Local nurse invents Ear Savers for lengthy mask use

By MO CRANKER on January 20, 2021.

mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@mocranker

A local nurse has come up with an invention to help those wearing masks all day.

Matthew Jubelius is one of the many frontline workers in the Hat who wears a mask for their entire work day. He says Ear Savers make it a lot easier.

“I had a first responder come to me, his name is Mr. Lutz, and he told me that everyone has really sore ears,” said Jubelius. “He went on to say that it was actually making the job harder for them to do.

“I have a background in Occupational Health and Safety, so I decided to take a look at it.”

What Jubelius came up with is a piece of plastic with notches on it to wear around the head or neck. Once on, the mask can be attached to a notch on each side to keep it in place.

Since the mask is connected to the plastic instead of around the ears, it eases up pressure from the person’s head.

“Some people have to move their neck a lot to work, so wearing it around their head makes more sense,” he said. “Frontline workers are trying to do our best and to focus as best we can on what we’re doing.”

On top of helping people out with ear pain, Jubelius is also donating money from every purchase to local organizations like the Inner Man Project, or the Medicine Hat District Health Foundation.

“This is totally local and a win for the community,” said Jubelius. “A portion of every sale goes toward a number of local charities.

“I want to help as many people as possible with this.”

The Ear Savers are made of silicone plastic which makes them versatile.

“Unless someone is allergic to silicone, these will work for them,” he said. “We looked at 3D printing these, but we wanted these Ear Savers to last a long time.

“These are completely reusable and really easy to clean.”

The Ear Savers are designed and made locally by Jubelius. Email mhearsavers@gmail.com for more information or to order.

16
-15