Nike Is Repurposing Sneaker Materials To Make PPE For Healthcare Workers

Nike has been working with health professionals at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) to design and manufacture Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers in order to provide protection against the coronavirus. The equipment includes full-face shields and powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) lenses, and is made using materials originally intended for sneakers and other apparel.

The sportswear giant revealed on its news site that it is using a number of its own materials, including the TPU component of Nike Air soles, to reproduce face shields similar to those currently used by OHSU’s healthcare workers.

“Without proper facial protection, healthcare workers are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, which could place substantial strain on the healthcare workforce in the months ahead,” commented Miko Enomoto, M.D., Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at OHSU School of Medicine. “The full-face shields help protect healthcare workers’ faces and also help to prolong the length we can safely use a surgical or N95 mask. Nike’s generous response to the COVID-19 crisis helps to instill an added layer of confidence and support for healthcare workers, that we can safely carry out the jobs we were born to do.”

The first shipment of full-face shields and PAPR lenses has already been delivered to OHSU. Nike will also be providing equipment to other health systems near its headquarters in Oregan, including Providence, Legacy Health Systems and KaiserPermanente.

Next up, MISBHV Donates 5000 Face Masks To Local Hospitals