Abstract: A mask system includes a cushion for a mask that seals at its upper extent in a region of the nose that is generally above the tip of the nose or pronasale, and extends across a portion of the cartilaginous framework, alar or flares of the patient's nose, e.g., not extending over or across the nasal bone of the patient's nose.

Abstract: The present specification is directed to a seal forming structure for a patient interface for delivery of air to a patient's airway, wherein the seal forming structure comprises a first section of a thermoformable material and a second section of another material. The present specification is also directed to a patient interface comprising such a seal forming structure, wherein the patient interface further comprises a shell. The specification is also directed to methods for manufacturing such a patient interface.

Abstract: A patient interface comprises a support structure and a seal-forming structure. The support structure is arranged to support the sealing portion and is configured to connect to the frame. The sealing portion comprises textile and is attached to the support structure along an outer perimeter of the sealing portion such that in use the sealing portion may be in tension due to reactive stress of the support structure and/or a resilient stretch characteristic of the textile such that the sealing portion exerts a force against the patient's face.

Abstract: A two-part mask, having a nasal portion and an oral portion, can include adhesive to secure the nasal portion to the wearer's face. The adhesive might surround the nose to form a leakproof seal. An oral portion covering the wearer's mouth might include adhesive surrounding the mouth portion. Each mask portion could be worn separately. The nasal portion might be made from a filter material. The portions might be made in part from filter material and in part from transparent material. The transparent material might be positioned to allow for external viewing of the wearer's lip movements. The portions could be customizable to provide an anatomical fit for each individual wearer. The portions might be shaped to form a balloon shape, which can allow for movement of a mask portion from an extended position when the wearer is exhaling to a contracted position when the wearer is inhaling.

Abstract: An alternative nose and mouth mask allows a user to protect their respiratory inhalations and filter respiratory exhalations, thus reducing the likelihood of the spread of diseases. The apparatus forms a preferably adhesive seal over the user's mouth and nose separately, thus preventing passing of contaminated air between a user's mouth and nose. Many current mask designs, when worn, tend to make the wearer appear less trusting and less human, creating an illusion that results in perception of the mask as a disguise. The apparatus maximizes the amount of visible skin, thus mitigating the disconcerting effects of mask wearing. Furthermore, the apparatus may provide a medicated layer, which may be helpful in assisting users recover from a variety of potential respiratory ailments. A waterproof outer layer prevents damage due to wear and moisture buildup as well as potential damage due to poor weather conditions.

Abstract: A nasal airflow disruption strip for deflecting inhaled air to reduce nasal irritation includes a strip. The strip comprised of a flexible material. The strip has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a perimeter edge extending between the inner surface and the outer surface. The perimeter edge has a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge. An adhesive is positioned on and covers the inner surface. The adhesive removably secures the inner surface to an underside of a person's nose such that nostrils of the nose are covered. The strip includes at least one air permeable section and at least one air impermeable section. The air permeable section is alignable with the nostrils. The air permeable section is positioned adjacent to the rear edge.

Abstract: A filled hollow structure includes an open hollow structure from a first material. The open hollow structure is at least partially closed by a closing structure. The hollow structure is filled with a filler medium. The filled hollow structure is overmoulded with a second material.

Abstract: An in-mouth barrier against entry of insects, pollen and particulates in to the open mouth of a user, particularly in strenuous outdoor exercises, needs to be comfortable and fully effective for various extents of an agape mouth, and ideally should require no conscious effort to re-position in even long durations. A filter frame surrounding a screen is formed to the dental arch so as to envelope both rows of teeth except possibly the molars. A flange on the frame holds the frame on the mandibular teeth and prevents the frame from moving down. The end of the flange lies under the tip of the tongue and prevents the frame from moving up. The frame thus remains comfortably inside the vestibule and covers the mouth for the various extents it may be opened to.

Abstract: The present face mask may have a double seal, a triple seal or a quadruple seal, with distinct spacing between each of the seals within a set of seals. Each of the seals within a double seal, triple seal, or quadruple seal may stand alone or may be interconnected to other seals by bridging, where such bridging is formed of the same adhesive as the seal itself. Also disclosed is an after market embodiment where a multiple seal by itself is housed between two sheets of release paper to be applied to a face mask by the user himself when needed. Further disclosed is a multiple seal with bridging applied to a clothing combination, such as to seal sleeve cuffs to a glove.

Abstract: A patient interface and a patient interface system comprise a responsive material and a method for preventing the formation of red marks due to wearing a patient interface that is pressing against the skin of a patient for a longer time and/or for reducing air leakages of the patient interface that may result from an unintended shift of the patient interface on the patient's face. The responsive material is configured for alternating the pressure exerted by the cushion element on the patient and/or the area on the patient where the pressure is exerted by the cushion element in response to a physical quantity acting on the responsive material. The formation of red marks and of air leakages can be reduced or even avoided by means of the responsive material.

Abstract: A gauze mask which can be worn with one hand includes a mask body, a nose clip member, and a chin pressing member. The mask body is formed with a covering space to cover user's mouth and nose. Around the inner periphery edge of an opening of the mask body is disposed an adhesive layer which enables the gauze mask to be adhered around the user's nose and mouth. The nose clip member and the chin pressing member allow the gauze mask to be firmly positioned on the user's face. The gauze mask is made of breathable material, or the gauze mask can also be made of non-breathable material but is equipped with a filter, so as to allow for air exchange between inside and outside of the gauze mask.

Abstract: A method of making a face mask is disclosed. The method includes providing an elastic nonwoven web continuous in a machine direction, the elastic nonwoven web having a central lane extending in the machine direction; bonding a filtering web to the central lane of the elastic nonwoven web to provide a layered web, the filtering web being continuous in the machine direction and having a cross-web width that is substantially the same as the cross-web width of the central lane; and stamping a face mask into the layered web. A face mask and a continuous layered web having a plurality of face masks disposed thereon are also disclosed.

Abstract: Draping particulate filters for use with the nostrils and mouth is disclosed. The draping particulate filters include diaphanous PM filter material, a pair of tabs having a biocompatible skin contact adhesive located on at least a skin contact side of each of the tabs, and multiple creases formed on the diaphanous PM filter material. Methods of making draping particulate filters are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to mitigate the spread of respiratory emission of a sneeze are disclosed. The apparatus includes a spacer component and at least one filtration component. The at least one filtration component is disposed atop the spacer component. The spacer component includes a corrugated sheet, which forms a plurality of directional flutes to direct filtered air out of the apparatus. The least one filtration component filters the respiratory emission to produce the filtered air. In accordance with the method, the respiratory emission is filtered through at least one filtration component to produce filtered air, and the filtered air is directed through a spacer component comprising a corrugated sheet, which forms a plurality of directional flutes that direct the filtered air out of the apparatus.

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: The invention relates to a breathing assistance device for a patient, the device including: a source of respiratory pressurised gas; a gas transmission duct comprising a distal end coupled to said source and a proximal end coupled to the patient; a gas regulating valve interposed in the gas transmission duct at a proximal location, comprising a leakage orifice and an obstruction means capable of varying the opening of the leakage orifice upon signal of controlling means and allowing a bidirectional gas flow through the leakage orifice in both expiration and inspiration phases.

Abstract: The present face mask may have a double seal, a triple seal or a quadruple seal, with distinct spacing between each of the seals within a set of seals. Each of the seals within a double seal, triple seal, or quadruple seal may stand alone or may be interconnected to other seals by bridging, where such bridging is formed of the same adhesive as the seal itself. Also disclosed is an after market embodiment where a multiple seal by itself is housed between two sheets of release paper to be applied to a face mask by the user himself when needed. Further disclosed is a multiple seal with bridging applied to a clothing combination, such as to seal sleeve cuffs to a glove.

Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask includes a headband adapted to extend in an application position from a forehead portion of a patient around a back head portion of the patient. A strengthening element is releasably coupled to the headband to add flexural strength to the headband. The strengthening element is adapted to extend from the forehead portion laterally to respective ear portions and to descend behind the respective ear portions towards the patient's neck. The strengthening element has bracket sections positioned below respective ear portions adjacent the back head portion. A support is coupled to respective bracket sections to support the bracket sections in the back head portion.

Abstract: A nasal passage covering is provided to adhere to opposite sides of the lower nose. The covering further has a filtering material designed to cover the nostrils to filter air coming into the body.

Abstract: Face masks that can be used, for example, in medical and surgical procedures, including both completely or partially disposable and reusable masks, that can be custom fitted to the wearer, and which can include one or more filtering inhalation and exhalation valves and/or compartments allowing for separated filtering of inhalation and exhalation gases. Some embodiments include systems, methods and kits for reducing contaminants in an inhalation and exhalation flow stream.

Abstract: Provided is a mask with a nosal cushion, the mask consisting of a filter that filters dust, wherein, the edges of the filter are folded back to create flaps that follow the depressions on both sides of the nosal region. A sponge of urethane foam or the like is affixed inside the flaps, thereby improving the fit of the mask by conforming the mask to the contours of the nosal region, resulting in a mask cushion with a nosal cushion that has cushioning properties and strong protective capabilities.

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 the 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 conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: A respiratory etiquette device in the form of a mask that can be held in a compacted configuration within the pocket or purse of a user. When released, the mask springs open to its erected configuration and can be quickly placed over the mouth and nose of a wearer to contain a cough or sneeze. Rapid springing open of the mask is achieved by using a plastic core having an array of external bubbles that rapidly regain their shape when the mask is released, thereby forcing the entire mask into its fully erected configuration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a custom-fitted mask includes a thin sheet of deformable material that has been formed and fitted to a portion of a face surrounding the nostrils to conform substantially optimally to unique facial features. The thin sheet includes a perimeter defining only soft cartilaginous portions of the nose and portions on either side of and below the soft cartilaginous portions. and excludes hard bony portions of the nose; and an interior within the perimeter. In another embodiment, a mask blank for using in forming a custom-fitted mask includes a thin sheet of deformable material adapted to be transitioned from a non-deformable state into a deformable state, applied against a portion of a face surrounding the nostrils while the mask blank is in the deformable state, and deformed against the face to cause the mask blank to conform substantially optimally to unique facial features to form the custom-fitted mask.

Abstract: A patient interface that includes a support body having a cushion and cheek interfaces. Collectively, the cushion and cheek interfaces operate to distribute compressive forces exerted on the user's face. The support body of the patient interface is constructed from a flexible material to impart additional adjustability to the cheek interfaces. The support body also has arcuate eyelets designed to provide a hinge between the headgear assembly and the support body.

Abstract: A facial mask for filtering ambient air is formed from a pre-form of a multilayer flexible flat filter member with solid plastic side ribs of a size to extend the filter member over the mouth and nostrils of the user. The flat pre-form filter member can have a trapezoidal perimeter with an endless band of a hypoallergenic adhesive tape encircling a perimeter opening of the filter member and operable for sealing with the user's skin to prevent leakage over extended use. Portions of the adhesive tape can self-seal to form a structural base for maintaining a central concavity by cantilevering the side ribs to ensure a large filtration area offset from the nostrils and mouth of the user. The flexible filter material can further include an activated carbon layer.

Abstract: A filtering face mask that comprises: (a) a mask body; and (b) at least one diagnostic device for identifying whether the wearer of the mask is infected with a contagious disease.

Abstract: A mini-nasal filter including a filter element and an anchoring arrangement adapted to hold the filter element in registration external to, and under, a user's nose. An operable anchoring arrangement includes one or more section of adhesive tape that can be affixed to the user's nose, and/or lip. The filter element may carry a masking scent, or be impregnated with a substance to enhance adherence of particulate matter to the filter. Certain masks may include a bioactive agent to resist germs, bacteria, and viruses, and/or a treatment compound for nasal therapy.

Abstract: A piece of shear plastic of approximate size and shape to cover human nose and upper lip, with a filter element installed therein at an opening located at the nostrils. Adhesive added to the rear of the housing for airtight seal when applied to the nose and upper lip, so that all air breathed through the nose goes through the filter element. An aluminum strip at the bridge of the nose is added to help conform to the nose. The plastic housing is perforated to allow human perspiration to seep through the housing. Scoring is made during manufacturing in the area approximately at the side of the human nose so that the invention may be pinched to conform to the nose of the wearer. The filter element inserted into the plastic housing at the nostrils, is elongated and rolled back during manufacturing to allow the wearer to reveal additional filter element should it be required.

Abstract: A respiratory mask having a shell and a cushion that is adhered to a user's face is sufficiently rigid to provide dimensional stability and a constant volume between the respiratory mask and the user's face, while also being comfortable and conformable to a user's individual facial features. The respiratory mask may cover the nose, the mouth, or both of the user and is useful for respiratory therapies including sleep apnea. The respiratory mask may have a quick release mechanism such as a pull tab that tears a portion of the mask when pulled to allow access to the user's breathing passage or a pull string embedded in the adhesive that breaks the seal between the adhesive and the user's face when pulled.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of forming a custom fitted mask configured for coupling to an external gas supply system includes applying a first sheet of deformable material against a contact portion of a user's face surrounding the user's nostrils while the first sheet is in a deformable state. The first sheet is deformed against the contact portion of the user's face to cause the first sheet to conform substantially optimally to the user's unique facial features. A second sheet of deformable material is configured around a contact portion of a fitting adapted for coupling to the external gas supply system. The second sheet is applied against a contact portion of the first sheet while the second sheet is in a deformable state such that the fitting is positioned between the first and second sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to face masks to control and improve the quality of inhaled air. Claimed and described is a respiratory face mask comprising a flange and a filter layer, the flange having an inner periphery and an outer periphery and a first and a second width measured perpendicular to the inner periphery between the inner periphery and the outer periphery, characterised in that the first width is greater than the second width. Preferably, such face masks are strapless and rely on a hydrogel adhesive for attachment and sealing. Further claimed and described is an improved cover layer for an adhesive of such a face mask.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable face protector for protecting a human being from poisonous gas and securing visibility, which can be used in an emergency such as a fire, etc. The face protector comprises a visibility securing member having a transparent window, for tightly covering a face around eyes of a user; and a cloth member for tightly covering the face around a mouth and a nose of the user so as to filter poisonous gas in an emergency. Therefore, the face protector can be facilely carried and rapidly used in an emergency such as a fire, etc., so as to protect a human lift from the poisonous gas and safely escape from a critical region.

Abstract: A method for preventing a spread of diseases, promoting better breathing, improving comfort and reducing fatigue. The method utilizes a face mask and a noseform of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,173, which is incorporated herein by reference, In a first embodiment, the noseform is an integral part of a mask by forming, adhesion or heat bonding. In a second embodiment, the noseform is added to the mask prior to placing the mask in service with a usual method such as adhesion. In the first embodiment, the noseform is initially mounted on a person's nose by adhesively attaching the noseform to a lower portion of the nose, sliding the noseform upwardly toward the person's forehead and glabella and attaching an upper portion of the noseform to a fixed portion of the nose just below the glabella. The effect of this procedure is to shorten the person's airway and dilate the person's nasal passages.

Abstract: A ventilation device has a flexible adhesive sheet that can be sealed around the patient's nose and mouth. A fitting extending through the sheet in the region of the mouth enables the patient to be ventilated by means of a vent tube inserted through the fitting.

Abstract: Anti-snoring devices, more specifically to externally worn anti-snoring devices covering essentially a wearer's mouth and being adhesively attached to a wearers skin in the peri-oral area are described. The articles utilise an improved adhesive so as to facilitate easy application and removal of the article from the wearer, whilst ensuring maintenance of the article in the desired position. In particular the adhesives provide attachment on greasy and oily skin.

Abstract: A sealed face mask. The face mask may be a common paper face mask or a more technically complex gas mask. The face mask includes a periphery. The periphery includes a seal that surrounds the nostrils and the mouth and that sticks to the skin of the face. The adhesive of the seal may be a skin friendly adhesive or a skin unfriendly adhesive. With the skin unfriendly adhesive, the adhesive includes a strength sufficient to remove a first layer of skin from the face when the seal is pulled from the face. The seal includes a strip that may be elastomeric. The periphery of the face mask may be elastomeric. The face mask includes a neutralizing agent to minimize harmful effects of substances passing through the face mask. Further disclosed is a method for fixing the face mask to the face. Also disclosed are sealing strips for the lower ends of the legs of a pair of pants, sealing strips of the outer ends of the sleeves of a shirt, and sealing strips for other articles of clothing.

Abstract: A cup-shaped face mask sized to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer is disclosed. The face mask includes an inside surface, an outside surface, and a tab disposed on and extending outwardly from the outside surface, where the tab is adapted for gripping.

Abstract: A wet smoke mask for preventing the inhalation of smoke includes a first mask including a plate. The plate has size and shape for covering the face of user. The plate has an opening therein. The opening is positionable over the nose and mouth of a user. The plate has a pair of eye windows therein for seeing through the plate. A plurality of straps is attached to the first mask for removably securing the first plate to the head of a user of the device. A second mask includes an air permeable panel. The panel has a size adapted for covering the opening. A band is attached to opposite edges of the panel. The band comprises an elastic material. The second mask is positioned around the first mask such that the panel covers the opening. The panel is saturated with water before being positioned on the plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable gas mask usable for emergency rescue purposes to save human lives from toxic gas or germ attack. The disposable gas mask includes a rectangular thin body, an eye protection window arranged at an upper portion of the body, a filter unit arranged at a lower portion of the body, a peripheral adhesive band formed at an inner surface of the body along a peripheral edge of the body while surrounding the eye protection window and the filter unit, a vertically-extending folding line centrally provided at the eye protection window, an indicator arranged between the eye protection window and the filter unit and adapted to indicate the application purpose of the gas mask, and a sealing wax band formed at an inner surface of the eye protection window and an inner surface of the filter unit inside the adhesive band along a peripheral edge of the eye protection window and a peripheral edge of the filter unit.

Abstract: A seal and a mask having a seal adapted for confronting engagement with a surface of a user to form an interface therewith. The seal includes a first portion defined by a gel substance and a second portion associated with the first portion. The second portion includes a selectively formable substance adapted to be molded from a first pattern into a second pattern and to retain the second pattern responsive to being so molded. The seal and mask having the seal is tailored to patient by causing the formable portion of the seal to be placed in a malleable state, applying the seal to the patient while the formable portion is in the malleable state, and causing the formable portion to be placed in a fixed state to retain a shape generally conforming to the portion of the patient underlying the seal.

Abstract: A face mask is disclosed that includes a mask portion, a resilient member (e.g., a pillowed web), and, optionally, an adhesive portion. The resilient member and the adhesive portion are alternately positionable between the mask portion and the wearer to inhibit the passage of vapor between the mask and the wearer, which prevents fogging of the wearer's eyewear. A method for using the face mask is also disclosed.

Abstract: A face mask is disclosed that includes a mask portion, a resilient member (e.g., a pillowed web), and, optionally, an adhesive portion. The resilient member and the adhesive portion are alternately positionable between the mask portion and the wearer to inhibit the passage of vapor between the mask and the wearer, which prevents fogging of the wearer's eyewear. A method for using the face mask is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable respiratory mask is provided according to the invention. The disposable respiratory mask includes a bag having a first opening and a second opening and may have an optional vent hole, adhesive strips around a perimeter of the first opening, the adhesive strips being capable of attaching the mask to a face region around a nose, an interface tube having an optional vent hole, the proximal end of the interface tube capable of being inserted into the second opening of the bag, the distal end of the interface tube capable of connecting to a gas supply hose, and a retainer ring capable of being positioned over the bag and the interface tube to hold the bag on an outer surface of the interface tube when the interface tube is inserted into the second opening of the bag, wherein a gas is supplied to the mask through the gas supply hose, with the bag being inflated by the gas and the bag is therefore positioned away from a wearer's face.

Abstract: A smoke mask includes a moistened generally planar mask constructed of a moisture absorbing material that is sized to cover the nose and mouth of a user. A peripheral edge of the mask includes a pressure sensitive adhesive for securing the mask to the face of the user. At least one slit in the peripheral edge of the mask enables the mask to adapt to the contour of the face of the user for obtaining a tight fit of the mask. The mask is used in combination with a pull apart storage structure having first and second generally planar sealing sheets. The sealing sheets are attached to each other along an outer peripheral edge for forming a moisture impermeable hollow interior in which the moistened mask is disposed.