Improving non-invasive ventilation masks to reduce infection spread
Official title: Refinement of Very Low Leakage Non-Invasive Ventilation Mask for Infectious Patients
Funded at Creare, LLC · NIH-11007800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of mask for people with respiratory infections like COVID-19 and the flu, designed to keep germs from escaping and protect both patients and healthcare workers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creare, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $643,238 |
| NIH project number | 2R44OH012421-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infectious respiratory diseases who require respiratory support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious respiratory conditions or those who do not require respiratory support may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) masks used for patients with infectious respiratory diseases like COVID-19 and influenza. The project aims to develop a new mask design that minimizes the leakage of contaminated aerosols, thereby protecting healthcare workers and other patients. The innovative design features a dual seal and an integrated vacuum ejector that captures and filters any leaked air before it is released into the environment. This approach not only aims to improve patient outcomes but also to facilitate better management of infectious disease outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of airborne transmission of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving mask designs for respiratory support, indicating that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Creare, LLC
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Micka, Daniel — Creare, LLC
- Study coordinator: Micka, Daniel
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.