Humidification face mask

Abstract

A self-contained re-humidification mask (1) having locating means (6) to enable the mask to be supported in an operative position on a user (4) is provided. The mask has a wall (2) shaped as a moulded domed mask configured to cover the face of a user from the nose to the chin. An endless peripheral edge is shaped and configured to generally anatomically follow the contours of a face of a user to define, with the face of a user, an air pocket (24). The mask has a single inlet-outlet aperture (8) located generally opposite a position occupied in use by a mouth of a user, and at least one re-humidification assembly (9) located in the inlet-outlet aperture such that it substantially fills the aperture. The re-humidification assembly includes a coil (17) of corrugated hygroscopic paper having an axis of the coil extending in the direction of fluid flow through the inlet-outlet aperture. The re-humidification mask preferably has a wall formed from a non-woven synthetic fibre sheet that is press moulded and heat set to the domed shape thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to improvements in self-contained humidification face masks. More particularly the invention relates to self-contained re-humidification face masks that operate independently of any respirator equipment.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]Painful conditions, such as recovering after nasal surgery or surgery requiring intubation and other trauma to the nose, mouth and throat are rendered more painful by breathing within a dried and cold air environment such as in an air conditioned room.[0003]Furthermore, travelling in a dry and cold air environment, such as that of an aircraft, may facilitate the development of painful conditions of the nose and throat or aggravate existing conditions. The difficulty of breathing through generally blocked sinuses is also aggravated by exposure to dry and cold air and it has been found that a dry air environment increases the likelihood of infection of the internal passages of the nose and throat. There...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]It is an object of this invention to provide an alternative humidification face mask which will operate more effici

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, travelling in a dry and cold air environment, such as that of an aircraft, may facilitate the development of painful conditions of the nose and throat or aggravate existing conditions.

The difficulty of breathing through generally blocked sinuses is also aggravated by exposure to dry and cold air and it has been found that a dry air environment increases the likelihood of infection of the internal passages of the nose and throat.

Therefore, exposure to a dry air environment for extended periods of time not only exacerbates the pain of surgical trauma to the nose and mouth of a patient and inhibits the healing thereof, but also promotes the infection of the healthy nose and throat of a traveler.

Many masks currently used by workers incorporate low flow rate bacterial and / or viral filters which, while preventing the passage of microbes through the filter, are difficult and uncomfortable for a user to breathe through.

Furthermore, with time and the build up of humidity from the user's breath, the integrity and therefore filtering efficiency of the filters become compromised and unreliable.

The retention of this externally sourced moisture within the vicinity of the face of the user for extended periods of time introduces the possibility of contamination of the moisture pad, as the pad remains continually wet for a period of time during both exhalation and inhalation.

A further difficulty associated with the use of this type of face mask often includes the gradual cooling of the moisture pad during use such that although the air to be inhaled is moisturized, it is not significantly warmer than that of the ambient air, particularly in relatively colder air environments.

The use of several of the face masks listed above is not suited for patients that have undergone nasal surgery.

Not only are these masks painful and difficult for a user to comfortably wear during sleep but they become uncomfortably hot to wear after extended periods of use and may not maintain satisfactory engagement with the face of the user during sleep.

These masks are also not suited for use by frequent travelers, as they are bulky and inconvenient to carry while travelling.

Not only are such masks expensive to manufacture on a large scale for disposable use, but security personnel may prevent travelers from using masks having wire or metal mesh incorporated therein.

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