DIY Protective Visor Against Coronavirus

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

The protective visor is a piece of equipment used by medical staff (general practitioners, surgeons, dentists, veterinarians, etc.) to protect the facial area and the mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) from droplets and splashes. For optimal protection, medical visors are usually worn with a protective mask and sometimes with glasses. Wearing a face shield could be one way to increase mechanical protection against the coronavirus. In this article, we will show you how to make your own protective visor from everyday household items, in order to protect yourself and your loved ones.

It is not known exactly when eye protection equipment was first used in medicine. Following recent epidemics of serious infectious diseases that spread by air (eg: severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS, swine flu etc.) and serious infectious agents with high human-to-human transmissibility (eg Ebola) have increased the disease. attention to face and eye protection. Even the coronavirus pandemic has confirmed the need for pedantic protection of the face and mucous membranes.

Protective visors made in 3D printing

In recent weeks, the world has faced a serious shortage of personal protective equipment, both for healthcare workers and the general population. Therefore, a new initiative was created in social networks: we appealed to all people who know how to sew and who have time to make fabric masks and help curb the epidemic. Textile companies, mattress manufacturers and even auto parts suppliers have also started making face masks. Other participants are also involved in the cause. Startups and companies have announced an international mobilization of 3D printing resources to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by manufacturing protective equipment for hospital staff. The focus is on manufacturing parts for protective screens, masks and ventilators. Those who don't have a 3D printer can try making a makeshift protective visor themselves. First, you should list the different parts of a protective visor.

Usually, a protective visor consists of the following components:

Protective screen. Protective screens are made from different materials including: polycarbonate, propionate, acetate, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The models available are two types: disposable and reusable. While acetate provides the best clarity, polycarbonate is the most commonly used material. As for polycarbonate and propionate, these offer the best optical quality helping to reduce eye fatigue associated with wearing protective screens. It is important to know that visors can be treated with contemporary anti-reflection, anti-static and anti-fog coatings, also providing protection against UV rays and better resistance to scratches. Some models are equipped with integrated glasses. Most screens follow the oval of the face and are available in different widths. The greater the width, the more effective the peripheral protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend large enough visors also covering the ears, which would reduce the risk of splashing on an uncovered part of the face.

The frames. Usually, frames used for making visors and eye protection are made of lightweight plastic. There is a variety of frames, including adjustable and non-adjustable frames, which completely or partially surround the circumference of the head, or models with temple-like temples that are worn like standard glasses. Some manufacturers offer detachable mounts to easily replace the protective screen. Several models of protective visors are designed to provide a certain distance between the screen itself and the face, which facilitates the wearing of protective glasses and goggles.

Fixing variants. The possibilities are endless here. There are, for example, protective screens that are equipped with adjustable plastic bands that are attached using clips or Velcro strips. Non-adjustable models are simply provided with elastic bands. Some manufacturers offer protective visors fitted with spectacle frames to help maintain the position and stability of the protective shield on the face.

Protective visors with elastic bands or a simple Velcro closure are usually the easiest to put on and take off. They can even be removed with one hand. To be effective, the protective visor must fit snugly on the face, so as to stick to the forehead and prevent the screen from slipping. For better protection against infectious agents, the protective visor should cover at least the entire face with the outer edges reaching at least up to the ear. The forehead pad should be thick enough to ensure that there is enough space between the screen and the face to wear a mask, goggles or an N95 respirator. We must keep in mind that wearing a visor does not protect us effectively; it is therefore necessary to also wear a mask and glasses.

Do-it-yourself coronavirus protective visor

The first do-it-yourself protective visor we offer is made from simple materials, but looks professional.

Necessary material:

• 1 PVC cover for DIN A4 binding (transparent)

• Elastic rubber band

• Adhesive foam

• Double-sided adhesive tape

• Stapler

• A pair of scissors

1. Start by superimposing two PVC covers by laying them horizontally. Round off the angles at the bottom so that they are no longer so sharp.

2. Adjust the elastic band around your head to take the measurement and to make sure it sticks well.

3. Using the stapler, secure the ends of the elastic band to the cover pages.

4. Take the adhesive foam, measure the correct length (this should match the width of a cover page) and cut out. Repeat at least two more times. Superimpose the foam strips by gluing them one on top of the other.

5. Finally, cut a strip of adhesive tape with which to secure the foam strip in place.



A similar screen protector can be made using crystal clear PVC sheet, rubber band, and a stapler. This DIY protective visor model is even simpler than the previous one, but it can be just as effective. Check out the instructions in the video below!



Disposable protective visor in plastic bottle

Here is another smart idea for a DIY protective visor that can be made in less than 3 minutes. The transparent protective screen is cut from a 2 liter plastic bottle. The materials are inexpensive and generally available in the household.

Materials and tools needed:

• 1 plastic bottle of 2 liters

• 1 kitchen sponge

• 1 hair elastic

• Adhesive tape

• Scissors

Start by cutting the bottom of the plastic bottle. Then cut it lengthwise. Take the sponge and cut it down the middle and lengthwise. Glue two strips of duct tape along the sponge pieces, then secure them inside the future plastic protective screen. Using a few strips of duct tape, secure the elastic in place. Your protective visor is already ready!



Cap with DIY protective visor

The following idea is perfect for those who like to wear caps and still do not want to do without a protective screen. It was an architectural student from the Philippines who developed the following concept: a protective screen is attached to the cap by means of double clip clips. There is also a pattern for the origami folds. By the way, such a protective visor is ideal for people who wear glasses.

The material to be obtained:

• A cap

• 2 double clips

• 1 PVC cover for binding

• 1 cutter

• Scissors

• Adhesive tape

• 1 ruler



Reusable protective visor made from headbands

Natasha from New Jersey also came up with an interesting DIY idea. For the frame, she used two transparent plastic headbands. These work well because they provide more flexibility. The material is also easy to disinfect.



How to properly use protective screens?

Although wearing a protective visor appears to be very effective in preventing any risk of infectious agents entering the body through the mouth, nose and eyes, in reality, it is not. There is always a possibility that the miniature virus droplets will overcome the barrier. The front door would then be open for the virus. Excessive caution is therefore required! A protective visor should always be worn with the additional protective equipment, namely goggles and a barrier mask.