JP7630962B2 - mask - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mask that is worn on the face, and in particular to a mask that has a humidifying function.

Masks have traditionally been used as a defense against fine dust particles such as pollen and yellow sand, and as a measure against infections such as viruses and bacteria. Recently, the functions of masks have become more diverse, and a variety of masks have been proposed.

For example, during sleep, there is no swallowing of food, drink, or saliva, which can easily lead to dryness of the oral cavity. In addition, the air is generally dry in winter, and even outside of winter, air conditioners are running in offices all year round. Therefore, there are many environments where the air is prone to dryness even during the day, which can easily lead to dryness of the oral cavity. To prevent dryness of the oral cavity, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mask with a humidifying function. The mask in Patent Document 1 houses a filter that holds water in the housing, and every time you breathe, the moisture in the filter turns into steam and is supplied to the oral cavity. This makes it possible to prevent dryness of the oral cavity.

The mask in Patent Document 1 can humidify the oral cavity well, but it is time-consuming because the user must place the wet filter in the storage unit when using it, and because the filter contains not only water but also various chemicals such as moisturizers and preservatives, there is an issue that the user's hands will become dirty when touching it. In addition, there is an issue that the filter is prone to mold when stored before use due to the adsorption of preservatives to the filter.

Patent document 2 discloses a mask that contains a water bag filled with water. When using the mask of Patent document 2, the mask is pressed down to break the water bag, which opens the mask, and the water in the water bag wets the entire mask, allowing it to be used as a wet mask.

JP 2012-205926 A Utility Model Registration No. 3178657

The mask in Patent Document 2 is configured so that the mask itself becomes wet with water when the water bag is opened. Therefore, when the user wears the mask on their face, the wet mask touches the skin over a wide area of the face, not just around the mouth, causing discomfort to the user.

The present invention was made with the above problem in mind, and aims to provide a mask that does not cause the user to get their hands dirty when used, and does not get the entire mask wet with water, causing discomfort to the user when worn.

The present invention relates to a mask with a humidifying function. The mask of the present invention includes a steam generator that houses a water bag that contains water, and a mask body that is worn on the user's face and can be equipped with the steam generator, the water bag can be opened by receiving a pressing force to allow water to flow out, and the steam generator is configured to generate steam by the user's breathing when the water has flowed out.

The mask of the present invention can preferably be configured so that the steam generator is formed using a main sheet that is water impermeable, yet has moisture permeability and air permeability.

In addition, in the mask of the present invention, the steam generator can be preferably configured such that the inside and/or outside of the main sheet is reinforced with a moisture-permeable and breathable outer sheet and/or lining sheet.

In the mask of the present invention, preferably, the moisture permeability of the steam generator is 8000 g/m ² / day or more.

The mask of the present invention can also be preferably configured so that the viscosity of the water is 3000 mPa·s or more and 7000 mPa·s or less.

The mask of the present invention can also be preferably configured such that the seal strength of the seal portion of the outer periphery of the steam generator is 3N/15mm width or more, and the seal strength of the seal portion of the steam generator is 1.24 or more times greater than the seal strength of the seal portion of the outer periphery of the water bag.

The mask of the present invention can also be preferably configured so that the seal strength of the seal portion of the steam generator is 30 N/15 mm width or less.

The mask of the present invention eliminates the risk of getting your hands dirty when using it, and prevents the entire mask from getting wet and causing discomfort to the user when wearing it.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mask of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the mask of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a steam generator. 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method of using the mask of the present embodiment. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the moisture permeability of a steam-generating body and the amount of steam generated from the steam-generating body per unit time (volatilization rate).

The following describes an embodiment of the mask of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

Figures 1 to 3 show the external appearance of the mask 1 of this embodiment. The mask 1 includes a mask body 2 that is worn on the user's face, and a steam generator 3 that can emit steam. The steam generator 3 is provided on the mask body 2. The mask 1 further includes a pair of ear bands 4 that are attached to the left and right sides of the mask body 2. Hereinafter, the direction in which the pair of ear bands 4 are connected (the left-right direction in Figures 2 and 3) will be referred to as the width direction, and the direction perpendicular to the width direction (the up-down direction in Figures 1 and 2) will be referred to as the up-down direction.

The mask body 2 is breathable and covers part of the user's face (the area under the eyes, particularly the nose and mouth). The mask body 2 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a width center line H (shown in FIG. 2). When the mask body 2 is folded in half along the width center line H, the width center line H has a shape that curves convexly in a direction away from the pair of ear straps 4. As a result, when the folded mask body 2 is unfolded and worn on the face, the mask body 2 has a three-dimensional shape, and a space is formed between the mouth/nostrils and the mask body 2 in the width center of the mask body 2.

The upper and lower edges of the mask body 2 are inclined diagonally downward and upward, respectively, so that the top and bottom widths gradually narrow toward the outer sides (left and right sides) in the width direction. The left and right side edges of the mask body 2 are shaped so that the center in the vertical direction is curved concavely to form a recess 20, and a pair of protrusions 21 are provided to sandwich the recess 20 between them. Ear straps 4 are attached to connect the pair of protrusions 21.

The mask body 2 is composed of a first sheet 5 and a second sheet 6 overlapped on the first sheet 5, with the second sheet 6 placed on the face side and the first sheet 5 placed on the opposite side of the face. The two sheets 5, 6 are joined at the outer periphery except for the upper edge at a predetermined width using a known method such as heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc., and are joined at a predetermined width from the upper edge to the lower edge along the width center line H to form the mask body 2. The mask body 2 is provided with a storage section 22 capable of storing a steam generator 3 between the two sheets 5, 6 by overlapping the two sheets 5, 6. In this embodiment, a pair of storage sections 22 are provided on the left and right of the mask body 2 with the width center line H between them.

The mask body 2 may be formed by joining a pair of symmetrical mask pieces at the width center line H. The mask pieces are made of two sheets that are approximately half the size of the first sheet 5 and the second sheet 6, and are formed by joining the outer edges of the two sheets, excluding the upper edges, at a specified width.

The upper edge of the mask body 2 has an opening 23 formed by not joining the two sheets 5, 6, and the steam generator 3 can be inserted and removed from the storage section 22 through the opening 23. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right openings 23 are formed in the mask body 2, sandwiching the width center line H therebetween, corresponding to the pair of left and right storage sections 22.

The mask body 2 is formed with a joint 24 for holding the steam generator 3 in a predetermined position inside the storage section 22. The joint 24 is formed by linearly joining the first sheet 5 and the second sheet 6 using a known method such as heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc. The joint 24 is formed of a substantially horizontal portion extending in the left-right direction along the lower edge of the steam generator 3, and a vertical portion extending in the up-down direction along part of one of the left and right side edges, and this joint 24 restricts the steam generator 3 in the storage section 22 from moving downward or left-right.

The first sheet 5 is formed using a material that is breathable. The second sheet 6 is formed using a material that is breathable and moisture permeable. Moisture permeability is the property of allowing steam (water molecules) to pass through. The moisture permeability of the second sheet 6 allows steam generated from the steam generator 3 in the storage section 22 to pass through the second sheet 6 and be supplied to the user's face. The moisture permeability of the second sheet 6 is not particularly limited as long as it allows steam generated from the steam generator 3 to pass through. Note that sheets that are breathable usually also have moisture permeability.

The first sheet 5 and the second sheet 6 can be made of sheet-like fibers such as woven fabric and nonwoven fabric, and among these, nonwoven fabric is preferably used. Examples of fiber materials for woven fabric and nonwoven fabric include natural fibers such as paper and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and nylon; and mixed fibers of these. Among these, polypropylene and polyethylene are preferred from the viewpoint of productivity, polypropylene is preferred from the viewpoint of shape retention of the mask body 2, and nylon is preferred from the viewpoint of the feel of the mask body 2 on the skin of the user.

When nonwoven fabric is used for the first sheet 5 and the second sheet 6, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, thermalbond nonwoven fabric, or spunlace nonwoven fabric can be used. Among them, spunbond nonwoven fabric is preferably used from the viewpoint of shape retention of the mask body 2, and meltblown nonwoven fabric is preferably used from the viewpoint of the cut performance of the mask body 2 against pollen, viruses, etc. The first sheet 5 and the second sheet 6 can be a single layer structure or a laminated structure of two or more layers, and examples of the laminated structure include SS nonwoven fabric (two-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric/spunbond nonwoven fabric) and SMS nonwoven fabric (three-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric/meltblown nonwoven fabric/spunbond nonwoven fabric).

For example, since it is preferable that the second sheet 6 on the face side has a good feel against the skin, a spunbond nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene can be preferably used, and since it is preferable that the first sheet 5 on the side opposite the face has good shape retention, an air-through nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene can be preferably used.

In this embodiment, the mask body 2 is composed of two sheets 5 and 6, but it may also be made into a laminated structure of three or more layers by overlapping another sheet on the front side (opposite the face) of the first sheet 5, for example.

As shown in Figure 4, the steam generator 3 houses a water bag 7 inside. The water bag 7 is in the form of a sealed bag, with water sealed inside. There are no particular limitations on the material from which the water bag 7 is made, so long as the sealed water does not leak or seep out, and a conventionally known water-impermeable and air-impermeable (non-moisture-permeable) bag can be used. Note that water-impermeable includes poor water permeability, which makes it difficult for water to pass through, and non-water permeability, which does not allow water to pass through.

Only water may be enclosed in the water bag 7, but other ingredients may be added to water as the main ingredient. Examples of other ingredients include polyols. There are no particular limitations on the polyols, but preferred examples include glycerin, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, 1,2 pentanediol, and 1,2-hexanediol, and more preferably glycerin is used in terms of safety. In addition to these, other ingredients that can be added to the water include preservatives such as methylparaben and phenoxyethanol, moisturizing agents such as hyaluronate and betaine, plant extracts, water-soluble thickeners such as xanthan gum, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), agar, guar gum, and carrageenan, fragrances such as eucalyptus and mint, and surfactants that solubilize fragrances (nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and anionic surfactants).

The amount of water sealed in the water bag 7 is not particularly limited, but is preferably an amount that can supply a sufficient amount of steam to the user for a long period of time, such as during sleep, and is preferably 2 g or more, and more preferably 4 g or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in the comfort of the mask 1 due to the weight of the water when the mask 1 is worn, the amount of water is preferably, for example, 7 g or less, and more preferably 5 g or less. If other ingredients are added to the water, the amount of water including the added other ingredients may be within the above-mentioned range.

The viscosity of the water sealed in the water bag 7 is not particularly limited, but if the viscosity of the water is too low, the water will flow out of the water bag 7 into the steam generator 3 with great force when the water bag 7 is opened, and depending on the seal strength of the seal part 33 on the outer periphery of the steam generator 3 described later, the seal part 33 may be damaged by the pressure of the water. On the other hand, if the viscosity of the water is too high, the water may not flow out of the water bag 7 into the steam generator 3 when the water bag 7 is opened. Therefore, the viscosity of the water is preferably 3000 mPa·s or more and 7000 mPa·s or less at 25°C, and more preferably 4000 mPa·s or more and 6000 mPa·s or less. When measuring the viscosity of water in the range of less than 1000 mPa·s, it is measured at 25°C and a rotation speed of 30 rpm using a B-type viscometer (TV-10 type, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with a rotor of SPINDLE No. M2. When measuring the range of 1000 mPa·s or more and less than 2500 mPa·s, the measurement is performed using a B-type viscometer (TV-10 model, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with a SPINDLE No. M2 rotor at 25°C and a rotation speed of 12 rpm. When measuring the range of 2500 mPa·s or more and less than 10000 mPa·s, the measurement is performed using a SPINDLE No. M3 rotor at 25°C and a rotation speed of 12 rpm. When measuring the range of 10000 mPa·s or more and less than 20000 mPa·s, the measurement is performed using a SPINDLE No. M4 rotor at 25°C and a rotation speed of 12 rpm.

The water bag 7 is structured so that it can be opened by application of a pressing force, allowing the water sealed inside to flow out (inside the steam generating unit 3). Here, the pressing force refers to a force that can be applied to the steam generating unit 3 with the water bag 7 stored therein while the user holds the steam generating unit 3 with one or both hands. As the above-mentioned structure, various conventionally known structures can be used, such as providing the water bag 7 with an easy-to-break line so that at least a part of the water bag 7 breaks when a pressing force is applied, or providing a part with weak sealing strength in the seal part 70 (shown in FIG. 4) on the outer periphery of the water bag 7 so that at least a part of the seal part 70 is broken by water pressure when a pressing force is applied.

The steam generator 3, which houses the water bag 7, is in the form of a sealed bag. The steam generator 3 is structured to suppress or prevent water from leaking out of the steam generator 3 when the water in the water bag 7 has flowed out, and to generate steam by the user's breathing.

For example, the steam generator 3 in this embodiment is formed using a main sheet 30 that is water impermeable, but also has moisture permeability and breathability. The main sheet 30 is a sheet (including a film) that has the function of preventing the passage of water that has flowed into the steam generator 3, and also has the function of passing air produced by the user's breathing and steam generated by the evaporation of water in the steam generator 3 due to the user's breathing.

For the main sheet 30, for example, a liquid-impermeable resin film or a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric can be used. The resin film used for the main sheet 30 may be a porous film having many fine holes, or a non-porous film, as long as liquid impermeability, moisture permeability, and breathability are obtained. When a porous film is used, moisture permeability can be controlled by adjusting the size of the holes. Examples of the resin material for the porous film include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane. The resin film may be made of a fluorinated resin film or a polyurethane film. Examples of the resin material for the non-porous film include a urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer and a polyethylene-based thermoplastic elastomer. The above-mentioned resin film can be a conventionally known moisture-permeable waterproof sheet used for the back sheet of sanitary materials such as diapers and the base material of high-performance protective clothing.

The nonwoven fabric used for the main sheet 30 may be, for example, a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric such as SMS nonwoven fabric, SMMS nonwoven fabric (four-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric/meltblown nonwoven fabric/meltblown nonwoven fabric/spunbond nonwoven fabric), or SMMMS nonwoven fabric (five-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric/meltblown nonwoven fabric/meltblown nonwoven fabric/spunbond nonwoven fabric), or a spunbond nonwoven fabric or point-bond nonwoven fabric laminated with a resin film. When using nonwoven fabric, the moisture permeability can be controlled by adjusting the mesh size.

The main sheet 30 may be made of the above-mentioned resin film or nonwoven fabric alone, or may be made of two or more laminates.

The steam generator 3 in this embodiment is formed using a surface sheet 31 and a lining sheet 32 that are further moisture-permeable and breathable. The outer side (opposite the water bag 7) and the inner side (the water bag 7 side) of the main sheet 30 are reinforced by the surface sheet 31 and the lining sheet 32, which can improve the water pressure resistance and strength of the steam generator 3.

The outer sheet 31 and the lining sheet 32 can be made of sheet-like fibers such as woven fabric and nonwoven fabric, and among them, nonwoven fabric is preferably used. Examples of fiber materials for the woven fabric and nonwoven fabric include natural fibers such as paper and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and nylon; and mixed fibers thereof. The lining sheet 32 is a sheet that comes into contact with the water flowing out of the water bag 7, and is preferably relatively hard and tear-resistant so that the main sheet 30 can withstand the pressure of the water when the water flows out of the water bag 7, and in this respect, polypropylene is preferably used as the material. On the other hand, the outer sheet 31 is a sheet that protects the main sheet 30 from the outside and forms the exterior of the steam generator 3, and is preferably comfortable to the touch of the user, and in this respect, nylon is preferably used as the material.

When nonwoven fabrics are used for the surface sheet 31 and the backing sheet 32, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, thermal bond nonwoven fabric, or spunlace nonwoven fabric can be used. Among these, spunbond nonwoven fabric is preferably used for the backing sheet 32 from the viewpoint of water pressure resistance, and spunbond nonwoven fabric is preferably used for the surface sheet 31 from the viewpoint of film strength.

The steam generator 3 is formed into a bag shape by stacking six sheets of the same shape and size, including two lining sheets 32, two main sheets 30 arranged on the outside of each lining sheet 32, and two outer sheets 31 arranged on the outside of each main sheet 30, and joining the outer edges at a predetermined width using a known method such as heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc. Note that the steam generator 3 may be formed into a bag shape by preparing a laminated sheet in which the lining sheets 32, main sheets 30, and outer sheets 31 of the same shape and size are integrated in advance, stacking the two laminated sheets, and joining the outer edges at a predetermined width using a known method such as heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc.

The seal strength of the seal portion 33 on the outer periphery of the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the seal strength is set so that the seal portion 33 is not damaged by the pressure of the water when it flows out of the water bag 7, causing water to leak out of the steam generator 3. For example, it is preferable that the seal strength of the seal portion 33 has a lower limit of 3N/15mm width or more and an upper limit of 30N/15mm width or less.

The seal strength of the seal portion 33 of the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1.24 or greater than the seal strength of the seal portion 70 on the outer periphery of the water bag 7. This effectively prevents damage to the seal portion 33 of the steam generator 3 when water flows out of the water bag 7, and prevents water from leaking out of the steam generator 3, as will be described in detail later.

The seal strength of the seal parts 33, 70 of the steam generator 3 and the water bag 7 is measured as follows. First, at least three rectangular samples with a width (length in the direction in which the seal parts 33, 70 extend) of 15 mm and a length (length in the direction perpendicular to the width) of 50 mm are cut out from the steam generator 3 and the water bag 7, respectively, so as to include the joint parts 33, 70. Then, using a tensile tester, the peel strength (N/15 mm width) of the sheet on the front side (a laminated sheet if the front side is made of multiple sheets) and the sheet on the back side (a laminated sheet if the front side is made of multiple sheets) of each sample is measured at a tensile speed of 300 mm/min and a gripping distance of 20 mm. The seal strength is obtained by averaging each measured value.

The moisture permeability of the steam generating unit 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 8000 g/m ² / day or more, and more preferably 10000 g/m ² / day or more. By making the moisture permeability of the steam generating unit 3 within the above-mentioned range, the vaporization rate of the steam per unit area of the steam generating unit 3, that is, the amount per unit time (g/m ² / h) at which the water in the steam generating unit 3 evaporates and dissipates as steam from the steam generating unit 3 at 25°C, can be made equal to or greater than the vaporization rate of the filter of a conventional mask type that contains a filter that holds water in the housing (the conventional product is the "Nodo Nuru Nure Mask" manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), and a sufficient amount of steam can be supplied to the user. The definition of the moisture permeability (water vapor transmission rate) is in accordance with JIS Z 0208.

The pair of ear straps 4 are for holding the mask body 2 on the user's face, and can be hooked on the left and right ears of the user. The ear straps 4 can be attached to the mask body 2 by known methods such as heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, and sewing. The material of the ear straps 4 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a stretchy string-like or strip-like material such as polyester. Note that various means other than the ear straps 4 may be used as a means for holding the mask body 2 on the user's face. For example, an adhesive layer may be provided on the left and right sides of the mask body 2, and the left and right sides of the mask body 2 may be attached to the user's face through the adhesive layer, or holes may be formed on the left and right sides of the mask body 2 through which the ears can fit, and the left and right sides of the mask body 2 may be hooked on the left and right ears of the user through the holes.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mask 1 of the present embodiment described above has the steam generator 3 housed in the housing 22 of the mask body 2. When the user presses the steam generator 3 from above the mask body 2 with his or her hand, the water bag 7 in the steam generator 3 is opened and water flows from the water bag 7 into the steam generator 3. When the user puts the mask 1 on his or her face and breathes, air passes through the steam generator 3, at which time the water in the steam generator 3 evaporates to generate steam, which is then supplied to the user's mouth, effectively humidifying the mouth and preventing it from drying out.

In addition, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the steam generator 3 is formed using the water-impermeable main sheet 30, so water that has flowed out of the water bag 7 is prevented from leaking out and wetting the mask body 2. Therefore, there is no risk of the user feeling uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1 on their face.

In addition, with the mask 1 of this embodiment, the user does not need to place a wet filter in the storage section as with conventional masks, and only needs to press the steam generator 3, which saves time and effort and eliminates the risk of the user's hands getting dirty with water. Furthermore, because the water is sealed in the water bag 7, it is possible to prevent mold from growing on the steam generator 3 when the mask 1 is stored before use.

In addition, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the steam generator 3 is reinforced on the inside and outside of the main sheet 30 by the outer sheet 31 and the lining sheet 32, so the water pressure resistance and strength of the steam generator 3 can be improved.

Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, since the moisture permeability of the steam generating element 3 is 8000 g/m ² / day or more, a sufficient amount of steam can be supplied to the user's oral cavity.

In addition, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the viscosity of the water in the water bag 7 is 3000 mPa·s or more and 7000 mPa·s or less, so when the water bag 7 is opened, water does not flow out of the water bag 7 with force into the steam generator 3, preventing damage to the steam generator 3.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As a modified example, in the above embodiment, the mask body 2 is formed by overlapping at least two sheets 5, 6, and the steam generator 3 is housed between the two sheets 5, 6, so that the mask body 2 can be equipped with the steam generator 3. However, the method for enabling the mask body 2 to be equipped with the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, and for example, a method may be adopted in which a pocket for storing the steam generator 3 is attached to the mask body 2, and the steam generator 3 is stored in the pocket.

As another variation, in the above embodiment, the mask body 2 has a three-dimensional structure that forms a large space between the nostrils and the mouth when worn on the face. However, the structure of the mask body 2 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a structure that is flat before use, and when worn on the user's face, stretches in the vertical direction by spreading one or more pleats, etc. (a structure that fits closer to the surface of the face than a three-dimensional structure).

As another variation, in the above embodiment, the steam generator 3 is formed using a main sheet 30 that is water impermeable, yet moisture permeable and breathable, and the water that flows out of the water bag 7 is trapped inside the steam generator 3. However, the steam generator 3 is not limited to a structure that traps water inside, and may be structured to retain water in the steam generator 3 by, for example, absorbing water that flows out of the water bag 7.

As an example of the steam generator 3 having the above-mentioned water-retaining structure, for example, a sheet-like material such as a fiber material, water-absorbent resin material, or sponge-like resin material can be used for the main sheet 30. Examples of the sheet-like fiber include woven fabric and nonwoven fabric, and among these, nonwoven fabric is preferred. Examples of the fiber material for the woven fabric and nonwoven fabric include natural fibers such as pulp and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), acrylic, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride; and mixed fibers of these.

Among them, a nonwoven fabric using pulp can be preferably used for the main sheet 30, and the manufacturing method is not particularly limited, but it can be manufactured by an airlaid method or the like. From the viewpoint of productivity, processability and durability, it is preferable to mix pulp, which is the main component, with heat-fusible fibers such as polyethylene at a predetermined ratio. In this example, the main sheet 30 has a basis weight of preferably 200 g/m ² or more, more preferably 300 g/m 2 or more, and even more preferably 500 g/m ² or more, in order to hold the water flowing out from the water bag ^7. On the other hand, if the basis weight of the main sheet 30 is too large, the steam generator 3 becomes hard, and the user may feel uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1. Therefore, the basis weight of the main sheet 30 is preferably 1500 g/m ² or less, more preferably 1000 g/m ² or less, and even more preferably 600 g/m ² or less.

Alternatively, a sheet-like fiber containing an absorbent resin, such as a SAP sheet containing super absorbent polymer (SAP), can be preferably used for the main sheet 30. A SAP sheet is a nonwoven fabric (e.g., an airlaid nonwoven fabric) carrying SAP.

The steam generator 3 may have a single layer of the main sheet 30 or a multi-layer structure in which the main sheet 30 is combined with other sheets. From the viewpoint of durability and water retention, it is preferable to have a three-layer structure in which the main sheet 30 is sandwiched between a pair of nonwoven fabrics (corresponding to the outer sheet 31 and the inner sheet 32 in the above embodiment) having air permeability and moisture permeability. The pair of nonwoven fabrics may be made of the same material or different materials. Examples of the material of these nonwoven fabrics include hydrophilic natural fibers, hydrophobic synthetic fibers, or blended fibers thereof. As natural fibers, rayon and cotton are preferable, and rayon is more preferable. The hydrophilic fibers have the advantage that the main sheet 30 is easily absorbed by moisture, making the manufacturing easier. As synthetic fibers, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) are preferable, and polyethylene and polypropylene are preferable. The hydrophobic fibers have the advantage that they can prevent wetting and stickiness. Therefore, it is preferable that the nonwoven fabric on the outer side (opposite the water bag 7) of the main sheet 30 is made of synthetic fibers, and the nonwoven fabric on the inner side (the water bag 7 side) is made of natural fibers such as rayon. The pair of nonwoven fabrics preferably has a basis weight of 20 g/ ^m2 or more and 50 g/ ^m2 or less.

The steam generator 3 with the water-retaining structure described above can be made of the same material as the water-retaining filters used in conventional masks, or the same material as the absorbents used in body fluid absorbent articles that absorb body fluids such as vaginal discharge, menstrual blood, sweat, and urine.

In the mask 1 in which the mask body 2 is provided with the steam generator 3 having the above-mentioned water-retaining structure, when the water bag 7 in the steam generator 3 is opened and water flows out from the water bag 7 into the steam generator 3 during use, the steam generator 3 absorbs (absorbs) and retains the water, so that the water flowing out from the water bag 7 leaks out to the outside and the mask body 2 is prevented from getting wet. Therefore, there is no risk of the user feeling uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1 on his/her face. When the user wears the mask 1 on his/her face and breathes, air passes through the steam generator 3, and at this time, the water held by the steam generator 3 evaporates to generate steam, which is supplied to the user's oral cavity, and the oral cavity is well humidified to prevent the oral cavity from drying out. With the mask 1 of this modified example, the user does not need to store a wet filter in the storage section when using it, as with conventional products, and only needs to press the steam generator 3, so it is not time-consuming and there is no risk of the user's hands getting dirty with water, etc. Furthermore, because the water is sealed inside the water bag 7, it is possible to prevent mold from growing on the steam generator 3 during storage before use.

The following describes examples of the present invention. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

(1) Test 1
In Test 1, a test was conducted to examine the relationship between the moisture permeability of the steam-generating element and the amount of steam generated from the steam-generating element per unit time (volatilization rate).

Specifically, several types of bag-shaped steam generators, which are impermeable to water and have different moisture permeabilities and are formed using the above-mentioned liquid-impermeable resin film and/or nonwoven fabric, were prepared, and 4.5 g of water (including other components) shown in Table 1 below was sealed in each steam generator. All steam generators were rectangular with a length of 5.5 cm and a width of 7 cm, and their outer edges were joined by heat fusion to form a sealed portion, and the width of the sealed portion was 5 mm. The moisture permeability of each steam generator is as shown in Table 2 below. The moisture permeability was measured in accordance with JIS Z 0208. After first measuring the weight of each steam generator, it was left to stand for one hour in an environment with a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 55%, and the weight was measured after one hour had passed, and the weight change was measured. From the weight change obtained, the evaporation rate of steam for each steam generator was calculated. The results are shown in Table 2 and Figure 6.

The comparative example is a filter used in a conventional mask in which a water-holding filter is housed in the housing, and has a structure in which an airlaid nonwoven fabric (basis weight: 444 g/ ^m2 ) made of pulp and heat-fusible fibers, made to the same size and shape as the steam generator, is sandwiched on both sides by spunlace nonwoven fabric (basis weight: 28 g/ ^m2 ) made of rayon. This filter was made to absorb 4.5 g of water (including other ingredients) as shown in Table 1 below.

According to Table 2 and Figure 6, when the moisture permeability of the steam generator is 8000 g/ ^m2 / day or more, the steam evaporation rate is expected to be the same as that of conventional products, and a sufficient amount of steam can be supplied to the user. Conversely, when the moisture permeability of the steam generator is 10000 g/ ^m2 / day or more, the steam evaporation rate is faster than that of conventional products, and a larger amount of steam can be supplied to the user than that of conventional products.

(2) Test 2
In test 2, tests were conducted to examine the relationship between the seal strength of the seal portion on the outer peripheral edge of the steam generator and the degree of water leakage from within the steam generator, as well as the relationship between the seal strength of the seal portion on the outer peripheral edge of the water bag and the degree of water leakage from within the steam generator.

Specifically, several types of bag-shaped steam generators with different sealing strengths at the seal part of the outer periphery were prepared. All steam generators were rectangular with a size of 5.5 cm in length and 7 cm in width, and their outer periphery was joined by heat fusion to form the seal part. A water bag containing 4.5 g of water with the same composition as in Test 1 was stored inside the steam generator. The water bag was rectangular with a size of 4 cm in length and 4 cm in width, and its outer periphery was joined by heat fusion to form the seal part. The seal strength of the seal part of the water bag was 2.51 N/15 mm width. Each steam generator was evaluated for water leakage from the steam generator when it was sandwiched between two plastic plates and a pressure of 70 N was applied through the plates. The results are shown in Table 3. The seal part of the water bag was damaged by the action of the above pressure, causing water to leak into the steam generator.

In addition, regarding the relationship between the seal strength of the seal part of the steam generator and the seal strength of the seal part of the water bag, the degree of water leakage from the steam generator was evaluated for combinations of steam generator and water bag having the seal strengths shown in Table 4 below. The results are shown in Table 4. In the water leakage evaluation, "○" indicates no water leakage, and "△" indicates that there was a small amount of water leakage.

Tables 3 and 4 show that if the seal strength of the seal part of the steam generator is 3N/15mm width or more and is 1.24 or more greater than the seal strength of the seal part of the water bag, damage to the seal part of the steam generator is effectively suppressed and water leakage from the steam generator can be prevented. In other words, damage to the seal part of the steam generator cannot be effectively suppressed simply by making the seal strength of the seal part of the steam generator greater than the seal strength of the seal part of the water bag, and it is necessary to make it a certain size or greater. Note that even if the seal strength of the seal part of the steam generator is outside the above-mentioned range, the amount of water leaking from the steam generator was small and not enough to wet the entire mask.

In addition, according to Table 3 , it was confirmed that a high seal strength of the seal part of the steam generator does not necessarily prevent water leakage from the steam generator, and that if the seal strength is too high, water leakage from the steam generator will occur. It is also found that if the seal strength of the seal part of the steam generator is 30 N/15 mm width or less, water leakage from the steam generator can be prevented.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Mask 2 Mask body 3 Steam generator 7 Water bag 30 Main sheet 31 Outer sheet 32 Lining sheet

Claims (4)

A steam generator having a water bag therein for sealing water;
a mask body that is fitted to a user's face and that can be equipped with the steam generator;
The water bag is capable of being opened by receiving a pressing force to allow water to flow out, and when opened, the water bag extends in a sheet shape within the steam generating body,
The mask is characterized in that the steam generator is formed using a main sheet that is water impermeable but has moisture permeability and air permeability, and is configured to generate steam by a user's breathing in a state in which the water has flowed out. The mask according to claim 1, characterized in that the steam generator is reinforced on the inside and/or outside of the main sheet by a moisture-permeable and breathable outer sheet and/or lining sheet. 3. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the steam generator has a moisture permeability of 8000 g/m ² / day or more. 2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the seal strength of the seal portion of the outer peripheral edge of the steam generator is 3 N/15 mm width or more and 30 N/15 mm width or less, and the seal strength of the seal portion of the steam generator is 1.24 or more times greater than the seal strength of the seal portion of the outer peripheral edge of the water bag.

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