FAQ EN
Due to the enormity of messages received through various communication channels, we have created a forum for people working on the VentilAid Project. Please submit your ideas and help options only in the forum! This will enable faster and easier communication and time is running out!
1. Where can I find information about the Project?
Official Site
Forum - here we discuss the most important issues.
GitLab - here we share projects.
Facebook Page - here you can find news.
2. What is the legal status of the VentilAid device?
We are in the process of applying for appropriate certification, but as of today, our device does not have any approvals for medical use. This is a “last resort” device - when you don’t have access to certified equipment!
3. What is the legal status of published VentilAid Project documentation?
The project documentation we publish has the status of a non-commercial CC Open Source license. This means that anyone can download, edit and manufacture the device, but cannot earn any income from it.
4. What does CC mean?
Creative Commons (CC) licenses - a set of templates of license agreements on the basis of which the creator makes available, under certain conditions, his work covered by copyright. The “all rights reserved” principle has been replaced here by the “certain rights reserved” principle.
5. I want to help! What should I do?
Due to the huge amount of messages we received, we divided the Help Center into relevant departments directed to people who could help in a specific way. Please visit Forum and find the topic best suited to your specialization, which contains the most important information and assignments. This will enable much faster and more precise communication.
6. Where can I find and download Project documentation files?
All files are available at: GitLab We try to update them on a regular basis, which we always inform on our site! Please read the ReadMe file before downloading.
7. There are so many versions! Which one is “good”?
MK I and MK II versions will not be continued and remain in the prototype phase. Due to their construction, they cannot receive approvals for medical use, which is why you manufacture and use them only at your own risk! At the moment, work is underway on the MK III device, which is designed in such a way that it receives the relevant certifications and can be approved for use by medical units.
8. Can I freely edit shared models?
Yes! We ask for information about groundbreaking discoveries!
9. One of the assumptions of the Project is “adapted for 3D printing.” What does this mean?
This means that anyone in the world who has access to a 3D printer in FDM technology can print the parts needed to assemble a VentilAid device.
10. FDM printers print with plastic! Does this mean that VentilAid devices will be unstable under long-term pressurized air loads, without certification, and will ultimately be unusable?!
Not true. The device components are designed in such a way as to make the best use of their strengths and eliminate the disadvantages of printing from plastic. As a result, we get fully functional parts adapted to the manufacturing technology, which we chose mainly because of its unusual popularity and global availability and low cost of printing. The certified material for direct medical use is PEEK, but apart from the mask, none of the device’s components come into contact with the patient. At the same time, we emphasize that VentilAid is a device of “last resort” which means that it should be used only as a result of the lack of any alternative!
11. Most parts of the VentilAid device are 3D printed. What about the other elements? How should I prepare for the production of VentilAid devices?
The design is constantly improved, so the parts will change! On the GitLab there is a full list of necessary components and instructions for assembly of the device.
12. I have a list of needed parts. Where can I buy them?
Everyone interested in the production of VentilAid devices should, as far as possible, search for the supplier of necessary parts as locally as possible. The device is designed in such a way that parts needed for its proper functioning are widely available all over the world.
13. What is the estimated total cost of the device’s production?
In versions MK I and MK II it is about 200 PLN (including printing with material, servo motors, switch and energy source). The cost of the MK III device is still estimated.
14. Do you supply parts for the device?
No. The device is designed in such a way that parts needed for its proper functioning are widely available all over the world. It is important to get the necessary components after publishing the final version of the project!
15. Can I buy a VentilAid device?
No. We deal with construction. Anyone willing to own a device must manufacture it on their own.
16. I have a 3D printer, how can I support the project?
Two ways: 1) checking if the files can be printed on your printer - on our Forum there is a thread of 3D printers, present your production possibilities there 2) ultimately, after completing the design work - printing and assembly of functioning VentilAid devices for local medical units.
17. I downloaded files. Why are there no .stl files?
As of today, the project is in the prototyping phase and the files are updated every few hours. We provide models in the most popular extensions that allow you to edit them. We will inform you in news about the end of the design phase and publication of print files in .stl format!
18. What material should the VentilAid parts be printed from?
In the MK I and MK II versions, most parts can be printed from the basic material: PLA. The exception is the bellows, which must be printed from flexible material, preferably TPU 40A. All printing parameters with these materials can be found on the manufacturers’ website. If you have problems with printing, contact the supplier of your printer. MK III version no longer has elements to print from flexible materials.
19. What printers can VentilAid be printed on? Or only on Urbicum printers?
No. At the moment, virtually any printer with a working area of at least 200 x 200 x 200 mm and an extruder capable of printing with flexible materials (version MK I and MK II) will print parts for the VentilAid device. MK III version no longer has elements to print from flexible materials.
20. My printer has a small working area of less than 200 x 200 x 200 mm! Will I still be able to print parts for the VentilAid?
Yes, but not right away. As soon as we provide the finished project for printing, we will start adapting it to printers with a smaller working area. Everything in its time: for now, finishing the project is our priority!
21. Can I support the Project financially or with production materials?
Yes. We have launched fundraising through which you can support us:
Active Galicja Foundation
Fr.. Piotr Skarga 52
38-200 Jasło
Account number:
32 1240 2340 1111 0010 8453 3745 (BANK PEKAO SA)
Title: “Donation of the VentilAid project”
If you want to support us with production materials, visit the Forum and see what we need the most!
22. Can I support the Project with my knowledge and skills?
Yes! Find the right Forum and explain your support options. There we will also publish the ads we need the most!
23. I have a production company, how can I support the project?
When we finish the prototyping phase and receive the green light, which we will inform about in our media, it will be possible to start manufacturing VentilAid devices. For today, find the appropriate section on the Forum and see what we need the most. It is possible that your technological background will help us in prototyping!
24. I represent a medical unit. Can I start using the VentilAid now?
The project is still in the prototyping phase, so you can use it only at your own risk. We strive to obtain the appropriate medical approvals, of which we will immediately inform you on the site!
25. Is it possible to connect two or more patients to the device?
At present, we have not conducted such tests.
26. Did you know that other countries like India, Ireland or Italy and MIT (E-Vent) are also working on devices with a ventilator function?
Yes. We are in constant contact with many teams around the world!
27. Did you know that Decathlon designed his snorkeling masks and delivers them to hospitals with adapters?
Yes. We are up to date with world news and are glad that so many forms of help are emerging in the fight against COVID-19!
28. What is a respirator and how does it work?
This is an electrical or pneumatic medical device that aids or replaces the patient in breathing by creating positive pressure in the lungs. It enables artificial, forced breaths, used in situations of disturbances, cessation of respiratory activity or during procedures with sleep of the patient (anesthesia respirator). The most important elements of a ventilator are: a compressor (it can be, among others: a piston in a cylinder or a bellows) and an engine (any element that can create movement).