Custom-fabricated masks for aeromechanical measures

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Speech Pathology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Aeromechanical studies are crucial for understanding speech disorders.
• Custom face masks are needed for accurate data collection in individuals with craniofacial defects.
• Existing methods for mask fabrication can be complex and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel, accessible technique for fabricating custom face masks.
• To enable precise aeromechanical studies in individuals with speech disorders.
• To utilize materials and methods familiar to dental laboratories.

Main Methods:

• A wax-elimination method adapted from dental laboratory procedures.
• Utilizing heat-cured acrylic resin for the mask body.
• Employing a heat-cured resilient liner for the tissue-contacting surface.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of custom face masks tailored to individual anatomy.
• The technique is reproducible and utilizes readily available materials.
• The fabricated masks are suitable for aeromechanical data acquisition.

Conclusions:

• The described wax-elimination technique offers an effective and efficient method for creating custom face masks for speech disorder research.
• This approach simplifies mask fabrication, making it more accessible for clinical and research settings.
• The custom masks facilitate improved aeromechanical assessments in patients with craniofacial anomalies.