GB2208797A - Decongestant product - Google Patents

Abstract

A decongestant product which comprises a volatile decongestant substance impregnated into a solid matrix, and a soft, flexible material, permeable to the decongestant material vapour, enveloping the solid.

Description

DECONGESTANT PRODUCT This invention relates to a product which can be used as a decongestant, especially for small children.

Many decongestants are known. Those which are taken as solids or liquids into the nostrils are not easy to use, and are certainly inappropriate for small children.

Other decongestants are breathed in, in vapour form, perhaps from a personal insufflator or by crouching over a hot, volatile composition; again, those procedures are not particularly simple, and are inappropriate for small children.

Decongestants for small children are of three general types. One type comprises a volatile liquid marketed in capsules, the capsule being broken in order to allow the contents to be applied to the child's pillow or sleeping clothes shortly before or during sleep. It is then difficult to avoid staining. Another type involves a volatile material in a matrix which can be applied to the, say, chest of a child, but children often find this uncomfortable. Indeed, it may be sufficiently "unusual" that it is rejected. A third type comprises a vaporiser, but the use of vaporisers is cumbersome and, especially if a naked flame is required, dangerous.

It would be desirable to provide a decongestant product which a small child could readily accept and which could therefore be allowed to operate without resistance, while at the same time being simple to use.

A decongestant product according to the present invention comprises a volatile decongestant substance impregnated into a solid matrix, and a soft, flexible material, permeable to the decongestant material vapour, enveloping the solid.

Each of the decongestant material, solid matrix and covering material may be conventional. For example, a suitable decongestant organic liquid is absorbed in a suitably permeable matrix from which vapour of the material can pass outwards, and the impregnated matrix is inserted into a conventional covering material. The softness and flexibility of the covering material provide visual and tactile features with which a small child is familiar, but which prevent soiling of clothes on the bed or on the child.

It is indeed desirable that the child should become familiar with the cover material. If desirable, it can be shaped in the form of a toy (e.g. bear or doll) which the child is inclined to hug; this can only improve the effect of the decongestant vapour. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the matrix is held within the configuration of the covering material, and can be removed from or inserted into the cover as desired.

Rather than change the product each time it is necessary, a "refill" can be inserted to replace a spent matrix, or the latter could be reimpregnated with the decongestant material. Spent matrix can be kept within the cover, when decongestant is unnecessary, to allow the child further familiarisation with the product.

The utility of the present invention has been illustrated, very simply. A small amount of the ointment sold as "Vick was rubbed on to a tissue. The impregnated tissue was placed inside a sock, and the sock was tied at its open end. A child who resisted the application of Vick on to his chest was happy to hold the filled sock close to his body, while effectively inhaling the decongestant vapour.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIM

   A decongestant product which comprises a volatile decongestant substance impregnated into a solid matrix, and a soft, flexible materIal, permeable to the decongestant material vapour, enveloping the solid.