Patent Application
20230405367
The present disclosure relates to the field of respirators and face masks.
Face masks and respirators are employed to filter the air inhaled by a user in conditions warranting protection including environments such as medical settings, hazardous industrial areas, or in-door and outdoor spaces shared with other occupants during infectious pathogen outbreaks. Respirators include a face mask which covers the nose and mouth of the user, and optionally the eyes and ears. Designs for face masks vary from the simple cloth covering to those having multiple inlet and outlet valves working in conjunction with filter elements for filtering air when the user inhales and exhales. Generally, masks block contaminants from the outside air, with some masks including filtration devices with better capabilities for blocking the undesirable contaminants.
These conventional masks and respirators have drawbacks. The interior of the masks forms an open cavity where stale air lingers around the user's face. Users experience discomfort from the warm stale air. In cases where the user requires eyeglass/eye protection usage, the warm humid exhalation expelled from the mask cavity may cause fogging of the eyeglass.
Accordingly, there is an opportunity to improve on the existing mask designs to provide better functionality and comfort for the users.
In an aspect of the disclosure, a ducted breathing apparatus is provided. The ducted breathing apparatus may include a face cover for sealing at least a portion of a user's face. The ducted breathing apparatus may include a ducted air channel element for providing direct air flow from a user's mouth within the mask to an environment outside the mask cavity. The ducted breathing apparatus may include a coupling element for providing a sealed mating connection between the ducted air channel element and the face cover. One concept of the disclosure may be to have the option of exhaled respiration to be ducted through a breathing cavity and dispersed to the outside environment while minimizing cross contamination between inhaled and exhaled respiration from mouth or nose or both mouth and nose thus improving many facets of the current technology.
Another concept may be designing a unit that can be recyclable and reusable to limit costs and waste to current technology.
In another aspect of the disclosure, a method for assembling a ducted breathing apparatus is provided. The method may include providing a face cover for sealing at least a portion of a user's face. The method may include attaching a coupling element to the face cover, the coupling element configured to receive a ducted air channel element. The method may include attaching the ducted air channel element to the coupling element.
In another aspect of the disclosure, a method for breathing through a ducted breathing apparatus is provided. The method may include one of inhaling or exhaling through a ducted air channel element that is attached to a coupling element mated to a face cover, the coupling element having one of a friction surface connection, screw threads fusion, or adhesives.
In another aspect of the disclosure, a ducted breathing apparatus is provided. The ducted breathing apparatus includes a face cover for sealing at least a portion of a user's face. The ducted breathing apparatus includes a ducted air channel element for providing one-way direct air flow out from the user's mouth within the mask to the outside environment. The ducted breathing apparatus includes a coupling element for providing a sealed mating connection between the ducted air channel element and the face cover. The ducted breathing apparatus includes a heat shield to reduce heat transfer from an exhalation pathway defined by the one-way direct air flow directing exhalation heat away from the user, wherein the ducted air channel element in conjunction with the heat shield isolates the effects of exhalation on inhalation air supply.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. It will, however, be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. Descriptions of the shared components (e.g., with the same labels) between figures may be omitted for brevity.
Several aspects of the disclosure will now be presented with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, steps, processes, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”). While the methods may be described in an ordered series of steps, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the methods may be practiced in any operative order and each step may be practiced in various forms that are apparent to those skilled in the art.
One concept of infection control is to prevent, slow, or stop the spread of infections within a population by reducing exposure to pathogens. By preventing passage of viral particles into the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth, infections may be reduced. To this end, masks have been one important component in combating the spread of infectious and contagious pathogens. In addition, masks are used in environments with contaminants that may infect, contaminate, or irritate the user. A user breathing direct air flow inward, outward, or both through an enclosed air channel via a filter may be preferred to address these and other limitations of some mask designs. Direct air flow provides numerous benefits including reducing stagnant air, and aiding comfortable breathing due to non-heated humid air. Another advantage may include ensuring air is passed directly through the filter rather than through unfiltered side openings.
Proper use of mask respiratory protection reduces inhalation of aerosols and other air borne contaminates. When employees must work in environments with insufficient oxygen or where harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or sprays are present, they need respirators. These health hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, other diseases, or death. Due to the intense burden and discomfort the user feels of the utilized device, respiratory protection can be used unsafely, incorrectly or significantly decrease the time one is willing to utilize the equipment. With the apparatus attached to these respirator devices the performance and comfort is improved beyond current technology thus promoting the compliance of the users to wear the respiratory protection correctly and for longer periods of time. This improves the health of the user and the possibility of the non-user if utilizing equipment in an aerosolized virus environment.
Reduction of heat in the mask Cavity. Utilizing the apparatus, the effectiveness is increased for example of various embodiments of the present invention, a baffle element such as the baffle changed in shape or form is placed downstream or outside the exhalation valve orifice on the mask exterior so that particles in the exhale flow stream are collected by the baffle element after passing through the exhalation valve but before reaching the atmospheric air or exterior gas space. The baffle may configure to also be placed downstream to the exhalation valve so that any air passing through the exhalation valve subsequently impacts the impactor element and is diverted. The baffle element is constructed and arranged to obstruct the view of the valve orifice from the exterior to reduce the opportunity for splash fluids to pass through the valve. The baffle element may cover not only the valve and or valve cover but may also cover larger portions of the mask body to provide increased deflection of the exhale flow stream and particles and contaminants and increased obstruction to external contaminants. Apparatus improves the aerosol transmissible disease and airborne infection isolation AIIR airborne infection isolation room for both patient utilizing one of the apparatuses and the health care professional utilizing another form of the apparatus thus reducing the overall virus or infection rate of the room for aerosol transmission to others. Apparatus utilizing the fourth method allows the infected patient to exhale transmissible disease pathogens through the apparatus filtering system therefore reducing the overall transmissible disease in the room. Thus, if necessary due to limited supply the ability to increase the number of patients in a AIIR Room from one to more over what current technology could do. Under extreme scenarios such as a pandemic the ability to improve the breathing air for multiple patients to utilize the same area if needed greatly improves cost, overall wellness of patients and health care professionals, and reducing the continuation of spread of the transmissible disease.
Some terms common to the disclosure may include the following. High-efficiency (HE) or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) classification for a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient in removing particles and is used in powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). When high-efficiency filters are required for non-powered respirators, N100, R100, or P100 filters may be used. Hood: the portion of a respirator that completely covers the head and neck, and may also cover portions of the shoulders and torso, and through which clean air is distributed to the breathing zone. Loose-fitting facepiece: the portion of a respirator that forms a partial seal with the face but leaves the back of the neck exposed, is designed to form a partial seal with the face, and through which clean air is distributed to the breathing zone. N95 filter: a type of NIOSH-approved filter or filter material, which captures at least 95% of airborne particles. N95 respirator: a generally used term for a disposable air-purifying filtering facepiece respirator with NIOSH approved N95 particulate filter material. Elastomeric full face or half face air-purifying respirator in a reusable form with NIOSH approved N95 particulate filters or filter material (i.e., includes N95 filtering facepiece respirator or equivalent protection). Negative-pressure respirator: a tight-fitting respirator in which air is inhaled through an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister during inhalational efforts, generating negative pressure inside the facepiece relative to ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the manner of providing air isolation to the nose, mouth (and optionally the eyes) may take various forms, and example embodiments are provided by way of example and not for limiting the applications of the disclosure. For example, the face cover 107 may include any suitable material, may include any suitable shape including partial or full-face masks including any size from smaller masks that wrap around only the nose and mouth to larger designs that cover the entire face or head.
The embodiments may be used for retrofitting existing designs or masks purchased off-the-shelf. Other embodiments may be used with specially designed covering and filters that maximize the utility of the design. Any suitable type of mask may be used, including medical masks, non-medical masks, gas masks, masks with or without filters, with multiple filters, those with special inlet/outlet sections, those including eye covering, without eye covering, cloth providing permeable or impermeable surfaces, etc. The benefits and advantages presented in the disclosure may apply to any suitable mask design.
As illustrated in
The mask may include a valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103 for attaching the air channel to the face cover 107. In some embodiments, the valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103 may be designed to minimize air leakage between the air channel 104 and the air channel mouthpiece 106 and the exterior of the face cover 107. Mechanisms to minimize air leakage may include use of various materials and processes. In some examples, the face of the valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103 may be covered in adhesive to both mate to the face cover 107 e.g., to a body component of an air filter). The adhesive may allow the valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103 to completely seal out any air. In other examples, the valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103 may mate to the face cover 107 at various locations and use various methods. In some examples where the air leakage is not a priority (e.g., but where comfort is a priority), the valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103 may use hook and loops or barbs or a latching mechanism to securely attach to the face cover 107. While the disclosure provides the example of the valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103, those skilled in the art will recognize that the valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103 or coupling plate are merely illustrative examples. Any type of component or method may be used to attach the air channel 104 and the air channel mouthpiece 106 to the mask.
In some examples, the device (e.g., any combination of vent shield 101, valve diaphragm 102, valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103, air channel 104, compression nut seal ring 105 and the air channel mouthpiece 106) may be a one-time use device. In other examples, the device may be a re-usable device so that the device can be removed and attached to face cover 107. In the embodiments including a re-usable design, the attachment mechanism may be selected from a suitable choice. In some embodiments a filter may be optional. When the filter is optional, the face cover 107 itself may provide the filtering. In some embodiments the air channel 104 and the air channel mouthpiece 106 and the valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103 may be a monolithic component.
The various components may be mated together using any of a variety of methods. In some examples where speed of assembly is important, the pieces may merely snap into each other (e.g., grooves or friction may be used to hold the components together, in the case of friction may be design with increasing diameter to increase linear friction). In other examples, such as health settings where air leakage is important, the components may include various air-proof or moisture-proof coatings. When such coatings are applied, the components, in some cases, may be more suitable for one-time usage type devices. In some examples, screw-type threaded mating surfaces may be used. In examples where existing mask designs are applied or retrofitted, adhesives and other bonding agents may be suitable for the device. Any combination of these mating mechanisms and methods may be applied for the various components.
The mask may be assembled in any operative order. For example, the air channels 104, 106 and compression nut seal ring 105 may be mated first, with the assembly then mated to the face cover 107 through the use of the valve diaphragm support connector seal ring 103.
The embodiments may be used for inhaled (upstream) or exhaled (downstream) or both. For example, the user may breathe through the air channels 104, 106 (downstream) and breathe out the rest of the mask. For example, the user may breathe out through the air channel 104 and the air channel mouthpiece 106 (downstream) and breathe in through the rest of the face cover 107. For example, the user may breathe in through the air channel 104 and the air channel mouthpiece 106 (upstream) and breathe out through the air channel 104 and the air channel mouthpiece 106 (downstream). In some examples, the user may alternate upstream and downstream usage of the air channel 104 and the air channel mouthpiece 106 during breathing. The user may generally breathe in any manner based on user preference or mask design.
In the cases where the user breathes partially through the air channel 104 and the air channel mouthpiece 106 and through the rest of the face cover 107, the user may prefer larger diameter air channels so that they may easily breathe using the air channel 104 and the air channel mouthpiece 106 or breathe without using the air channel 104 and the air channel mouthpiece 106. The design of the air channel size, shape, length, etc. may be dictated by user preference.
The mask may include a mask with exhalation valve 108 that provides physical coverage for isolating the wearer's face, nose, and mouth from the outside environment. The mask with exhalation valve 108 may be a one-size-fits-all component that is suitable for most or all people. In some embodiments, the mask with exhalation valve 108 may be specially designed for each wearer. In other embodiments, the mask with exhalation valve 108 may take various forms and shapes.
The embodiments may be used for retrofitting existing designs or masks purchased off-the-shelf which incorporate a one-way exhalation valve. Other embodiments may be used with specially designed covering and filters that maximize the utility of the design.
The example of
The method to assemble the device may be similar to that described above with respect to
In some examples, a respiration flow-directed breathing apparatus used in conjunction with one or more aspects of the disclosure may be used with or without filtration utilizing any of or all following examples: respirator, respiration device, industrial safety equipment, filtering face-piece respirator, full or half face respirator, mask, shield, helmet, fabric covering, inspiration supply tube, expulsion tube, example but not limited film, entertainment, art, characters in costumes at theme parks, movie sets, mascot but not limited to where user requires a more effective comfort and increased overall performance of breathing device, example but not limited to headdress, tunic, turbans, burka, head scarf, hijab, face veil, keffiyeh, hattah, other devices utilizing a wide range materials, where expiration can be directed from a user's mouth; nose; or the combination of mouth and nose, dispersed to the outside environment to reduce or eliminate cross contamination between inhaled respiration and exhaled respiration. This new apparatus may include any combination or lack of the following but not limited to: mouthpiece, ducting, shielding, baffling, filtering, diffuser, gasket, flange, adhesive, hook & loop, screw, nut, bolt, fastener, one way valve, vent, extended vent, wide range of connection methods and materials.
The apparatus improves one or more of the following: safety, effectiveness, efficiency, comfort, reduction of negative physiological effects, reduction of nuisance internal and external condensation.
The apparatus can be used in the following areas but not limited to:
1. The apparatus improves equipment within the health industry, professional, commercial, government and consumer purposes.
2. The apparatus improves equipment within the sporting/health professional, health industry, professional, commercial, government and consumer for purposes in high, low, standard altitudes.
3. The apparatus improves equipment within the aquatic/health professional, industry, professional, commercial, government and consumer for purposes in water.
4. The apparatus improves equipment within the winter gear professional, industry, professional, commercial, government and consumer for purposes in cold temperatures.
5. The apparatus improves equipment within the healthcare professional, industry, professional, commercial, government and consumer for purposes in therapies or treatments to ease or fight against health-related concern.
6. The apparatus improves equipment within the life-saving professional, industry, professional, commercial, government and consumer for purposes in uses to help with life-saving equipment and processes.
7. For the use with fungus isolation, germ isolation, medial purposes, pollen isolation purposes, virus isolation purposes, protection against viral infection, surgical masks and procedure masks, therapeutic facial masks, universal and portable disposable face mask, respirator mask for medical and non-medical purposes, reusable sanitary masks for protection against viral infection, fungus isolation, germ isolation, medical purposes, pollen isolation purposes, virus isolation purposes, protection against viral infection, but not limited to the above descriptions.
The Benefits of the Respiration Flow Apparatus:
1. The apparatus directs the fog or moisture created by exhalation away from external devices reducing nuisance condensation which would otherwise obscure vision on but not limited to: glasses, goggles, face shield, helmet, full-face respirator. Elimination of condensation greatly improves visibility and optical clarity on glasses, goggles, and other eye equipment that would be affixed to the apparatus or not affixed but worn in place separately on user.
2. The apparatus can be used with supplied air technology.
3. This device can be used to eliminate the presence of residual used air in the mask cavity. This device allows for a compact designed respirator through the use of ducting and shielding to reduce the negative effects and cross contamination that expiration has on inspiration gas quality. This device can maintain a constant supply of fresh air to the user without the use of internally or externally powered air supply devices.
4. Buildup of facial heat and humidity in the mask cavity has been shown to significantly decrease comfort. Face mask associated facial heat and humidity may cause a variety of effects, including local dermal effects, increased temperature of breathing air, elevated core temperature and psychophysiological responses. The apparatus addresses these issues by effectively channeling the heat and humidity from exhalation out of the mask cavity and away from the user through the use of ducting and shielding to increase physical comfort.
5. The apparatus extends the useful life of filter mediums. High heat and humidity can affect the structural integrity of a filtering facepiece respirator. Many filtering facepiece respirators employ an electrostatic mechanism to attract and intercept foreign particles. Filtering facepiece respirators of this type undergo significant electrostatic degradation when open to the surroundings and is exacerbated by the warm humid environment created by respiration during use. When using this apparatus in conjunction with a filtering facepiece respirator, the amount of heat and humidity the filter medium is subjected to, internally in the mask cavity and externally is greatly diminished therefore maintaining a higher level of effectiveness and structural integrity when the respirator must be utilized for extended periods of time.
6. The apparatus reduces cross contamination between inhaled and exhaled air. With proper use of the apparatus, a significant reduction in re-breathed infectious virus aerosols or small airborne particles produced during coughing, speaking, sneezing, and breathing is realized. The reduction of cross contamination effectively reduces the viral load of a virus infected individual, by reducing the re-inhalation of contaminated exhaled gas and droplets. Exhaled gas from the virus infected individual is passed through the mask cavity and therefore does not remain a component of the mask cavity and is not available for re-inhalation. Direct expulsion of expiration through the mask cavity significantly reduces the buildup of undesirable constituents found in expiration. Bad breath smell in the mask cavity is significantly reduced since odors from the lungs or sinuses which contribute to bad breath smell are passed directly through the mask cavity and therefore does not remain a component of the mask cavity and is not available for re-inhalation. Contaminants from expiration such as carbon dioxide found in expiration are also passed directly through the mask cavity and therefore does not remain a component of the mask cavity and are not available for re-inhalation.
7. Due to the one-way nature of the inhalation and exhalation flow pathway, inhalation and exhalation environments can be located at a significant distance from the user without the need for pressurized air supplies.
8. Reusable kit will reduce waste. This reduces waste as example in the health field-one disposable respirator can be worn for a longer period of time due to the dryer nature of the inside of the cavity not breaking down the effectiveness of the fibers for the protection of the user.
9. Apparatus can be designed to be a retro-fit conversion kit for many or all current face coverings that are manufactured in the past, currently, or in the future thus saving costs and waste allowing end user to utilize available face covering of choice or necessity to utilize the advantages of a respiration flow apparatus by attaching to its current unit. Apparatus can be an add on feature of a variety of components that is secured onto existing product that completed a manufactured process or can be added into a complete unit during production for distribution as a final product.
Apparatus may be manufactured or designed utilizing a method that ensures the ability to easily dismantle and enable the ability for the user to effectively recycle the parts and improving the impact to the environment. Apparatus may be manufactured or designed utilizing a method that allows the user to easily assemble and dismantle to efficiently sanitize and reuse for purposes of limiting the increased waste and cost associated with one-time use products. The apparatus may be manufactured or designed utilizing a method that can be attached to disposable face protection and then removed, cleaned, sanitized using standards of method of care, sanitized using standards within the medical community, sanitized using standards of care utilizing autoclave procedures and ensuring the long-term strength and effectiveness of the equipment to be in a material that will ensure this possibility.
10. In the absence of a seal, aerosols spread throughout the facemask and can leak out and spread infectious agents. With the use of this apparatus (such as configuration indicated in
11.Respirators equipped with one-way breathing valves can expose the user to environmental contaminants when the valve malfunctions or does not create an air tight seal. This apparatus maintains all the advantages of a one-way valve without the risk of exposure due to malfunctioning valve. When configured as indicated in the various embodiments such as
12. A ducted breathing apparatus that minimizes cross contamination between inhalation and exhalation respiration and minimizes the effects such as heat cold radiation conduction convection radiation from one to the other.
Some example structures, assemblies, and methods for using the various embodiments are described below.
Various embodiments may include application of the techniques and designs of the disclosure to commercial, industrial, medical, governmental respirators such as full face, half face, speech diaphragm or sound device, welding helmet, within a full-face mask, half face mask and typical commercial full-face mask, welding mask, helmet for sports or recreation, helmet for motor sports, helmet for other necessities and the like.
Upstream filtration may utilize a pocket mask or typical multi-layer mask by cutting a slice of the inside mask to convert mask to pocket mask and attaching ducted apparatus with baffle to either side of the front layer. (Examples of air flow not requiring second mask and the mask can be disposable surgical mask if it is multi-layered). The vent in some examples is not seen on the outside of the multi-layered mask (pocket-mask). If the mask has no pocket, slice the first layer towards the face to have a slit to allow the duct apparatus to be attached between the first layer and the other layer or layers. The duct apparatus attaches from the front layer with the baffle and the vent being on the inside of the mask and positioned together to create a bond. Therefore, the vent cannot be seen on the outside layer which is viewable to others.
In some embodiments, the techniques and designs of the disclosure may easily be retrofitted to attach to components of other embodiments, whether new or preexisting. The embodiments can be put on and not damage the material requiring no opening in the various components as air will pass through the material or others need an opening to allow the embodiments to be incorporated from the outside of the components to the inside of the components as the material will not accommodate the passage of air through to the external side of the environment.
Some embodiments may be applied to underwater scuba gear to improve the current technology of standards available at the present time.
Some embodiments may be applied to underwater snorkeling gear to improve the current technology of standards available at the present time.
Some embodiments may be applied to extreme weather gear to be improve the designs by encompassing the entire head and viewing face from the elements with the exhalation tube being utilized in an unconventional manner such as but not limited to release above head or behind the outer layer coat.
Some embodiments may be attached to various tube elements allowing for inhalation of air, such as oxygen but not limited to, and or not attached another tube for exhalation of air to be transported to a further location to enter a filtration device or not but allow the possibility of infected area to not remain in the user's current location.
A respiration flow directed breathing apparatus used in conjunction with one or more but not limited to examples of the following: inspiration supply: respirator, respiration device, industrial safety equipment, mask, shield, helmet, fabric covering, inspiration supply tube, expulsion tube, other devices utilizing a wide range materials, where expiration can be directed from a user's mouth: nose: or the combination of mouth and nose, dispersed to the outside environment to reduce or eliminate cross contamination between inhaled respiration and exhaled respiration. This new apparatus may include any combination or lack of the following but not limited to: mouthpiece, ducting, shielding, baffling, diffuser, gasket, flange, adhesive, hook & loop, screw, nut, bolt, fastener, one-way valve, vent extended vent, wide range of connection methods and materials. Apparatus can be made to utilize the following four methods:
Exhaled air can be directed for providing direct air flow from a user's mouth within the air supply through the and dispersed to the outside environment (environment can be breathable or not breathable—with additional mechanism to further disperse the flow till it reaches breathable air) to reduce or eliminate cross contamination between inhaled respiration and exhaled respiration. Device is utilized to reduce cross contamination from inhaled respiration and exhaled respiration from mouth or nose or both mouth and nose. Device can be made to utilize upstream filtration, downstream filtration or both upstream and downstream filtration or no filtration.
The apparatus reduces cross contamination between inhaled and exhaled air which may include, but not limit. to; the following four methods, which improves either or both an overall performance of the respirator, outcomes desired by the user.
Tests of some embodiments exhibit heat results in a heat index test. A mask cavity heat index was measured for different mask configurations and ambient conditions. Test 1 took place at an ambient condition of 68° F. and 43% relative humidity (RH).
a. A standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator equipped with the device as depicted in
b. For comparison a standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator equipped with a standard exhalation valve was tested. The mask cavity heat index averaged 119° F. after 20 minutes.
c. A standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator equipped with the device as depicted in
d. For comparison a standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator with no exhalation valve was tested. The mask cavity heat index averaged 130° F. after 20 minutes.
Test 2 took place at an ambient condition of 77° F. and 34% RH.
a. A standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator equipped with the device as depicted in
b. For comparison a standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator equipped with a standard exhalation valve was tested. The mask cavity heat index averaged 139° F. after 20 minutes.
c. A standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator equipped with the device as depicted in
d. For comparison a standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator with no exhalation valve was tested. The mask cavity heat index averaged 132° F. after 20 minutes.
Test 3 took place at an ambient condition of 80° F. and 43% RH.
a. A standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator equipped with the device as depicted in
b. For comparison a standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator equipped with a standard exhalation valve was tested. The mask cavity heat index averaged 140° F. after 20 minutes.
c. A standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator equipped with the device as depicted in
d. For comparison a standard NIOSH approved N95 cup shaped filtering face piece respirator with no exhalation valve was tested. The mask cavity heat index averaged 138° F. after 20 minutes.
It should be noted that effects of heat index is related to surrounding ambient conditions, not related to possible outcomes when only subjected to these conditions in the mask cavity, but it allows for a comparison of possible mask comfort outcomes.
Current respirators increase the total dead air space because some exhaled air is held inside the respirator, effectively increasing dead air space within the respiratory tract. The apparatus if attached to current respirators has the possibility to show significant improvements and benefits to eliminate or reduce the dead space typically added by current respirator therefore decreasing the residual used air and significantly reducing current physiological effects.
Anatomical dead air space (“dead space”) is that part of the respiratory tract not involved with gas exchange: the nasal pharyngeal area, trachea and bronchi, which serve to conduct air. ANSI Z88.2 standard in 2015 discusses why the increased dead air space added by wearing respirators lowers oxygen intake during inhalation.
Wearing a respirator increases the total dead air space because some exhaled air is held inside the respirator, effectively increasing dead air space within the respiratory tract.
Respirator dead space varies from one respirator to another, but in general a filtering face-piece respirator or a half-face reusable mask adds about 260 cc of dead air space to the respiratory system and a full-facepiece respirator adds 815 cc dead air space. Besides reduction in oxygen, another result of increasing dead air space is the buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a respiratory stimulant. Inside the facepiece, CO2 ranges in concentration from 2% to 5%. In contrast, CO2 in normal fresh air is 0.04%. Increased CO2 concentration stimulates breathing more than the lack of O2, at least initially for controlling respiration.
It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes and embodiments disclosed are illustrations of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes or design layouts may be rearranged. Further, some steps may be combined or omitted. Any accompanying method claims may present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.
The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”
The present Utility Patent Application is the National Phase filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of the International Application No PCT/US21/57783 filed 2 Nov. 2021 and entitled “Respiration Flow Apparatus”, which PCT in turn claims priority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 17/515,582 filed 1 Nov. 2021 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/109,126, filed 3 Nov. 2020. The contents of these related applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US21/57783 | 11/2/2021 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63109126 | Nov 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17515582 | Nov 2021 | US |
| Child | 18251376 | US |
