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.

Abstract: A garment device convertible to one or more facemasks wherein the garment device has a plurality of detachable cup sections. Each of the cup sections has a filter device, an inner portion positionable adjacent to the inner area of the user's chest, and an outer portion positionable adjacent to the outer area of the user's chest. The garment device has at least one securing device detachably coupling the inner portions of the cup sections to one another, and the garment device has at least one other securing device attached to the outer portion of at least one of the cup sections. This other securing device is operable to: (a) detachably couple the outer portions of the cup regions to one another; and (b) for each one of the cup sections, attach the outer portion of said cup region to the inner portion of said cup region after said cup region is detached from the other cup region, thereby converting the garment device to a plurality of facemasks.

Abstract: A respirator containing filter cases uses cellular elements or positioning boards provided in filter cases to consistently secure a plurality of particle-shape refillable filter materials in place, to prevent air breathing in through the respirator from forming channels between the particle-shape refillable filter materials in the filter cases, so that the particle-shape refillable filter materials in the filter cases can properly filter the incoming air, and the service life of the respirator can be extended; and, using a recessed space formed inside the respirator body, where an appropriate space can be reserved between the casing and the user's nose and mouth to enlarge the breathing area of filtered air passing through the filter cases, reduce pressure drop, and enable less breathing effort to the user even after extended period of time in wearing the present invention of respirator containing filter cases.

Abstract: A face mask structure has an upper mask portion, a middle mask portion, and a lower mask portion, which are formed integrally. The upper mask portion has an upper metal stripe disposed at a proper position thereof. The lower mask portion has a lower metal stripe disposed at a proper position thereof. The upper and lower mask portions are folded in opposite directions. When in use, the upper and lower mask portions are spread out to support the middle mask portion. In this way, the face mask structure becomes fitting in with the shapes of human faces. Furthermore, the middle mask portion has multiple folding portions. When in use, the folding portions are stretched out to increase filtering area. Thereby, the inner space of the face mask structure is increased, the air-invasion rate is reduced, and the filtering efficiency is thus improved.

Abstract: A disposable mask for dust protection is provided for maintaining contact with the wearer's face even when moving one's mouth, in which the strap is fixed to maintain tension, and to enable easy adjustment of the length of the strap. The disposable dust protective mask includes a filter body having a front filter, upper and lower sealing wings coupled to the front filter such that they can fold which closely contact the ridge of the nose and the jaw of the wearer, first spread-guiding lines, formed at respective sides corresponding to the front filter, for guiding the upper and lower sealing wings to be spread, second spread-guiding lines for guiding the upper and lower sealing wings to be spread, strap adjusting devices coupled to both sides of the filter body, and a strap connected to the strap adjusting devices and hung on the wearer. The upper and lower sealing wings spread apart along the first and second spread-guiding lines depending on movement of the wearer's mouth and jaw.

Abstract: A mask includes a filter layer and a support base supporting the filter layer. The filter layer has first and second complimentary portions that together form a rim, where the first portion is connected to the second portion at first and second seams. The first seam extends from the rim to a first pleat, while the second seam extends from the rim to a second pleat. The first pleat is connected to the second pleat by an unpleated central portion. The first pleat, second pleat and unpleated central portion are formed by the first and second portions of the filter layer.

Abstract: A face mask for filtering contaminants from the air. The face mask includes a harness for securing the mask over the nose and mouth of the wearer and a nonwoven fibrous layer attached to the harness. The nonwoven fibrous layer contains at least 40 weight percent thermally bonding fibers, where at least 10 weight percent of the fibers in the nonwoven fibrous layer are bicomponent fibers. The nonwoven fibrous layer is molded in a cup-shaped configuration and has a surface fuzz value of not less than 7.5 after being subjected to a surface fuzz abrasion test.

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 respiratory filter includes an air-permeable sleeve and at least one filter layer that is arranged in the sleeve and contains activated carbon. The activated carbon contained in the filter layers serves as a gas filter that, by absorption, at least partially removes the noxious gases that are contained in the air inhaled.

Abstract: A respiratory mask that conforms to N95 performance and other high performance standards with improved air permeability for improved air circulation. The respiratory mask has a mask body and a headband for putting on the respiratory mask to the face of a wearer, the mask body consisting of an inside mask having two or more filter layers; an outside mask, having two or more filter layers; one or more spacers inserted between the filter layers of the inside mask to generate space between different filter layers of the inside mask; and one or more spacers inserted between the filter layers of the outside mask to generate space between different filter layers of the outside mask so that when air is discharged by the wearer, the spacers together with the filter layers provide a pumping effect mechanism to blow out more carbon dioxide given off by the wearer to the surrounding and to take in more air from the surrounding for the wearer. Various forms and shapes of the spacer have been proposed.

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 personal respiratory protection device that comprises a mask body and an exhalation valve that is secured to the mask body. The mask body includes (i) a flat central panel; (ii) a flat first panel joined to the central panel through a fold-line, seam weld, or bond, the fold-line, seam, weld or bond of the first panel being substantially coextensive with an edge of the central panel; (iii) a flat second panel joined to the central panel through a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold-line, seam, weld or bond of the second panel being substantially coextensive with an edge of the central panel. At least one of the center, first and second panels includes filter media. The device is capable of being folded for storage with the first and second panels in at least partial face-to-face contact with a common surface of the central panel and, during use, is capable of forming, over the nose and mouth of the wearer, a cup-shaped air chamber having a face-contacting periphery.

Abstract: A method for making a filtering face mask that comprises providing a fluid-permeable multi-layered mask body comprising a structural supporting layer and a filtration layer, the multi-layered mask body being configured to fit over the nose and mouth of a person and having an aperture disposed therein; providing an exhalation valve comprising a base portion and a deformable hollow plastic extension member that extends from the base portion to a tip; inserting the tip through the aperture; and deforming the extension member so as to make an effective seal between the exhalation valve and the mask body.

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 protective, multipurpose mask covers the oral and nasal areas. The mask has an opening about or around the mouth area of the wearer which allows different devices to be inserted and withdrawn from the wearer's mouth while the mask is in place on the wearer.

Abstract: A humidifier having a heat-generating composition for generating steam is disclosed. The humidifier is permitted to fit the face, keeping the humidity high at a space between the face and the humidifier for many hours. A central non heat-generating belt, which functions as a flexible belt, is provided between inner heat-generating regions containing heat-generating composition. Lateral non heat-generating belts, which function as a flexible belt, are provided between the inner heat-generating regions and outer heat-generating regions. The humidifier fits the face by deforming the flexible belts. Thus, the face is kept moisturized by steam discharged from the inner heat-generating regions and the outer heat-generating regions.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter mask for filtering air inhaled and exhaled from the mouth and nostrils while providing a positive facial lock at all edges of the mask. The filter mask has upper and lower edges which are provided with malleable stiffeners for conforming to the shape of the wearer's nose and cheek area and the lower jaw and chin area, respectively. The material of the filter mask is folded to have an omega pleat for forming a breathing chamber and a secondary pleat for assisting in securing the mask to the lower jaw and chin area. A pair of headbands are used to hold the mask on the head. The peripheral edges of the mask are bound. The mask provides excellent filtration since the positive facial lock around all edges of the mask substantially prevents air from leaking between the mask and the face.

Abstract: A method of producing a plurality of face masks is provided. The method includes the step of providing a continuous web that is of the same material throughout. A plurality of body portions are stamped from the continuous web so that each of the plurality of face masks has one body portion. A plurality of left extension portions are stamped from the continuous web so that each of the body portions has one left extension portion integrally attached thereto. A plurality of right extension portions are stamped from the continuous web so that each of the body portions has one right extension portion integrally attached thereto. A dispenser assembly for dispensing face masks is also provided. The assembly includes a core and a roll of face masks that are rotatably disposed on the core. As least one of the face masks includes a body portion and left extension portion that is integrally attached to the body portion. A right extension portion is integrally attached to the body portion.

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 facemask having an aromatic capsule has a mask body having an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer, at least one press-to-crack aromatic capsule held fixed within the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer, and is provided with fragrance therein, and two bands disposed at the two sides of the mask body.

Abstract: A face mask having a mask body made of a shaped first material with an opening and a reduced resistance filter material placed within the opening. The reduced resistance filter material permitting air to flow relatively freely there through. In one embodiment one edge of a shield is fixed to the mask body of the face mask and covers the opening and the reduced resistance filter material protecting the opening from liquid splashes and the exhaled air flow from a user downwards, away from the user's eyes. Exhaled air from a user wearing the face mask is caused to relatively freely flow through the reduced resistance filter and to be directed downward preventing the fogging of a user's eyewear. The face mask of the present invention is particularly suited to the medical and dental profession.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel light weight inexpensive full face mask in which the air filtration function is carried out by an air filtration shell which has at least a portion of its surface made of a porous filtration material. The air filtration shell also acts as a breathing chamber. Also disclosed is a lower cost yet an effective method for providing a cooler breathing chamber and minimizing the volume of re-inhaled exhaled-air in any full face mask.

Abstract: A protective mask for resisting biting by a detainee has a panel of flexible, breathable material shaped to extend across and cover the nose, mouth and cheeks of a wearer and at least one fastener strap extending between the opposite sides of the panel for extending around the back of a wearer's head in order to secure the panel in position across a wearer's face. An elongate bite-resisting strip member is secured to the central region of the inner face of the panel to extend transversely across the mouth. This will resist or prevent biting by the wearer through the material of the panel. A central folded region of the panel creates a space between the panel and the wearer's mouth, the folded region being open at the lower edge of the panel to prevent pooling of vomit or the like within the mask.

Abstract: A component is attached to filtration material by providing the component with a deformable extension member that is preferably integral with the component and that extends from a base portion of the component. The extension member is inserted through an opening provided through the filtration material and is then deformed to provide a mechanical clamp that is utilized in attaching the component in position. In certain embodiments, the component is an attachment such as an exhalation valve of a respiratory mask.

Abstract: A method of making a respirator, which method includes placing an electret in a respirator body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The electret is disposed in the respirator body such that air passes through it before being inhaled by a respirator wearer. The electret includes a nonwoven web that has fluorinated polymeric microfibers and that has at least about 25% atomic fluorine as detected by ESCA and a CF3:CF2 ratio of at least about 0.45.

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 face mask is disclosed. The face mask includes an inside surface, an outside surface having at least one edge, and at least one loop having a first end and a second end attached to the outside surface, where the loop is less than about 80 millimeters in length.

Abstract: A face mask is provided. The face mask includes a body portion that is configured to be placed over a mouth and at least part of a nose of a user. A first extension portion is present and is attached to the body potion. The first extension portion is configured to at least partially extend around at least a portion of a head of the user. A second extension portion is attached to the body portion. Also, a hook and loop type fastener is present and has a hook section and a loop section. One of the hook and loop sections is attached to the first extension portion, and the other of the hook and loop sections is attached to the second extension portion. Engagement of the hook section and the loop section causes the body portion, the first extension portion, and the second extension portion to be retained on the user. Disengagement of the hook section and the loop section causes the body portion, the first extension portion, and the second extension portion to be released from the user.

Abstract: A filtering face mask that includes a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person and a harness that is attached to the mask body. The mask body comprises i) a first shaping layer that has been molded; ii) a second shaping layer that has been molded; iii) a filtration layer that is disposed between the first and second shaping layers; iv) a first adhesive layer that adheres the first shaping layer to the filtration layer; and v) a second adhesive layer that adheres the second shaping layer to the filtration layer.

Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices that have a flat substantially rectangular central portion having first and second edges, at flat first member joined to the first edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, said fold, bond, weld or seam of the first member being substantially coextensive with said first edge of said central portion, and a flat second member joined to the second edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold, bond, weld or seam of the second member being substantially coextensive with said second edge of said central portion. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media.

Abstract: A filtering face mask that comprises a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer, the mask body comprising a filtration layer through which inhaled air may pass before being inhaled by a wearer of the face mask; and an exhalation valve that is attached to the mask body, the exhalation valve allowing air exhaled by a wearer to pass from an interior of the mask body to its exterior without having to pass through the filtration layer, the exhalation valve comprising: a valve seat that comprises: a seal surface; and an orifice that is circumscribed by the seal surface; and a single flexible flap that has one fixed portion and one free portion and a circumferential edge, the circumferential edge having a first segment that is associated with the one fixed portion of the flap so as to remain at rest during an exhalation and having a second segment that is associated with the one free portion of the flexible flap so as to be lifted away from the seal surface during an exhalation, the secon

Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices that have a flat substantially rectangular central portion having first and second edges, at flat first member joined to the first edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, said fold, bond, weld or seam of the first member being substantially coextensive with said first edge of said central portion, and a flat second member joined to the second edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold, bond, weld or seam of the second member being substantially coextensive with said second edge of said central portion. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media.

Abstract: A travel mask that fits over the nose and mouth area of a wearer's face for filtration of air, particularly recycled air in the travel compartment of a common carrier, the travel mask having a face shield that preferably includes an aroma patch that emits a pleasant aroma and a retainer such as a head band for retaining the face shield against a user's head. The retainer has slidable ear plugs for blocking noise. The travel mask also has a foldable eye flap or flaps for blocking light when the flap or flaps are extended, the flap or flaps preferably having thermal gel packs for cooling or warming the eye lid area of the wearer during use.

Abstract: A travel mask that fits over the nose and mouth area of a wearer's face for filtration of air, particularly recycled air in the travel compartment of a common carrier, the travel mask having a face shield that preferably includes an aroma patch that emits a pleasant aroma and a retainer such as a head band for retaining the face shield against a user's head. The retainer has slidable ear plugs for blocking noise. The travel mask also has a foldable eye flap or flaps for blocking light when the flap or flaps are extended, the flap or flaps preferably having thermal gel packs for cooling or warming the eye lid area of the wearer during use.

Abstract: A vapor phase treated electret filter media includes an additive or mixtures thereof that enhance the charge stability of the media. The filter media achieves acceptable alpha values for a range of filtration challenges without significant decay in alpha values over time. Preferred charge additives include fatty acid amides and mixtures thereof. Exemplary vapor phase deposition monomers include fluorinated monomers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a face mask comprising a health-promoting resin. The face mask comprises a fibrous pad covering wearer's nose and mouth, and a pair of loops attached to both sides of the fibrous pad so as to hang them on both ears, respectively, wherein the pad is composed of an inner layer, an outer layer combined with the inner layer and a health-promoting resin interposed between the inner and outer layers. The face mask can substantially prevent microorganisms from entering the wearer's body by antimicrobial processing, thereby improving the wearer's health and promoting blood circulation to activate various cellular functions and growth-promoting effects in the wearer's body by far-infrared rays and anions generated in an appropriate amount from the health-promoting resin.

Abstract: Electret filter media comprising a nonwoven web of thermoplastic nonconductive microfibers having trapped charge, said charge provided by (1) subjecting the nonwoven web to a corona treatment, followed by (2) impingement of jets of water or a stream of water droplets on the web at a pressure sufficient to provide the web with filtration enhancing electret charge and (3) drying the web. This electret filter media may be used in a respiratory mask to provide extraordinarily good filtration properties.

Abstract: Air-blocking material forms a concentrated passage in a health mask body that covers a user's nose and mouth where air is concentrated and passed through at inhalation and exhalation. Such concentrated passage maintains humidity and preserves heat due to the humid and warm respiration air produced at the time of exhalation. Moreover, frosting of eyeglasses is prevented by ensuring that the hot exhalation air does not flow upwardly when the patient wears eyeglasses.

Abstract: A disposable face mask includes a mask body covering substantially a nose, mouth, and chin of a wearer, and an extension provided with the mask body. The extension is configured to encircle a back of a wearer's head and to substantially cover a wearer's cheeks, jaw, and ears. A substantial portion of the extension is formed from a resilient material treated with a repellant agent to prevent contaminants from entering or exiting such treated portion of the extension.

Abstract: A face mask is provided. The face mask includes a body portion that is configured to be placed over a mouth and at least part of a nose of a user in order to at least partially isolate the mouth and nose. The body portion contacts at least a portion of the skin of the user's face. A left extension portion is integrally attached to the body portion. The left extension portion is configured to extend around at least a portion of the left side of the user's head. The left extension portion is made of the same material as the body portion. The left extension portion has a left ear attachment member for engaging the left extension portion to the left ear of the user. Also, a right extension portion is integrally attached to the body portion and is configured to extend around at least a portion of the right side of the user's head. The right extension portion is also made of the same material as the body portion and has a right ear attachment member for engaging the right ear of the user.

Abstract: A method of making a personal respiratory protection device. The method comprises: (a) forming a multi-layered structure that comprises a first cover web, a filtration layer that comprises a web that contains electrically-charged microfibers, and a second cover web; and (b) adapting the multi-layered structure into a first panel, a central panel, and a second panel such that the central panel is separated from each of the first and second panels by first and second lines of demarcation, and each of the first, second, and central panels is non-pleated. The first and second cover webs are disposed on first and second opposing sides of the filtration layer, respectively, and at least one of the cover webs comprises spunbond fibers. The resulting respiratory protection device is capable of being folded flat at the respective lines of demarcation for storage and can be opened to form a cup-shaped air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer when in use.

Abstract: A dental mask which has two separate chambers, one for inhalation and the other for exhalation. The two separate chambers being separated by an elasticized strip across the philtrum area. The mask is designed to be disposable, yet also have the ability to accept, for increased protection, filter insertable pads which can be placed in the inner surface of the mask. An embodiment of the mask would allow the main frame to be reusable, by having means for snapping a disposable filter onto the frame.

Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices are provided. The devices have a flat central portion having first and second edges, a flat first member joined to the first edge through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond that is substantially coextensive with the first edge, and a flat second member joined to the second edge through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond that is substantially coextensive with the second edge. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media. The device is capable of being folded flat for storage with the first and second members being in at least partial face-to-face contact with a common surface of the central portion and, during use, is capable of forming a cup-shaped air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer.

Abstract: A component is attached to filtration material by providing the component with a deformable extension member that is preferably integral with the component and that extends from a base portion of the component. The extension member is inserted through an opening provided through the filtration material and is then deformed to provide a mechanical clamp that is utilized in attaching the component in position. In certain embodiments, the component is an attachment such as an exhalation valve of a respiratory mask.

Abstract: An apparatus for the protection of a face in general, and in particular the eyes, ears, nose, and respiratory system of a user includes a flexible material that is adapted to be disposed over a portion of the face. The flexible material includes a first end of an upper band or cord that extends from one side thereof and enters into a first seam of the flexible material. The first seam extends along an upper perimeter of the flexible material under the ears and around the back of the neck of the user and to the opposite side of the flexible material. A second end of the upper cord exits from the seam and passes through a first hole in a shield, the shield being formed of a transparent material, for example, a clear plastic. The first end of the upper cord passes through a second hole in the shield. The first and second ends can be displaced with regard to the first and second holes and retain the shield in an upper position relative to the face of the user.

Abstract: Safety apparel and/or non-apparel items that filter from the air one or more airborne particles and/or undesired gasses to provide safety to a human and/or non-human from potentially unhealthy airborne particles. The apparel and/or non-apparel item at least partially includes a filter material. The filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item has a sufficient size to enable the human and/or non-human to cover the nose, eyes, and/or mouth of the human and/or non-human. The filter material filters at least one airborne particle and/or undesired gas by a mechanical mechanism, an electrical mechanism, and/or a chemical mechanism. The apparel and/or non-apparel item can include at least one visual and/or textural indicator on the apparel and/or non-apparel item to at least partially indicate the location of the filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item.

Abstract: A filtering face mask that includes a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person and a harness that is attached to the mask body. The mask body comprises i) a first shaping layer that has been molded; ii) a second shaping layer that has been molded; iii) a filtration layer that is disposed between the first and second shaping layers; iv) a first adhesive layer that adheres the first shaping layer to the filtration layer; and v) a second adhesive layer that adheres the second shaping layer to the filtration layer.

Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices are provided. The devices have a flat central portion having first and second edges, a flat first member joined to the first edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, said fold, bond, weld or seam of the first member being substantially coextensive with said first edge of said central portion, and a flat second member joined to the second edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold, bond, weld or seam of the second member being substantially coextensive with said second edge of said central portion. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media.

Abstract: A component is attached to filtration material by providing the component with a deformable extension member that is preferably integral with the component and that extends from a base portion of the component. The extension member is inserted through an opening provided through the filtration material and is then deformed to provide a mechanical clamp that is utilized in attaching the component in position. In certain embodiments, the component is an attachment such as an exhalation valve of a respiratory mask.

Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices are provided. The devices have a flat central portion having first and second edges, a flat first member joined to the first edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, said fold, bond, weld or seam of the first member being substantially coextensive with said first edge of said central portion, and a flat second member joined to the second edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold, bond, weld or seam of the second member being substantially coextensive with said second edge of said central portion. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media.