Abstract: A fluid trap for minimizing the escape of contaminated fluids from the fluid trap when an orientation of the fluid trap changes during removal or transport includes a front cover, a rear cover coupled to the front cover, and an interior chamber defined by the front and rear covers. The front cover defines an inlet port extending a first distance into an interior chamber of the fluid trap. The rear cover defines an exhaust port extending a second distance away from the rear cover of the fluid trap and positioned above the inlet port when the fluid trap is in an upright position. The interior chamber has a maximum fluid volume defined as the lesser of a fluid reservoir volume, a front cover volume, and a rear cover volume.

Abstract: A membrane support, usable for example in a membrane filtration device, comprises a support surface provided on an upstream side of the membrane support and adapted to support a flat filtration membrane thereon, and a drainage structure arranged below the support surface to collect a fluid that has passed the filtration membrane supported on the support surface and guide the fluid away to a downstream side, wherein the support surface has a plurality of recesses distributed over the support surface and formed to absorb expansions of the filtration membrane. The membrane support avoids fold formation of a membrane due to membrane expansion after hydration.

Abstract: An improved ventilation device that can be inserted into the mouth of a patient to provide an airway through the oral pharyngeal cavity includes: (a) a mouthpiece having an interior portion that is bounded by top and bottom surfaces, outer and inner semi-elliptically-shaped perimeter surfaces and two end surfaces, wherein: (a1) each of these end surfaces is oriented approximately parallel to the minor axes of the perimeter surfaces, (a2) the outer perimeter surface has a front portion proximate the point where it is intersected by its major axis, (b) top and bottom recesses in the mouthpiece's respective top and bottom surfaces that each are configured to accommodate a patient's respective upper and lower teeth, and (c) an airflow passageway through the mouthpiece's interior portion.

Abstract: A fiber sheet is densely charged with electric charge and provides an electret fiber sheet that has excellent dust collecting performance. The electret fiber sheet is an electret fiber sheet in which averages of a* values and b* values satisfy all requirements of the following (a) to (c): (a) 10?average of (a* values)?40; (b) ?25?average of (b* values)?0; and (c) ?5?average of [(a* values)+(b* values)]?40; wherein a* and b* are values measured by a spectrophotometer when a red positive charge toner and a blue negative charge toner are attached.

Abstract: Problem: The present invention allows a fiber sheet to be densely charged with electric charge and provides an electret fiber sheet that has excellent dust-collecting characteristics. Solution: The electret fiber sheet according to the present invention is an electret fiber sheet in which the relationship between a* and b* measured by a spectrophotometer when a red positive charge toner and a blue negative charge toner are attached to the sheet satisfies the expression: [12?{?(b*)?(a*)}Ave?50].

Abstract: Disclosed is an air purification system (10) including an air purification apparatus (100) comprising an air inlet (112); an air outlet (114) for expelling air in a target direction (116) into a region and including an adjustment mechanism (121) arranged to adjust said target direction in response to a target direction adjustment signal from a control system for aiming the air outlet at the face of a person in said region; at least one pollutant removal structure (101) in between the air inlet and the air outlet; and an air displacement apparatus (113) for displacing air from the air inlet to the air outlet through the at least one pollutant removal structure, and a sensor (151, 160, 135) adapted to determine a breathing parameter of the person, wherein the air purification apparatus is configured to expel said air as a function of said breathing parameter. A computer program product for configuring such a control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A Dust Mitigation System (“DMS”) is disclosed that includes a fabric-material having a front-surface and a back-surface; a plurality of conductive-fibers within the fabric-material; and a plurality of input-nodes approximately adjacent to the back-surface or the front-surface of the fabric-material. The plurality of conductive-fibers are approximately parallel in a first direction along the fabric-material and are approximately adjacent to the front-surface of the fabric-material and the plurality of input-nodes are in signal communication with the plurality of conductive-fibers and configured to receive an alternating-current (“AC”) voltage-signal from an input-signal-source.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for filtering undesired chemicals in streams of contaminated air for supply to confined areas. The processes provide (1) contacting air with a filter comprising by volume from about 5% to about 95% impregnated zirconium hydroxide, from about 5% to about 95% activated impregnated carbon, and optionally, up to about 50% ammonia removal material; and (2) supplying the contacted air to a confined area.

Abstract: A portable drug sampling device for handheldly collecting a sample from exhaled breath of a subject for further sensor based analysis. The device comprising: a housing (406) comprising at least one inlet (407) and at least one outlet (408) for the exhaled breath to exit through, and a sampling membrane (302) arranged in the housing. A tubular element (40) having a mouthpiece section (401) for the subject to exhale into, and a saliva trap section comprising baffles (103) to create a non-straight gas flow path for letting aerosols pass through the tubular element. The sampling membrane (302) is arranged to collect the aerosols from the exhaled breath. The portable drug testing device further comprises a volume collecting element (208).

Abstract: A filtration device including a fluid-impermeable housing having a gas inlet and outlet, and containing within the housing first filter media particles of an extended surface area substrate and containing at least one metal impregnant, and second filter media particles of an extended surface area zirconium hydroxide substrate and zinc (hydr)oxide. The device may be used in atmospheres containing various harmful gases, and may provide particularly useful improvements in NOx breakthrough times compared to a device containing only the first filter media particles or only the second filter media particles.

Abstract: An air purifier having an electret module for capturing airborne particles, the electret module including an electret element disposed within a housing and an adhesive layer coupled to the housing to capture airborne particles, whereby the static field of the electret attracts the airborne particles, which subsequently adhere to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A filtration device including a fluid-impermeable housing having a gas inlet and outlet, and containing within the housing first filter media particles of an extended surface area substrate and containing at least one metal impregnant, and second filter media particles of an extended surface area zirconium hydroxide substrate. The device may be used in atmospheres containing various harmful gases, and may provide particularly useful improvements in NOx breakthrough times compared to a device containing only the first filter media particles or only the second filter media particles.

Abstract: A filtration assembly for filtering nanoparticles includes a filter having pores that can retain nanoparticles likely to be found in an air flow passing through the filter and a filter support including two parts. A lower base-forming part of the filter support includes a peripheral bearing surface on which the filter can rest. An upper ring-shaped part of the filter support is designed to be mounted around the bearing surface of the base. By mounting the ring around the bearing surface of the base it is possible to tension the filter radially to the direction of mounting. The mounting clearance between the ring and the bearing surface of the base is dimensioned such as to maintain the filter resting on the bearing surface under mechanical stress by means of pinching, in a direction radial to the mounting direction.

Abstract: A filtration module for comprises a filter housing defining two or more filter compartments. The housing has an input side with a gas inlet in fluid communication with each of the filter compartments and a gas outlet in fluid communication with each of the filter compartments. A filter element resides in each of the compartments intermediate the gas inlet to the compartment and the gas outlet from the compartment. One application for the filtration module is a respiratory therapy device.

Abstract: A breathing protector for a tracheostoma is provided. The breathing protector comprises an inlet and an outlet, such that an air flow in use will pass from the surroundings of the user through said inlet to said outlet, into trachea of said user. Further, it comprises a filter housing, said filter housing comprising an inner housing part, an outer housing part, and a filter body. The inner housing part, comprising the outlet, a tracheal tube fitting and a support structure extends longitudinally and distally from the tracheal tube fitting. A base plate is arranged in a proximal zone of the tracheal tube fitting, said base plate extending radially outwards from the tracheal tube fitting. The outer housing par, comprising the inlet, forms a cage enclosing the support structure. The filter body is arranged between the support structure and the outer housing part. An assembly tool and an assembly method thereof are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a portable intake air sterilizing apparatus which allows prevention of a worker's infection with virus/bacteria and which allows, at the same time, the worker to work comfortably. The apparatus includes a cover member C for covering one or both of the nose and the mouth, an air intake portion K for the inner space of the cover member C, and a chlorine dioxide slow-release portion J capable of releasing chlorine dioxide gas into an intake air in association with introduction of this intake air from the air intake portion K.

Abstract: A personal air filter device having a housing defining a cavity and a central opening including a first and second vent. The device also includes a mouthpiece adjacent to the second vent and spaced apart from the central opening. The device has a filter within the housing for filtering air passing through the housing when inhaling and exhaling. The cavity resonates at audible frequencies for providing respiratory feedback when a user inhales or exhales.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swiveled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface, The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that has a harness 14 and a mask body 12. The mask body 12 includes a support structure 16 and a filtering structure 18. The support structure 16 contains an auxetic mesh 20 that has been molded into an intended cup-shape configuration, and the filtering structure 18 contains a filtration layer 42 for removing contaminants from the ambient air. The use of an auxetic mesh 20 in the support structure 16 provides more uniformly-sized openings 26 in the mesh 20 and reduces opportunities for mesh overlapping and mesh distortion.

Abstract: A filtering device 10 that includes a housing 12 having a plurality of subsections 32, 34, and 36 where each subsection contains a filter element 26, 28, and 30. An inlet 18 is disposed at a first location on the housing 12, and an upstream air distribution system is placed in fluid communication with the inlet 18 and with each of the subsections 32, 34, and 36. A downstream air distribution system is located in fluid communication with each subsection 32, 34, and 36, and an outlet 20 is in fluid communication with the downstream air distribution system. The subsections are fashioned such that each subsection 32, 34, and 36 is not in fluid communication with each other. Using a filtering device so constructed, airflow through the device may be better managed to enable overall product service life to be increased while minimizing pressure resistance of the total filter.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for removing smoke and poisonous gas. The apparatus includes a body configured to include a flux unit which supplies water and a nozzle which is connected to the flux unit and has a narrower width than the flux unit, a frame configured to surround the body and include a suction part for removing smoke, and a heat sensitive unit fixed to seal the nozzle. When the flux unit, nozzle and frame sprays fluid with a certain pressure at high speed through the nozzle, pressure energy of the fluid is changed to velocity energy, and a vacuum state is formed in a suction room at a low pressure due to a fast speed. In order for an operation to be performed as a vacuum ejector for sucking another fluid, the suction part is positioned surrounding the nozzle, and the frame is provided to surround the heat sensitive unit.

Abstract: An accessory cap for a respiratory cartridge includes a housing having a front wall and a side wall which cooperate to define an interior cavity. The side wall includes a retaining formation configured and arranged to releasably engage and hold the housing on the respiratory cartridge. The housing includes a downwardly facing air passage configured to allow air to pass from an exterior environment to the interior cavity. The accessory cap further includes a pre-filter support web removably received within the interior cavity and spaced inwardly from the front wall. The housing and the pre-filter support web form a pre-filter cavity within the interior cavity adjacent to the front wall. The accessory cap can function as a standalone shower cap, or a pre-filter media can be optionally inserted into the pre-filter cavity so that the accessory cap functions as a combination pre-filter and a shower cap.

Abstract: A heat moisture exchange device received on a speaking tube mounted on an end of a tracheotomy tube. The heat moisture exchange device has a housing in which the air moves in a turbulent manner and passes through a heat moisture exchange filter.

Abstract: A horizontal flat-fold, filtering face-piece respirator 10 that includes a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that has a front surface, a first perimeter 24a, and a longitudinal axis 34. A nose clip 30 is secured to the mask body 12 centrally and adjacent to the first perimeter 24a of the mask body 12. An indicia 32 that is visible on the front surface of the mask body 12 in a vicinity of the nose clip 30 is provided to highlight a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the nose clip. The use of such an indicia, visible from the mask body front surface, enables a user to readily identify where the nose clip may be bent to prepare it for donning by the wearer.

Abstract: An air filter (1) particularly for use in a ventilator device for assisting respiratory function comprises: (i) a housing (3) with an air inlet (4) and an air outlet (6), and (ii) a filter material (8) in the path of air flow from the inlet (4) to the outlet (6). The filter material (8) is formed as a tubular body located at one of its ends around the air outlet (6) and being blanked (13) at its end opposite the air outlet (6). The air filter (1) further incorporates an electrostatically charged material (10) positioned at the blanked end (13) of the tubular body (8) to treat inlet air to the housing (3). This improves the life of the filter.

Abstract: A filter system includes a housing, a filter medium disposed within the housing, an optical analyte sensor, and an optical reader. The optical analyte sensor is characterized by a first region that exhibit a first response to an analyte of interest and a second region that exhibit a second, different, response to an analyte of interest. The optical analyte sensor includes a detection medium and is disposed within the housing such that the detection medium is in fluid communication with the filter medium. The optical reader includes at least one light source and at least one detector.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 and a harness 14 that is joined to the mask body 12. The mask body 12 includes a filter layer 30 and a nonwoven fibrous cover web 16. The fibrous cover web 16 is partially occluded and is generally parallel to and spaced from the filter layer 30 such that air passing through the cover web 16 can move freely between the cover web 16 and the filter layer 30 so that it can enter the filter layer 30 at essentially any available point over the filter layer surface 32. The inventive respirator is beneficial in that it can provide very good splash fluid and airborne contaminant protection while also exhibiting an extraordinary low pressure drop across the mask body during breathing.

Abstract: Face masks that include a unidirectional valve are disclosed. The unidirectional valves permit fluid communication between an interior gas space defined by the mask and the wearer and an exterior gas space outside of the face mask. The unidirectional valves includes one or more valve flaps positioned over an opening formed in the base of the valve. Each of the valve flaps includes a free edge and a hinge located generally opposite from the free edge.

Abstract: An apparatus to limit the spread of infectious material from a cough or sneeze. The apparatus comprises a first liquid impermeable layer, a second absorbent layer, and a third permeable layer. The second absorbent layer has an upper surface, a lower surface and side surfaces. The third permeable layer is adjacent to the upper surface of the second absorbent layer. The first liquid impermeable layer encompasses the bottom and side surfaces of said second absorbent layer preventing the unintended escape of fluids or other material from or through the bottom and side surfaces of the second absorbent layer. The third permeable layer provides protection to the second absorbent layer and has a generally open structure to facilitate the passage of fluids therethrough and into the second absorbent layer. Liquids expelled through coughing or sneezing and captured by the third permeable layer are transferred to and retained by the second absorbent layer.

Abstract: A face mask which has a fabric body of folded filter material that defines an expandable face pocket, an interior face, an exterior face, a top edge, a bottom edge and opposed side edges. A bendable strip of metal defines a nosepiece that is centrally positioned between the opposed side edges along the top edge. The nosepiece has a length that is not less than 3.50 cm and not more than 6.00 cm, and a width that is not less than 0.30 cm and not more than 2.00 cm. Straps are used to secure the fabric body to a person's head.

Abstract: Internal nose filter mounting devices, methods and kits are provided. The nose filter mounting device includes first and second septum magnets, each septum magnet having two opposing faces and being configured to be inserted into a nostril of a user such that one face is adjacent the nasal septum therein and the first and second septum magnets may magnetically engage across the septum. The nose filter mounting device also includes first and second filter magnets connected to the first and second septum magnets, respectively, each filter magnet being configured to mate with filter elements in the nostrils of the user.

Abstract: A face mask for reducing or eliminating fogging of eye wear worn by a user of the face mask is provided. The face mask may include a body portion that has an outer surface and an oppositely disposed inner surface. The face mask may also have an absorbent element that may be located on at least one of the surfaces of the body portion. The absorbent element may be capable of absorbing at least 3.5 grams of water and may act to absorb moisture and/or condensation due to human respiration and/or perspiration.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatus for the treatment of asthma patients. A controlled supply of breathable air delivered to a patient interface or mask (4) is controlled for patient comfort to maintain a steady pressure level in a range 2 to 4 cm H2O to accommodate patient respiration. The breathable air is cleaned by a high efficiency particulate arresting filter (10) to remove allergens from the air supply. The apparatus may be programmed to automatically detect asthma-related symptoms such as an asthma attack by analyzing the respiratory flow of the patient. In response to the detection of such an attack, the apparatus may provide an audible warning or if configured with a treatment delivery module (14A, 14B), the device may administer a therapeutically effective dose of a drug or substance, for example, a broncho-dilator, to alleviate the patient's breathing difficulty. Preferred mask designs allow for proper CO2 washout to accommodate the low pressures supplied to the mask and prevent asphyxia.

Abstract: A filtration mask has a collapsible air guide and two filter supports connected at a hinge. The filter supports are movable between a storage position and a deployment position in which the angle between the filter supports being less in the deployment position than in the storage position. In an aspect of this invention, the filter support each have a recess at the hinging edge, and an exhale valve communicating with the air guide is mounted in the recess. In another aspect the exhale valve is connected to the filter supports by a flexible membrane. In a third aspect the air guide is formed by hinged panels.

Abstract: A breathing protector for a tracheostoma is provided. The breathing protector comprises an inlet and an outlet, such that an air flow in use will pass from the surroundings of the user through said inlet to said outlet, into trachea of said user. Further, it comprises a filter housing, said filter housing comprising an inner housing part, an outer housing part, and a filter body. The inner housing part, comprising the outlet, a tracheal tube fitting and a support structure extends longitudinally and distally from the tracheal tube fitting. A base plate is arranged in a proximal zone of the tracheal tube fitting, said base plate extending radially outwards from the tracheal tube fitting. The outer housing par, comprising the inlet, forms a cage enclosing the support structure. The filter body is arranged between the support structure and the outer housing part. An assembly tool and an assembly method thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A respiratory nasal filter including an outer ring having concentric outer periphery and inner periphery sized to the periphery of a user's nasal orifice, a filter layer having an outer periphery larger than the inner periphery of the outer ring, but smaller than the outer periphery of the outer ring and an adhesive applied to said outer ring for bonding the filter layer concentrically to the outer ring and for bonding the outer ring to the columella, a nasal sill, an alar sidewall and the facet of the user's nose.

Abstract: A breathing device for placing on a tracheostoma of a patient comprising a cylindrical housing, an annular housing support, a flexible flat part with sealing and adhesive functions, a filter or a speech valve, and a cover plate. The housing comprises, in the wall thereof, recesses for introducing and extracting inhaled air, and on the proximal opening thereof, an outer edge comprises at least three edge segments which are on the outer wall and at least three edge recesses. Holding rods support the filter on the proximal opening, the housing support comprises an annular flange having at least three inner wall support projections and an annular outer wall base. The support projections have a receiving area, the housing support supports the housing with the filter or speech valve into which the edge segment can be introduced in a precise manner into the support projections.

Abstract: A respirator assembly is composed of a respirator, an air purifier, and a connection tube. The respirator includes a first housing having an inflow unit and an air intake. A first pumping unit is located in the first housing for sucking the air through the inflow unit and exhausting the air through the air outtake. The air purifier includes a second housing having an air intake and an outflow unit. A second pumping unit is located in the second housing for sucking the air through the air intake and exhausting the air through the outflow unit. The outflow unit includes a natural-air outlet and a respirator outlet. The connection tube includes two ends, one of which is connected with the respirator outlet and the other is connected with the inflow unit. Accordingly, the respirator assembly can reduce the frequency of replacing the respiratory screen and enhance the quality of filtering the air.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 12 that has a first and second layer of filter media 38, 40 that each have first and second major surfaces 32, 44 and a perimeter 46 and that each contain active particulate that is bonded together. A plenum 42 is disposed between the first and second layers of filter media 38, 40 such that the plenum 42 interfaces with the second major surface 44, 44? of each layer of filter media. A housing sidewall 30 extends from the first layer of filter media 38 to the second layer of filter media 40 and is secured to the perimeter 46 of the first and second layers of filter media. The first major surfaces 32, 32? of the first and second layers of filter media 38, 40 are each fluid permeable and are each in fluid communication with an exterior gas space. A filter cartridge 12 having such a construction provides a bifurcated flow pattern in a higher volume structure.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions. The pair of side portions includes at least one strap. The rear portion has at least one strap constructed of at least two layers of material. One of the layers of material has a more rigid construction than the other of the layers of material to resist compression of the at least one strap of the rear portion in a first direction which resists movement of the at least one strap of the pair of side straps in the first direction.

Abstract: A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respirator service lift indication system comprises a breathing apparatus comprising an air purifying element; and a service life indicator arranged in a parallel flow configuration with the breathing apparatus. The service life indicator comprises a sacrificial cartridge, and a sensor disposed downstream of the sacrificial cartridge and configured to detect a contaminant concentration above a predetermined threshold in an gas stream passing through the sacrificial cartridge.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for creating a zone of filtered air proximate a head of a user including an air filtration device including a blower being configured to be disposed within, below, or affixed to a bedding structure, an air plenum in flow communication with the blower and in support of the head of the user and having an air delivery surface configured to distribute the air flow to the zone of filtered air, and a filter disposed within the device for filtering the air flow before it is distributed to the zone of filtered air.

Abstract: A filter mask includes an oronasal cup, an inhalation directional cover, and an exhalation diverter body. The oronasal cup encloses a nose and mouth of a user. The oronasal cup is fluidly coupled with a filter. The inhalation directional cover is configured to be joined to the filter. The inhalation directional cover includes an elongated wing portion that is oriented in an inhalation direction that is angled with respect to the center axis of the filter. The exhalation diverter body is fluidly coupled with the oronasal cup. The exhalation diverter body defines an exhalation duct that directs exhaled air out of the oronasal cup along an exhalation direction. The inhalation direction and the exhalation direction are oriented away from a plane of interaction between the user and another person.

Abstract: A breathing protective device comprising a tubular elongated filter housing defining at least one wall between a first end and a second end, said wall having at least one opening, a filter in the filter house and a mouthpiece having an air canal with an opening arranged to be introduced into and held in the user's mouth whereby said filter house extends parallel to a line between the corners of the user's mouth, said air canal being in communication with at least one space within said housing for filtered inhalation air and exhalation air respectively, and wherein either the filter or the filter with the housing is disposable, wherein said filter is arranged to separate a first space from a second space and in that said air canal is arranged to enable supply of inhalation air from said first space via said filter and to enable exhalation air to escape via said opening from said second space.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 12 that includes a filter material 42, an end-of-service-life-indicator 40, a cartridge housing 22, and a window 38. The filter material 42 and ESLI 40 are disposed in the housing, and the ESLI 40 may be viewed through the window 38. The window 38 is configured such that the ESLI 40 can only be seen within a cone defined by an angle ? of 20 to 70 degrees. The limited viewing range precludes reader error when examining the ESLI for color change.

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma. The device has features to control secretions from the pneumostoma. The secretion management features include, ridges, pores, absorbent materials, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of gases and discharge through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a bulb connected to a tube which enters the pneumostoma. A flow control device regulates air flow in and out of the pneumostoma via the tube. A hydrophobic filter traps discharge in the bulb while allowing gases to escape.

Abstract: The invention relates to life-saving engineering. The inventive protective hood is embodied in the form of a bag comprising a sorbing-filtering insert, a sorbent container, an exhalation valve, a mouthpiece assembly and a spring element for compressing and the extending the bag. Said hood is a small-sized, has a simple structural design, provides a high protection level and is easy to use.

Abstract: The apparatus is equipped with cover unit (1) fixed to a head portion of worker so as to cover at least the regions of nose and mouth of the worker, the cover unit capable of trapping the worker's breath. The cover unit has an exhaust opening and an air supply opening. Further, the apparatus is equipped with moisture recycle unit (2) fitted to the worker so as to simultaneously carry out the two processes consisting of the adsorption process of introducing moist air, effecting adsorption of the water contained in the air on an adsorbent and emitting dry air and the regeneration process of introducing dry air, effecting evaporation of the water adsorbed on the adsorbent into the dry air and emitting moist air. Still further, the apparatus is equipped with exhaust hose (3) connecting the exhaust opening of the cover unit to the moisture recycle unit and with air supply hose (4) connecting the moisture recycle unit to the air supply opening of the cover unit.