Abstract: Respirator attachment components are described and include a polymeric rigid respirator attachment body portion having a first surface and a second surface and a silicone sealing element chemically bonded to the first or second surface.

Abstract: A respirator 10 that has a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that is joined to the harness 14. The mask body 12 includes a filtering structure 16 that may contain a plurality of layers of nonwoven fibrous material 58, 60, 62. The layers of nonwoven fibrous material 58, 60, 62 have a thickness A and are welded together by at least two parallel weld lines 34?, 34? that are spaced at 0.5 to 6 times A. A mask body that uses parallel weld lines may exhibit better resistance to collapse and may be manufactured at faster speeds than similar structures which use single weld lines of comparable width.

Abstract: Fibrous antimicrobial materials for use in structures and barrier applications, such as face masks and wound dressings, have been developed from antimicrobial polymeric materials. The fibrous antimicrobial materials also are particularly suitable for use in air and water filtration. The antimicrobial polymeric materials are prepared from solid solutions of antimicrobial bisguanide compounds blended with certain thermoplastic polymers. The antimicrobial polymeric materials may be extruded into fibers or used in the particulate form for preparation of the nonwoven antimicrobial materials. The antimicrobial bisguanide compound, such as chlorhexidine, are distributed at the molecular level within at least one thermoplastic polymer, such as a polyolefin in which the antimicrobial bisguanide compound is soluble, to form a miscible blend. Methods for their formation and use also are provided.

Abstract: A flat-fold filtering face piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 that has a transversely-extending line of demarcation 22 and a longitudinal axis 34. First and second weld patterns 32a, 32b are disposed above and not traversing the line of demarcation on each side of the longitudinal axis 34, respectively. Third and fourth weld patterns 32c, 32d are disposed below and not crossing the line of demarcation 22 on each side of the longitudinal axis 34, respectively. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth weld patterns 32a-32d is a two-dimensional enclosed pattern. This combined weld patterns can provide a mask body that exhibits crush resistance without the need for additional or heavier layers, which may cause higher pressure drops across the filtering structure.

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: The present invention relates to a filter material for respirator masks. The filter material comprises a filter material layer that is pleated so as to form a plurality of folds, said filter material layer comprising a filter layer and a first netting layer. The invention is characterized in that the filter material layer comprises a second netting layer disposed on the filter layer on the side opposite to said first netting layer. The invention additionally relates to a respirator mask comprising such a filter material.

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: The invention is directed to a protective mask that has high filtration efficiency, yet is easy to breathe through and is comfortable to wear. The mask includes a thin filter body layer configured to cover the mouth and nose of a user when the mask is worn and a thicker compressible gasket positioned along a periphery of the mask. The gasket comprises a high loft, porous dielectric filtering material that forms a breathable closure about the user's face without forming an airtight seal, such that the user can draw breathable air from the sides, top, and bottom of the mask. The mask preferably includes a outer scrim coated with biocidal iodinated resin to provide surface antibacterial properties.

Abstract: A complex respirator is provided that includes a first shell, at least a first filter layer and a second filter layer. The first filter layer is replaceable and arranged on an outer side of the first shell while the first shell is disposed on an outer side of the second filter layer. A slot is formed on an outer side of the first shell for accommodating the first filter layer. The filtering area of the first filter layer is smaller than that of the second filter layer while pore size of the first filter layer is larger than that of the second filter layer. The second filter layer filters the gas that the first filter layer is unable to filter. Moreover, the type of first filter media of the first filter layer may be chosen based on the location that the complex respirator is to be used.

Abstract: A method of making a fluorinated fibrous web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web 22 that contains polymeric fibers, creating a plasma that contains fluorine atoms at a first location 14, and contacting the nonwoven web with products from the plasma at a second location 26 remote from the first location 14. The method avoids exposure of the web to the plasma and hence expands the manufacturing processing window. Webs so fluorinated have a different C3F4H+ to C2F5+ ratio when compared to locally fluorinated webs having similar levels of surface fluorination. The remote fluorinated webs can be subsequently charged electrically to provide a good performing electret filter 40 suitable for use in an air purifying respirator 30. Webs fluorinated in accordance with this invention also may exhibit good performance even after being “aged” at high temperatures.

Abstract: A medical face mask comprising a central transparent portion, an outer filter portion and, optionally, one or more antimicrobial agents is described.

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: A respiratory protective device in which a face piece (11) is located within the volume of a filter canister (10). The filter canister (10) can be in the form of a hollow section or sections which fit around all or part of the face piece (11) or on either side thereof. Contaminated air that has been purified in the filter canister (10) is ducted in an airtight manner through a hollow assembly (18) into the face piece (11).

Abstract: An air filtering soft face mask has a soft body formed of multiple layers of material, including at least one layer of air filtering material capable of filtering selected contaminants from air. The body has an arcuate or peaked nose engaging edge adapted to engage a nose of a wearer and terminating in remote ends that extend downwardly. The body has a chin underlying edge adapted to underlie a chin of a wearer and terminating in remote ends that extend upwardly. The remote ends of the chin underlying edge being secured to the remote ends of the nose engaging edge to form side edges. Jaw movement tensions the body, forcing the nose engaging edge into firmer engagement with the nose of the wearer, forcing the chin underlying edge into firmer engagement with the chin of the wearer and tensioning the side edges into firmer engagement with the cheeks of the wearer.

Abstract: A close-fitting face mask made of woven or non-woven material having a fitted nose area with a nose-bridge contact and a nose-bridge recess or space, a nose upper part extending from the nose-bridge contact at the mid point of the bridge of the wearer's nose to the level of the lower eyelid, a chin part with a recess or space extending below the wearer's chin, and attachment straps made of elastic or flexible material including upper straps, one each side, attached to the nose upper part and passing above the upper part of the wearer's ear, and lower straps, one each side, attached to the pivot or neutral point of the mask and passing below the wearer's ear.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed face masks that are provided in a generally flat configuration and are capable of being expanded to a cup-shaped configuration. Such masks comprise at least one porous layer that comprises at least one pleat and that is capable of being expanded by at least partially unfolding the at least one pleat. The mask further comprises at least one stiffening element that comprises at least one engaging feature. Upon expanding the porous layer, the engaging feature engages with the porous layer so as to enhance the ability of the mask to maintain the expanded, cup-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A flat-folding mask includes a filter layer forming a rim. The filter layer has first and second side panels extending from the rim. A substantially centrally located front panel bridges the first and second side panels, the front panel being substantially flat. The filter layer further includes a fused portion that is seamless and spaced from the rim. Triangular pleats may add support to the side walls and increase the effective filtration area of the mask.

Abstract: The present invention is a generally conical nebulizer, aerosol, filter or inhalant face mask for sealing against the atmosphere a wearer's mouth and nose, the improvement comprising a representation of a face on the outside surface with an exhaust valve located where the mouth would be located. The exhaust valve is adapted to visibly lift outward and up from the outside mask surface to imitate a flapping tongue.

Abstract: A flat-folding mask includes a filter layer forming a rim. The filter layer has first and second side panels extending from the rim. A substantially centrally located front panel bridges the first and second side panels, the front panel being substantially flat. The filter layer further includes a fused portion that is seamless and spaced from the rim. Triangular pleats may add support to the side walls and increase the effective filtration area of the mask.

Abstract: A heat exchange module comprising a number of substantially parallel and spaced apart heat exchange elements is provided. One or more surfaces of the heat exchange elements may be coated with a dessicant. The module can be manufactured so that first and second surfaces of the module are curved. The module may be used as part of a face mask or other garment that positions the module within the respiratory air stream of a user. The module may be inserted in a mesh sleeve provided as part of the garment. The module may also be used as part of other forms of clothing that protect the face and in protective helmets, or as part of outdoor or survival equipment.

Abstract: A coating composition that is incorporated into a facemask to reduce fogging and glare is provided. For example, in one embodiment, the facemask contains a shield or visor formed from a transparent substrate having at least one surface applied with the coating composition of the present invention. The present inventors have unexpectedly discovered that one or more water-soluble organic polymers, such as ethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, may be utilized as a principal component of the coating composition to reduce fogging and glare in a simple, yet effective manner.

Abstract: A personal respiratory protection device includes a multi-layered structure and first and second means for attaching a headband to hold the device in position on a wearer's face. The multilayered structure includes a filter medium and is divided into a flat upper panel having an upper peripheral edge, a flat non-rectangular central panel and a lower panel having a lower peripheral edge. The central panel is separated from each of the upper and lower panels by first and second lines of demarcation. The first and second lines of demarcation converge towards the first and second means for attaching a headband. The multi-layered structure is capable of being folded at the respective lines of demarcation so that the device can be folded flat for storage and can be opened to form a cup-shaped off the face air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer while the upper peripheral edge and the lower peripheral edge contact the wearer's face when the device is in use.

Abstract: A flat-folding mask includes a filter layer forming a rim. The filter layer has first and second side panels extending from the rim. A substantially centrally located front panel bridges the first and second side panels, the front panel being substantially flat. The filter layer further includes a fused portion that is seamless and spaced from the rim. Triangular pleats may add support to the side walls and increase the effective filtration area of the mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a four-sided dustproof mask including: an upper filter adapted to surround a wearer's nose area; a lower filter adapted to surround the wearer's chin area; and a protruded center filter adapted to attach the upper filter and the lower filter thereto in such a manner as to make the both ends of the upper filter and the lower filter correspond to center points formed at the both ends of a curved folding line dividing the protruded center filter into two sides, the curved folding line having a straight line portion having a predetermined length protrudedly extended from the center points thereof, whereby while the upper filter and the lower filter are being developed, the protruded center filter is protruded to a dome-like shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to an individual flexible, thermoformed or foldable breathing mask comprising a filtering media and an outer cover (1, 10, 11) which constitutes the cover of the mask and which protects said filtering media, characterized in that said cover is manufactured in a material having phosphorescent and/or fluorescent properties, in a sufficient quantity for the mask to be more easily visible in the dark.

Abstract: A detachable disposable mask and a disposable mask body thereof is disclosed. The detachable disposable mask includes a disposable mask body and two straps. The disposable mask body has a thermoplastic filter sheet that contains polyolefin material. Each strap has two assembling members respectively located on two ends thereof. The assembling members are detachably assembled on the disposable mask body. After a period of use, the filtering effect of the disposable mask body is reduced, so the disposable mask body must be abandoned. However, since the assembling members of the straps are detachably assembled on the disposable mask body, the straps needn't be abandoned following the disposable mask body. Accordingly, the detachable disposable mask can avoid waste of straps, reduce users' purchase cost and improve the effect of environmental protection. The present invention claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 200610066167.3, filed Mar. 24, 2006.

Abstract: A face mask comprising a filter material being a fibrous substrate, especially non-woven polypropylene or polyester, having an acidic polymer, especially of the Carbopol or Gantrez type, deposited on the fibres. The mask has an anti-viral activity against inhaled or exhaled air. A filter material suitable for such a mask, and a process for making it are also described.

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 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: The invention refers to a personal protective equipment for the respiration that is made up of an upper (1) and a lower (2) part characterized in that the two parts are both flat and exactly identical, are circle-shaped with a straight edge and a curved one, arc-shaped, and are linked together through the curved edge (3). The equipment can be re-positioned in a folded position for storage, while during the use, it creates an air-chamber, crescent shaped, over the nose and the mouth of the user, and the linear edges of the two parts are in contact with the face. The protective equipment of the invention, thanks to its small size, high comfort and high sealing along its perimeter, is particular effective in the applications where a high tightness is required for high protection level such as the use to protect against biological agents.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus may comprise a base material folded in a folded state. A filter may be attached to the base material. In addition, the filtering apparatus may comprise a perforation. The perforation may be configured to define a portion of the base material configured to be removed from the base material. The base material may be configured to be transformable to an unfolded state when the portion of the base material is removed along the perforation. An adhesive may be attached to the base material. The adhesive may be configured to adhere the filtering apparatus around at least one orifice of a subject when the base material is in the unfolded state. In addition, the filter may be doped with medication or other substances depending upon an intended application. The filtering apparatus may also contain a tactile area to assist the subject in using the filtering apparatus.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for protecting a wearer against airborne particulates, chemical vapors, and splashes is disclosed. The mask includes a body sized to fit over at least a portion of the face of a wearer. The body includes a first layer including a microporous membrane having a plurality of interconnecting pores extending therethrough, and a second layer including an absorbent textile. The mask further includes an attachment mechanism for coupling the mask to the face of the wearer.

Abstract: A respirator comprises: a nose and mouth covering porous filter body and a flexible restraining device arranged so that the body may pivot in a transverse plane about its nose contact portion, and the restraining device attaches to the body at positions where its restraining force imparts torque in the body about said nose contact portion so that the chin contact portion of said body bears against the user's chin.

Abstract: A respiratory protection device comprises a housing (1) defining a chamber within the housing. The chamber is open in a region which in use is adapted to be nearest to a user. A porous element (3) is located within the chamber and a communicating member (5) communicates with the porous element (3) within the chamber.

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: The present invention relates generally to a filtration article, such as a protective facemask, a method for using a filtration article, and a method for preparing a filtration article. In particular, the invention relates to a protective facemask that cost-effectively offers a broad spectrum of antimicrobial protection through the use of fibers treated with one or more oligodynamic metal and/or salt of an oligodynamic metal.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 and a harness 14. The mask body 12 includes (i) a filtering structure 18, (ii) a plastic support structure 16, and (iii) a nose clip 19 that is secured to the plastic support structure 18 by being molded therein. The inventive filtering face-piece respirator is beneficial in that it eliminates the need for an adhesive or welding step to secure the nose clip to the mask body.

Abstract: A face mask structure, which includes an outer protective layer prepared from a water-repellent non-woven fabric; an inner protective layer prepared from a hydrophile non-woven fabric; a filter layer prepared from a static high-density fiber material for filtering microbes and dust powder, and sandwiched between the outer and inner protective layers; and a compound layer treated with a multiple functionalize carboxylic acid derivative that is a product from a chemical reaction between a cyclodextrin complex and a multiple functionalize carboxylic acid. The cyclodextrin complex can be a complex of cyclodextrin and an essential oil, antibiotic agent, or mosquito repellent agent.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that includes a mask body 12 and a harness 14 and a support structure 16. The support structure 16 has a perimeter 20 that includes buckles 40 that are integrally joined to the perimeter 20. A mask body of this construction avoids the need to separately make the buckles and the mask body support structure and avoids an additional step in the assembly of the respirator.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that has a support structure 16 and a filtering structure 18. The filtering structure 18 includes first and second transversely extending members 26, 28 that can move toward and apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The filtering structure 18 has a filtration layer 52 and a pleat 58. The pleat 58 allows the filtering structure 18 to contract and expand when the first and second transversely-extending members 26, 28 move toward and apart from each other, respectively. This ability to expand and contract in an accordion-like manner enables the mask body to better accommodate wearer jaw movement.

Abstract: A stick-on covering for a mask is disclosed. The cover is sized and configured to fit on a standard size surgical type mask. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is made of a breathable filter material. The invention discloses a novelty, breathable, peel-and-stick mask cover.

Abstract: A maintenance-free respirator 10 that includes a mask harness and a mask body 11. The mask body 11 has at least one layer of filter media 56 and has a perimeter 32 that includes an upper segment 34. The upper segment 34 includes first and second concave segments 36, 38 that are located, respectively, on first and second sides of a central plane 40, when viewing the mask body from a top view. A maintenance-free respirator 10 of this configuration is comfortable to wear and can provide a snug fit to a wearer's face, particularly beneath each of the wearer's eyes, while at the same time having an ability to improve compatibility with various protective eyewear.

Abstract: An eye and mouth mask unit for escape from dense smoke of fire accident comprises an eye and mouth mask, a liquid bag and a package bag unit. The eye and mouth mask and the liquid bag are sealed in the package bag when not in use. The eye and mouth mask comprises a mouth mask body, an eye mask body and two constriction bands. The eye mask body is connected at the upper side of the mouth mask body. The eye mask body is made of transparent plastic film. The two constriction bands are sewed at end corners of two side peripheries of the mouth mask body for hanging on ears of a user so that the eye mask body and the mouth mask body of eye and mouth mask can cover over his eyes, nose and mouth.

Abstract: An air filtering soft face mask has a soft body formed of multiple layers of material, including at least one layer of air filtering material capable of filtering selected contaminants from air. The body has an arcuate or peaked nose engaging edge adapted to engage a nose of a wearer and terminating in remote ends that extend downwardly. The body has a chin underlying edge adapted to underlie a chin of a wearer and terminating in remote ends that extend upwardly. The remote ends of the chin underlying edge being secured to the remote ends of the nose engaging edge to form side edges. Jaw movement tensions the body, forcing the nose engaging edge into firmer engagement with the nose of the wearer, forcing the chin underlying edge into firmer engagement with the chin of the wearer and tensioning the side edges into firmer engagement with the cheeks of the wearer.

Abstract: Microwave energy may be used to disinfect used face masks, respirators and other items containing filtration media for respiration. A method of disinfecting is provided as well as filtration media having indicators to visually indicate when disinfection has occurred. The indicators may function based on temperature and steam generation during microwaving. Thermochromic materials may be used to indicate that a proper temperature has been reached.

Abstract: The facemask tape-adjuster is an adjusting device for the tapes of facemasks comprising of a upper piece and a lower piece respectively made joint at one edge, in which the inner face of upper piece is made to have pressing region complementary to that which is made on the inner face of bottom piece, which are further mounted between by a two-stage buckling structure, wherein opposing two of four tapes are held between the complementary inner faces reverse-overlapped through opposing ends of the adjuster, which upon first clipping stage there is space given between the two piece allowing the two tapes limited mobility for adjustment, which further upon second clipping stage the space is minimized to such that the two tapes become held fixed.

Abstract: A flat-fold respirator is made from a stiff filtration panel joined to the remainder of the respirator through at least one line of demarcation. The panel contains a porous monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web that contains charged intermingled continuous monocomponent polymeric fibers of the same polymeric composition and that has sufficient basis weight or inter-fiber bonding so that the web exhibits a Gurley Stiffness greater than 200 mg and the respirator exhibits less than 20 mm H2O pressure drop. The respirator may be formed without requiring additional stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement and can be flat-folded for storage. Scrap from the manufacturing process may be recycled to make additional stiff filtration panel web.

Abstract: A mask placeable over at least one respiratory organ of a user's face for blocking out unpleasant odors and for emitting a scent which is pleasant to the user. The mask has an air-permeable body with an inner surface shaped to fit over a respiratory organ of the user, a strap for securing the mask on the user, and an air-permeable scenting device to emit different scents which are pleasant to the user. The air-permeable scenting device includes a substantially tubular body within a pocket attached to the inner surface of the air-permeable body. The tubular body is breakable by applying a bending moment to the tubular body. Upon breaking, the tubular body releases a scent. The scenting device further includes a membrane substantially enclosing the tubular body. The membrane is substantially saturable by the scent when the tubular body is broken to release the scent through said air-permeable body.

Abstract: A face mask made of woven or non-woven material that accommodates the anatomical features of the face. It has a nose recess or nose-locating space, extended chin space and close fitting cheek areas, for use in medical environments or for general public use. The mask has been developed with innovations that provide security to the wearer by its to the fitting the face particularly without moving upwards or downwards when moving the jaw. This is unlike all other masks tested which either move upwards to reveal the mouth or slide downward to reveal the nostrils due to the movement of the jaw and face when talking or coughing etc. The stability and secure fit to the face is achieved by following the anatomical configuration of the face and by the positioning of the slightly elastic holding straps—the upper one is positioned level with the upper nose to the top of the ear and the lower strap from the mid point of the mask to under the ear—the straps form a loop around the ear.

Abstract: A face mask is provided that is configured to reduce or eliminate fogging that may occur on eye wear or an eyeshield worn by a user of the face mask. The face mask includes a body portion that has a layer with an inner surface configured for facing the face of the user. The layer has at least one fold that extends in a horizontal direction across at least a portion of the layer. The fold has a fold forming portion located between and attached to two primary portions of the layer. The inner surface of the fold forming portion is in facing relationship with the inner surface of the vertically disposed lower primary portion.