produced reliably and sustainably on demand within days. The modular design allows the PAPR to be serviceable and repairable when needed. Each component can be replaced if required.
Initially intended to be produced using injection moulding, it was decided to manufacture using 3D printing in order to save the 2 - 3 months required for tooling manufacture as well as the associated high cost. As such products can be produced reliably and sustainably on demand within days. The modular design allows the PAPR to be serviceable and repairable when needed. Each component can be replaced if required.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
During the Covid 19 pandemic, the impact of the PAPR was substantial and immediate. Health care professionals like doctors, dentists and physiotherapists could safely perform their duties in saving lives while not exposing themselves to any risk, and this could be done at a fraction of the cost of imported products. Post Covid, the Ideso PAPR has remained a popular and effective product. It is still constantly used by doctors and researchers in the fight against tuberculosis at institutions such as the Bronchoscopy laboratory at the University of Stellenbosch and the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, University of Cape Town
During the Covid 19 pandemic, the impact of the PAPR was substantial and immediate. Health care professionals like doctors, dentists and physiotherapists could safely perform their duties in saving lives while not exposing themselves to any risk, and this could be done at a fraction of the cost of imported products. Post Covid, the Ideso PAPR has remained a popular and effective product. It is still constantly used by doctors and researchers in the fight against tuberculosis at institutions such as the Bronchoscopy laboratory at the University of Stellenbosch and the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, University of Cape Town
Company Name:Ideso
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Marc Ruwiel
