Abstract: A simple, lightweight, easily deployable mask designed for use in modern fires. The mask substantially covers a wearer's face and includes a peripheral adhesive seal for preventing contaminants from effecting the wearer's visual or respiratory systems. The peripheral seal preferably comprises an adhesive band employing the skin adhesive commonly used in surgical masks. The adhesive band provides for closed attachment of the mask to the brow, the temporal area, cheek, over the jaw and down under the chin. The mask is anchored firmly to the ears of the wearer by resilient straps. Thus attached, the mask seals the eyes, nasal passages and mouth from the toxic external environment. The mask includes an intermediate seal separating the mask into separate visual and respiratory portions.

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 lightweight and inexpensive mask providing protection to the nose and eyes of dental patients from contaminants that are present in the dental office. The Mask having a nose portion having an elasticized cord transversing across the philtrum area of a patient thereby causing the mask to adopt a triangular shape about the nose. The nose portion being caused to create a natural ventilation along the nasolabial groove areas of the patient. The mask further including a pair of transparent eye panels and means for affixing the mask on the patient's face.

Abstract: An aromatherapy inhalation kit providing portable, disposable and immediate therapy. The kit comprises a vial having a capacity of about 2 ml. pre-filled with one application of pre-blended, predetermined quantity and diluted essential oil, a cone-type mask of paper fiber to which the oil blend is applied; and a heavy weight paper folder to hold the mask and vial in the protective folder. At use, the contents of the vial are dispersed onto the outside surface of the mask. The mask is then worn over the user's nose and mouth and the user inhales the vapors for twenty to thirty minutes to enhance the user's mood and/or condition. The kit is small enough to carry in an automobile glove compartment, a backpack, a purse or a pocket. Since its administration does not rely upon electrical power, it is convenient to use at any time or in any location.

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: A tissue face mask similar to that used by a dentist but placed in covering relation over the face of a patient preparatory to a dental procedure using a laser or similar light-emitting device in which mask there are shaping stays that are manually conformed to the facial features of the patient to prevent harm to the patient from the emitted light of the dental procedure.

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: The present invention proposes a modified life mask, which can protect the face, eyes, and hair of a user when hazards such as fire disasters happen. The modified life mask of the present invention comprises primarily a main body, a filtering device, and a contact part. The contact part is installed on the main body. The contact part is joined with the filtering device. The filtering device is fixedly installed on the main body. Thereby the contact part of the life mask can clamp the user's face so that the filtering device can stick tightly to the user's face to filter toxic gases effectively. The present invention also has the advantages of compact size, portability, easy operation, and convenient storing. Therefore, the modified life mask of the present invention can achieve best protection effect.

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 face mask comprising mini pleats which are sized and configured to create a standing seam, that structurally forms a breathing chamber when the face mask is placed upon a user's face.

Abstract: A negative pressure respirator 20′ that has an integrally-disposed filter element 28 and that covers at least the nose and mouth of a wearer. The respirator 20′ includes an exhalation valve 22 and an impactor element 50 that covers the exhalation valve 22. The exhalation valve 22 has a diaphragm and an orifice and opens in response to increased pressure when the wearer exhales to allow exhaled air to be rapidly purged from the mask interior. The impactor element 50 is positioned in the exhale flow stream to remove particles and other contaminants from the exhaled air. The exhalation valve and impactor element have a ratio of Zn:Dj of less than about 5.

Abstract: An improved multi-layer face mask has at least one adhesive strip applied between the inner face cover layer and the intermediate filter layer. The adhesive strip is defined so as to extend across the filter body and is bounded on each longitudinal side by longitudinally extending regions that are free of adhesive. The adhesive strip may be disposed along a pleat formed in the face mask body. For example, the adhesive strip may have a width so as to extend between parallel fold lines of a pleat.

Abstract: A disposable travel mask has a body and is held in position over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The body of the ask has a filter area for entrapping air-borne contaminates. The filter area has at least two layers, such as an inner layer adjacent the wearer's mouth and an outer layer. The outer layer entraps large contaminates such as dust and also traps at least a portion of the bacteria or other germs. The other layer entraps contaminates that have passed through the first layer. The travel mask may be assembled from commonly available materials. For example, an anti-allergen filter material may be sealed to a surgical mask or a laser mask. The travel mask may have a printed design or pattern to make the travel mask more aesthetically pleasing and to allow the travel mask to better blend into a travel environment.

Abstract: A filter material laid in folds in a plurality of folds, characterized in that the folds are provided with at least one bending portion having a bending resistance moment that is reduced in comparison with the remaining portions and a method and apparatus for producing same.

Abstract: Respiratory devices having first and second lines of demarcation bisected by a fold. The devices are capable of being folded in a first substantially flat configuration for storage (e.g., in a pocket) and are capable of being unfolded in a second ready-to-wear configuration so that a portion of the device covering the nose and the mouth is off-the-face. Processes for making such devices include folding a preform over a bisecting axis and cutting the preform at desired angles and sealing the cuts together to form the mask.

Abstract: A pliable respiratory mask is provided according to the invention. The pliable respiratory mask includes a mask shell adapted to fit over a portion of a face of a person, the mask shell being formed of a pliable material selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a non-woven paper, or a pliable foam material, a hose connector extending through the pliable material of the mask shell and fastened to the pliable material, and an attachment for securing the shell over a portion of the person's face.

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 compression element and a retention assembly using the compression element to retain an article on a flexible substrate are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of making an assembly including an article retained on a substrate by a compression element. The retention assembly, compression element and method provide replacements for, e.g., mechanical staples. The retention assemblies, compression elements and methods are particularly useful for attaching elastic articles to the surfaces of flexible substrates without piercing the substrate. One example of attaching an elastic article to the surface of a flexible substrate is the attachment of an elastic strap to a respirator.

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 surgical mask of the type worn about the nose and face and tied about the head or ears. To the inner surface of the mask, a nasal dilator, in the form of two attachment devices, each with a base upon which two layers of pressure sensitive adhesive is applied using one of the adhesive layers. The mask is pinched in towards the sides of the nose and the adjacent portions of the face to attach the mask to the nose and adjacent portions of the face. When the pinch in forces are removed the mask attempts to return to its initial position and outwardly moves the skin and muscles of the sides of the nose and adjacent face portions to expand the nasal passages of the nose. The attachment devices cover muscles which control the lower valve and the inner valve of the nose and are attached with ⅔ of their area on the nose and ⅓ of their area on the face.

Abstract: A mask is formed of an upper part, a lower part opposing the upper part and having a form generally similar to that of the upper part, and a connection part for connecting a lower edge of the upper part and an upper edge of the lower part. The left edges of the upper and lower parts are joined, and the right edges of the upper and lower parts are joined, while the upper edge of the upper part and the lower edge of the lower part are not joined. The connection part has a folding portion located between the upper part and the lower part, and is bent relative to the lower edge of the upper part and the upper edge of the lower part, so that the connection part does not protrude outwardly over the lower edge of the upper part and the upper edge of the lower part. Breathing can be made easily in the mask.

Abstract: A filtration face mask 10 that comprises a mask body 20 and a band 30. The mask body is adapted to cover the nose and mouth of a wearer and that comprises polyolefin containing fibers. The band 30 comprises an elastic constituent and a fibrous thermoplastic constituent. The fibrous thermoplastic constituent has a melting point of about 250° C. or less and is a polyolefin or a substituted polyolefin. The band is attached to the mask body by heat and pressure at securement points 23.

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.

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 method of predicting the performance of electret filter web involves measuring the level of extractable hydrocarbon material in the web. Electret filters that have low extractable hydrocarbon levels exhibit improved filtration performance.

Abstract: A disposable mask and suction catheter includes a mask having a front side and a back side, the back side being disposed in contact with a user's face during use. The disposable mask and suction catheter also includes a catheter tube having a first and a second end, the first end being removably attachable to a suction source for removing exhaled air and the second end being attached to the back side of the mask. The disposable mask and suction catheter helps to prevent fogging of glasses or other eyewear due to moist, exhaled air that escapes from behind the mask, and improves user comfort by constantly removing the warm, moist air behind and around the mask and drawing cool dry air into the mask.

Abstract: A surgical mask adapted to cover the nose, mouth and eyes of the wearer is disclosed. A transparent lens component is positioned to cover the eyes of the user. A light-transmitting filter element being hingably connected to the upper edge of the transparent lens. The filter may be positioned selectively into overlapping relation of the lens to provide a filtering function or folded 180° to remove the filter from overlapping relation of the lens panel. The filter and lens panel are connected such that a degree of relative lateral movement between the components is provided whereby the filter may be moved between overlapping and non-overlapping conditions of the lens without removing the mask from the wearer.

Abstract: Electret fibers that contain a polymeric material and a fluorochemical additive. The electret fibers have a low level of extractable hydrocarbon material. Electret filters that have low extractable hydrocarbon levels exhibit improved filtration performance.

Abstract: The thermally stimulated discharge current of an electret article can be used to identify electret articles that exhibit superior filtration properties. Electret filters that exhibit superior properties not achieved in similarly constructed filters contain fibers that are made from a blend of a polymer and a performance-enhancing additive. The electret filters exhibit an initial detectable DOP penetration of less than 5% and an average Min@Chl of greater than 200 mg DOP as measured by DOP Filter Web Loading Test Procedure 1. These new electrets are particularly useful in a respirator.

Abstract: A tissue face mask similar to that used by a dentist but placed in covering relation over the face of a patient preparatory to an abrasive dental procedure in which mask there are shaping stays that are manually conformed to the facial features of the patient to prevent harm to the patient from the particulate fall out of the abrasive dental procedure.

Abstract: A disposable mask is provided having a body with an opening sized to cover the nose and mouth of a wearer and a fastening system to secure the body to the wearer's face. The body has top and bottom edges with the top edge operable to extend across the nose and cheeks of the wearer and the bottom edge to extend below the mouth of the wearer. The body includes a first portion which generally contacts the face of the wearer and is formed from a material that is shapeable around the face of the wearer. A second portion is attached to and extends from the shapeable material and is formed from a disparate material that filters aerosol particles from the air that passes through it.