JP2021006667A - mask - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a mask capable of improving discomfort or pain of throat.SOLUTION: A mask 1 includes a mask body 2 for covering a part of a face of a wearer, and a steam generator 3 for generating steam. In the steam generator 3, a steam generation amount over 30 minutes after generation of steam is 150 mg or more and 30,000 mg or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a mask worn on the face, and particularly to a mask that emits steam.

Conventionally, masks have been widely used as a protective measure against fine dust such as pollen and yellow sand, and as a countermeasure against infections such as viruses and bacteria. Recently, the functions of masks have been diversified, and various masks have been proposed. For example, during sleep, the oral cavity tends to dry because there is no swallowing of food, drink or saliva. In addition, the air is generally dry in winter, and air conditioners are operating in the office all year round, even outside of winter. Therefore, there are many environments in which the air tends to dry even during the day, and the oral cavity tends to dry.

In order to prevent the oral cavity from drying, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mask having a humidifying function. In the mask of Patent Document 1, a water-containing body containing water is contained in a bag-shaped mask body that covers the nose and mouth, and the water contained in the water-containing body humidifies the oral cavity to prevent the oral cavity from drying out. ing.

Re-table 2014/003156

However, the mask described in Patent Document 1 is not used to improve the discomfort or pain in the throat.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mask capable of improving throat discomfort and pain.

The present invention relates to a mask worn on the face. The mask of the present invention includes a mask body that covers a part of the wearer's face and a steam generator that emits steam, and the steam generator has a steam generation amount of 150 mg or more over 30 minutes after steam generation. It is characterized by being 30,000 mg or less.

In the mask of the present invention, it is preferable that the amount of steam generated in the steam generator over 5 minutes after steam generation is 50 mg or more and 5000 mg or less.

Further, in the mask of the present invention, it is preferable that the amount of steam generated in the steam generator for 1 minute after steam generation is 10 mg or more and 1000 mg or less.

Further, in the mask of the present invention, the steam generator emits steam that maintains the temperature of the space between the mask body and the mouth and nostrils of the face at 30 degrees or higher for at least 30 minutes after wearing the mask. Is preferable.

Further, in the mask of the present invention, the steam generator emits steam that maintains the temperature of the space between the mask body and the mouth and nostrils of the face at 40 degrees or higher for at least 5 minutes after wearing the mask. Is preferable.

Further, in the mask of the present invention, the steam generator is preferably a water-containing body that retains water.

Further, in the mask of the present invention, it is preferable that the water-containing material emits vapor when heated.

Further, in the mask of the present invention, it is preferable that the water-containing material is heated by being irradiated with microwaves.

According to the mask of the present invention, steam is generated from the steam generator when worn, which supplies steam to the wearer's nose and mouth to humidify the oral cavity and the like. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wearer's oral cavity from drying out and moisturize the throat.

At this time, the amount of steam generated from the steam generator is 150 mg or more within 30 minutes after the steam is generated, and the wearer's oral cavity and the like are intensively humidified by a large amount of steam in a short period of time. Therefore, if the wearer has a feeling of strangeness or pain in the throat, such as squid, this can be effectively improved. On the other hand, since the amount of steam generated from the steam generator is 30,000 mg or less within 30 minutes after the steam is generated, even if a large amount of steam touches the wearer's face, the steam causes discomfort when the wearer wears the mask. You can suppress the feeling.

It is (A) front view and (B) back view of the mask of this embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of X1-X1 of FIG. It is (A) rear view, (B) front view, and (C) X2-X2 schematic sectional view of the accommodating part. It is (A) front view and (B) side view of the water-containing body. It is a perspective view of the state where the wearer wears the mask of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, the actual form of the mask according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 and 2 show the mask 1 of the present embodiment.

The mask 1 includes a mask body 2 that covers a part of the wearer's face, specifically, an area under the eyes (particularly the nose and mouth), and a steam generator 3 that emits steam. The mask body 2 includes a covering portion 5 that covers a part of the wearer's face, and a bag-shaped accommodating portion 6 provided on the face side surface of the covering portion 5. The steam generator 3 is housed in the housing portion 6 of the mask body 2. When the wearer wears the mask body 2 on the face, the steam emitted from the steam generator 3 is supplied to the throat from the wearer's mouth and nose, and the oral cavity and nasal cavity (hereinafter referred to as "oral cavity"). Is humidified.

The covering portion 5 can have a rectangular shape in a plan view. When attached to the face (when used), the covering portion 5 has an upper edge 50 extending laterally under the eyes of the wearer's face, a lower edge 51 extending laterally to the lower jaw (or submandibular gland), and an upper edge 50. And left and right side edges 52 and 53 connecting the lower edge 51. The size of the covering portion 5 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a size in which the left and right side edges 52 and 53 traverse the cheeks and cover the nose, mouth, lower jaw, and part of the cheeks.

The covering portion 5 can be flat when not in use. That is, the cover portion 5 has a different structure from the three-dimensional type cover portion. Specifically, the side edges of the two mask pieces are joined to each other by heat fusion or the like, and when not in use, the two mask pieces are folded by a folding portion extending in the horizontal center in the vertical direction. Even if the two mask pieces are unfolded, they do not become flat, and the structure is different from that of the three-dimensional type covering part that forms a large space under the nose (nasal hole) and between the mouth when worn on the face. The flat type covering portion 5 is closer to the surface of the face than the three-dimensional type covering portion when attached to the face.

The covering portion 5 may have a single-layer structure or a laminated structure of two or more layers, and each layer may be configured by using a breathable sheet such as a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric. Among them, the non-woven fabric by the spunbond method, the melt blow method, the thermal bond method or the spunlace method can be preferably used, and more preferably, the non-woven fabric by the spunbond method is used for pollen, virus and the like from the viewpoint of touch and shape retention. From the viewpoint of cutting performance, a non-woven fabric obtained by the melt blow method can be used. In consideration of the above points, an SMS layer (three-layer structure of spunbond / melt blow / spunbond) can be mentioned as a suitable layer structure of the covering portion 5. In addition, an S layer (single layer of span bond) or an SS layer (two-layer structure of span bond / span bond) can be preferably mentioned. When the covering portion 5 has a laminated structure, the covering portion 5 is formed by joining the outer peripheral edges of the sheets of each layer with a predetermined width by a known method such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, or heat welding. be able to.

As the fiber material of the woven fabric and the non-woven fabric constituting each layer of the covering portion 5, known materials can be used, for example, natural fibers such as paper and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester. , Synthetic fibers such as nylon can be used. Among them, polypropylene and polyethylene can be preferably used from the viewpoint of productivity, polypropylene can be used from the viewpoint of shape retention, and nylon can be used from the viewpoint of touch.

The covering portion 5 can have a structure that can be extended in the vertical direction. For example, the covering portion 5 is provided with at least one pleated (fold) 54 formed by at least two creases extending in the lateral direction. By expanding the pleats 54, the covering portion 5 can be extended in the vertical direction, and the size of the covering portion 5 can be freely adjusted according to the size of the wearer's face. Further, by expanding the pleats 54, the covering portion 5 is deformed so as to form an outward convex shape in the vertical direction to have a three-dimensional effect, and the space between the mask body 2 and the mouth and nostrils of the face. Can be increased.

Ear hook bands 7 are attached to the left and right side edges 52 and 53 of the cover portion 5 as a holding means for holding the cover portion 5 on the wearer's face. The ear hook band 7 can be attached to the covering portion 5 by a known method such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, or heat welding. The material of the ear hook band 7 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a stretchable material such as polyester. As the holding means of the covering portion 5, various means other than the ear hook band 7 may be used.

A linear nose piece 8 made of, for example, a plastic resin such as polyethylene or a biodegradable resin is provided at a position inside the upper edge 50 of the covering portion 5. Since the nose piece 8 prevents a gap from being formed between the wearer's nose and the covering portion 5, the covering portion 5 can be fitted to the face. The nose piece 8 can be fixed at a predetermined position by, for example, being built in the covering portion 5 and joining the sheets of the layers constituting the covering portion 5 at the upper and lower positions thereof by, for example, ultrasonic welding.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the accommodating portion 6 has a first layer 60 on the face side and a second layer 61 on the covering portion 5, and has an upper edge of the outer peripheral edge of the second layer 61. The part to be removed is joined to the first layer 60. As a result, the accommodating portion 6 is formed in a bag shape in which an opening is formed in the upper portion and the steam generator 3 can be inserted and held between the first layer 60 and the second layer 61. In the accommodating portion 6, the upper edge of the second layer 61 is located below the upper edge of the first layer 60, so that the steam generator 3 can be easily inserted into the accommodating portion 6 from the upper opening.

The accommodating portion 6 is attached to the covering portion 5 by joining the first layer 60 on the face side to the face side surface of the covering portion 5 by a known method such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, and heat welding. There is. In the accommodating portion 6, only the upper edge of the first layer 60 located above the upper edge of the second layer 61 is joined to the face side surface of the covering portion 5. As a result, the accommodating portion 6 does not interfere with the extension of the covering portion 5 in the vertical direction by expanding the pleats 54, and the accommodating portion 6 is not restrained by the covering portion 5 and the weight of the steam generator 3 is increased. This makes it easier to bring the steam generator 3 closer to the wearer's face, so that the steam emitted from the steam generator 3 can be efficiently supplied from the wearer's mouth or nose to the throat.

Further, since the upper edge of the first layer 60 on the face side is joined to the face side surface of the covering portion 5, when the wearer wears the mask 1, the upper opening of the accommodating portion 6 and the wearer's face The first layer 60 is interposed between the and. As a result, even if the steam emitted from the steam generator 3 is released from the upper opening of the accommodating portion 6, it is not released to the wearer's face side until after it has passed through the first layer 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the steam from directly hitting the wearer's face.

The accommodating portion 6 is attached to the covering portion 5 at a position below the upper edge 50 of the covering portion 5. Since the upper edge 50 of the cover portion 5 extends laterally under the eyes of the wearer's face when the wearer wears the mask 1, the accommodating portion 6 is attached to the position of the upper edge 50 of the cover portion 5. , The nose is covered by the steam generator 3 in the accommodating portion 6. When the nose is covered with the steam generator 3, it becomes difficult for the nose to breathe, and the steam generator 3 may hit the nose to reduce the usability of the mask 1. Therefore, the accommodating portion 6 has a predetermined height (for example, 15 mm or more and 30 mm) from the upper edge 50 of the covering portion 5 so that the accommodating body 6 is arranged under the wearer's nose when the wearer wears the mask 1. (Hereafter) It is attached to the covering portion 5 at a position shifted downward.

The size of the accommodating portion 6 may be as long as it can accommodate the steam generator 3 inside. For example, the length in the horizontal direction can be 50 mm or more and 150 mm or less, and the length in the vertical direction is It can be 30 mm or more and 80 mm or less.

The first layer 60 on the face side of the accommodating portion 6 has moisture permeability. This moisture permeability is a property that allows vapor (water molecules) to pass through. For example, the moisture permeability is preferably 1000 g / m ² / 24h or more, and more preferably 2000g / m ² / 24h or more. It is preferable, and more preferably 3000 g / m ² / 24h or more. As a result, the steam generated from the steam generator 3 in the accommodating portion 6 passes through the first layer 60 and is released to the wearer's face side. On the other hand, the second layer 61 on the covering portion 5 side of the accommodating portion 6 is non-breathable. This non-moisture permeability is not limited to the property of completely impermeable to vapor (water molecules), but also includes the property of slightly impervious of vapor (water molecules). For example, the moisture permeability is preferably 350 g / m ² / 24h or less, and more preferably 300 g / m ² / 24h or less. The steam emitted from the steam generator 3 in the accommodating portion 6 is not released by the non-breathable second layer 61 acting as a barrier on the side opposite to the wearer's face. By making the first layer 60 of the accommodating portion 6 moisture permeable and the second layer 61 non-moisture permeable in this way, the vapor generated from the steam generator 3 can be released only to the wearer's face side, which is efficient. It is possible to supply steam from the wearer's mouth and nose to the throat and to humidify the oral cavity.

Both the first layer 60 and the second layer 61 of the accommodating portion 6 have a heat insulating property. Although the details will be described later, the accommodating portion 6 accommodates the steam generator 3 heated by being irradiated with microwaves in, for example, a microwave oven. When the temperature of the heated steam generator 3 decreases, the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3 decreases. Therefore, the first layer 60 and the second layer 61 of the accommodating portion 6 have a heat insulating property, which can prevent the temperature of the heated steam generator 3 in the accommodating portion 6 from rapidly decreasing. As a result, more steam can be generated from the steam generator 3. Further, since warm steam can be generated from the steam generator 3 for a long time, the wearer can be comfortable and the usability of the mask 1 can be improved.

The first layer 60 of the accommodating portion 6 having the above-mentioned moisture permeability and heat insulating property is made of, for example, a foamed resin sheet made of foamed polyurethane, foamed polyolefin, foamed polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a sheet-shaped fiber cotton. Can be configured. Examples of the fibers constituting the fiber cotton include polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyamide fibers, and acrylonitrile fibers.

The second layer 61 of the accommodating portion 6 having the heat insulating property and the non-breathable property described above covers, for example, the foamed resin sheet or the sheet-shaped fiber cotton used for the first layer 60 described above with a non-breathable material. It can be configured by using the above.

The accommodating portion 6 is provided with a steam holding layer 62 capable of holding steam on the face side surface of the first layer 60 on the face side. The steam holding layer 62 partially permeates the steam emitted from the steam generator 3 in the accommodating portion 6 and permeates the first layer 60 and releases it to the wearer's face side to hold a part. By doing so, the humidity of the space created between the mask body 2 and the wearer's face when the wearer wears the mask 1 is increased. As a result, it is possible to prevent the wearer's oral cavity and the like from drying out.

The vapor holding layer 62 can be formed by using a sheet-like fiber having breathability such as a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric, and among them, the non-woven fabric can be preferably used. As the non-woven fabric, a non-woven fabric produced by a spunbond method, a thermal bond method, a spunlace method or the like can be used, but a non-woven fabric produced by the thermal bond method or the spunlace method can be more preferably used from the viewpoint of touch, and a non-woven fabric produced by the spunlace method can be used. Can be used particularly preferably. As the fiber material of the woven fabric and the non-woven fabric constituting the steam holding layer 62, hydrophobic fibers can be preferably used from the viewpoint of preventing wetting and stickiness, and for example, synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester are used. Can be done. Among them, polypropylene and polyethylene can be preferably used from the viewpoint of flexibility and productivity. From the viewpoint of steam holding function and flexibility, the steam holding layer 62 is preferably formed by superimposing a plurality of (two in this embodiment) sheet-like fibers (for example, non-woven fabric).

Since the accommodating portion 6 covers the wearer's mouth when the wearer wears the mask 1, the accommodating portion 6 is provided with a ventilation hole 9 so that the accommodating portion 6 does not interfere with breathing by the wearer's mouth. .. As shown in FIG. 5, the ventilation hole 9 is provided in the area corresponding to the wearer's mouth of the accommodating portion 6. As a result, the wearer can easily breathe by mouth when wearing the mask 1.

Next, the steam generator 3 emits steam to humidify the wearer's oral cavity and the like, and emits a sufficient amount of steam in a short period of time after the wearer wears the mask 1 to concentrate. It is characterized by supplying steam to the wearer's throat.

The steam generator 3 contains water, and when this water content is heated, for example, a large amount of steam is rapidly generated. Further, the steam generator 3 emits warm steam when the moisture content is heated. The steam generator 3 may generate a large amount of steam immediately after the wearer wears the mask 1 by heating the moisture content by, for example, an external heating device or the like before the wearer wears the mask 1. Further, the steam generator 3 may be one that gradually emits a large amount of steam after the wearer wears the mask 1 because the moisture content continues to receive heat after wearing the mask 1. In the latter case, the steam generator 3 may be one in which the moisture content is heated by the heat generated by itself, or is contained by a heating element (for example, a disposable body warmer) that generates heat. Moisture may be heated.

The steam generator 3 has a steam generating ability such that the amount of steam generated for 30 minutes after steam generation is 150 mg or more and 30,000 mg or less. When the steam generator 3 has such a steam generating ability, it is possible to moisturize the wearer's throat and effectively improve the discomfort and pain in the throat.

Here, the "steam generation amount for 30 minutes after steam generation" is the total amount of steam generated from the time when the steam generator 3 is made capable of generating steam to the wearer until 30 minutes have passed. Say. "A state in which the steam generator 3 is capable of generating steam for the wearer" means that the steam generator 3 is provided with means for rapidly generating a large amount of steam and the steam generator 3 is provided. A state in which 3 is provided on the mask 1.

For example, when the steam generator 3 is heated and used, it means a state in which the steam generator 3 is heated under the conditions determined when it is used for the mask 1 and is provided in the mask 1. The steam generator 3 may be heated while being provided with the mask 1, or may be provided with the mask 1 immediately after being heated alone. On the other hand, when the steam generator 3 is used while being heated by the heating element, the steam generator 3 is provided on the mask 1 and the heating element is in a state where it can generate heat (for example, if it is a disposable body warmer, it is taken out from the outer bag). It is a state in which the steam generator 3 of the mask 1 is prepared at a position where it can be heated after being rubbed and loosened several times. Further, when the steam generator 3 is used by heating it by itself, the steam generator 3 is put into a state where it can generate heat (for example, if it is a disposable body warmer, it is taken out from the outer bag and kneaded several times). And it means a state of being prepared for the mask 1. The steam generator 3 may be provided in a state capable of generating heat while being provided in the mask 1, or may be provided in the mask 1 immediately after being provided in a state capable of generating heat.

The amount of steam generated in the mask 1 over 30 minutes after the steam is generated is measured by the following method. Specifically, in an environment of a temperature of 10 ° C. and a humidity of 25% to 40% RH, steam can be generated in a desiccator having a volume of 532 cm ³ (length 14 cm x width 9.5 cm x height 4.0 cm). The mask 1 provided with the steam generator 3 of the above is allowed to stand, and the desiccator is sealed. Then, the air in the desiccator is sucked into a cooling chamber having a temperature of −40 ± 5 ° C. for 30 minutes at a suction amount of 7 L / min using a pump, and the steam is cooled in the cooling chamber to cool the condensed water weight M1. To measure. Further, in the state where the mask 1 is not present in the desiccator, the air in the desiccator is sucked into a cooling chamber having a temperature of −40 ± 5 ° C. under the same conditions, and the steam is cooled in the cooling chamber to cool the condensed water. Measure M2. The weight obtained by subtracting the weight M2 of water measured without the mask 1 from the weight M1 of water measured with the mask 1 is defined as the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3.

The amount of steam generated over 30 minutes after the above-mentioned steam generation is not particularly limited as long as it is 150 mg or more and 30,000 mg or less, but the larger the amount of steam generated, the better the wearer's throat can be moisturized and the throat. While the discomfort and pain can be improved more effectively, if the amount of steam generated is too large, the discomfort caused by the steam increases when the wearer wears the mask 1. Therefore, the amount of steam generated is preferably 410 mg or more and 24,000 mg or less, and more preferably 410 mg or more and 18,000 mg or less.

The amount of steam generated in the steam generator 3 for 5 minutes after steam generation is preferably 50 mg or more and 5000 mg or less, more preferably 330 mg or more and 4000 mg or less, and further preferably 330 mg or more and 3000 mg or less. Since the steam generator 3 has such a steam generating ability, it is possible to moisturize the throat at an early stage after the wearer wears the mask 1, and also to deal with the discomfort and pain of the wearer's throat. The improvement effect can be exerted promptly.

The amount of steam generated for 5 minutes after the generation of steam refers to the total amount of steam generated within 5 minutes after the steam generator 3 is in a state where steam can be generated for the wearer. The method for measuring the amount of steam generated for 30 minutes after steam generation is the same as described above, except that the suction time by the pump is 5 minutes.

The amount of steam generated in the steam generator 3 for 1 minute after steam generation is preferably 10 mg or more and 1000 mg or less, more preferably 120 mg or more and 800 mg or less, and further preferably 120 mg or more and 600 mg or less. Since the steam generator 3 has such a steam generating ability, the wearer can immediately moisturize the throat after wearing the mask 1, and immediately responds to the discomfort or pain in the wearer's throat. It can exert an improvement effect.

The amount of steam generated for 1 minute after the generation of steam means the total amount of steam generated within 1 minute after the steam generator 3 is in a state where steam can be generated for the wearer, and the measurement method is The method for measuring the amount of steam generated for 30 minutes after steam generation is the same as described above, except that the suction time by the pump is 1 minute.

After the wearer wears the mask 1, the steam generator 3 raises the temperature of the space between the mask body 2 and the mouth and nostrils of the wearer's face for at least 30 minutes, more preferably 60 minutes, 30 degrees or more. It is preferable to have the ability to generate steam to maintain. When the temperature of the steam emitted from the steam generator 3 is high, the temperature of the space becomes high, but since the space becomes a space comfortably humidified by the warm steam, the wearer can be given a relaxing effect. It is not necessary for the temperature of the space to rise to 30 degrees or higher immediately after the wearer wears the mask 1, and there may be a temperature rise period. The temperature of the space (the temperature of the steam emitted from the steam generator 3) can be adjusted by the heating temperature of the steam generator 3.

The higher the temperature of the space is, the more comfortable the wearer can be. Therefore, it is preferable that the steam generator 3 emits steam that maintains the temperature of the space at 40 ° C. or higher for at least 5 minutes after the wearer wears the mask 1. However, if the temperature of the space is too high or the relatively high temperature continues for a long time, the wearer may be burned. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing the wearer from being burned, the maximum temperature of the space is preferably 70 ° C. or lower.

The temperature of the space is measured by the following method. Specifically, the wearer immediately wears the mask 1 provided with the steam generator 3 in a state where steam can be generated in an environment of a temperature of 10 ° C. and a humidity of 25% to 40% RH, and the mask is worn at the same time. A temperature sensor is inserted between the main body 2 and the wearer's face, and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is defined as the temperature of the space.

The steam generator 3 can generate steam by being heated by being irradiated with microwaves, for example, in a microwave oven or the like. The steam generator 3 may be heated by being irradiated with microwaves after being housed in the housing part 6 of the mask body 2, or may be heated by being irradiated by microwaves and then heated by the housing part 6 of the mask body 2. May be housed in. Since the steam generator 3 heated when the wearer wears the mask 1 is housed in the accommodating portion 6 of the mask body 2, the steam generator 3 emits a large amount of warm steam immediately after wearing the mask 1. The amount of steam generated can be adjusted by the heating temperature and water content of the steam generator 3. In order for the steam generator 3 to have the above-mentioned steam generating ability, it is preferable that the steam generator 3 is heated to 40 ° C. or higher. On the other hand, the steam generator 3 is preferably heated to 95 ° C. or lower so that it will not be too hot when it comes into contact with the steam generator 3.

The steam generator 3 can be composed of, for example, a water-containing body that holds water. The water-containing material can be composed of a water-impregnable material such as an aggregate of fiber materials such as paper, woven fabric, and non-woven fabric.

As the fiber material, hydrophilic fibers and blended fibers of hydrophilic fibers and synthetic fibers can be used, and examples thereof include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, rayon, cotton, and pulp. Among them, pulp is preferably mentioned from the viewpoint of flexibility and water retention. The method for producing such a water-containing material is not particularly limited, but it can be produced by an airlaid method or the like, and heat-sealing of polyethylene or the like to pulp as the main component from the viewpoint of productivity, processability, and durability. It is preferable to blend the sex fibers in a predetermined ratio.

For example, when the water-containing material is formed of pulp, the ratio of pulp: heat-sealing fibers is 60:40 to 80:20. The water-containing material may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure, but from the viewpoint of durability and water retention, it is preferable to have a three-layer structure in which a fiber material is sandwiched between a pair of non-woven fabrics. At this time, the layer sandwiched between the pair of non-woven fabrics is called the middle layer, and the layer composed of the pair of non-woven fabrics is called the double-ended layer. The non-woven fabrics on both ends may be made of the same material or different materials. Examples of the material of these non-woven fabrics include hydrophilic fibers, hydrophobic fibers, synthetic fibers, or blended fibers of hydrophilic fibers and synthetic fibers, and examples of the hydrophilic fibers include rayon and cotton. Rayon is preferable. Making it hydrophilic has the advantage that water is easily absorbed by the pulp during production, which facilitates production. Examples of the hydrophobic fiber include polyesters such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene and polypropylene are preferable. Hydrophobicity has the advantage of preventing wetting and stickiness. Therefore, it is preferable that the surface facing the wearer side is composed of hydrophobic fibers and the surface opposite to the surface is composed of hydrophilic fibers such as rayon. The pair of non-woven fabrics described above preferably have a basis weight of 20 g / m ² or more and 50 g / m ² or less, for example.

The above-mentioned hydrous is not particularly limited, but the basis weight is preferably 500 g / m ² or more, and more preferably 800 g / m ² or more. As a result, a large amount of water can be retained. On the other hand, if the basis weight is too large, the water-containing body becomes hard, and when the wearer wears the mask 1, the water-containing body does not deform to follow the facial shape of the wearer's mouth, which may make the wearer feel uncomfortable. There is. Therefore, the basis weight of the water body, and more preferably preferably at 1500 g / ^{m 2} or less, 1000 g / ^{m 2} or less.

In addition to the above-mentioned fiber material, the water-containing body can also be formed by impregnating a porous body with water. Further, the hydrous body may be any one capable of retaining water, and may be composed of an aqueous gel (hydrous gel-like polymer) containing a gelling agent and water.

A polyol may be added to the water contained in the steam generator 3. Examples of the polyol include glycerin, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, 1,2 pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and the like, and among them, glycerin is preferable in terms of safety. .. In addition to these, preservatives such as methylparaben and phenoxyethanol, moisturizers such as hyaluronate and betaine, plant extracts, xanthan gum and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), agar , Water-soluble thickeners such as guar gum and carrageenan, fragrances such as eucalyptus and mint, and surfactants (nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, anionic surfactants) that solubilize fragrances can be appropriately added. ..

Since the amount of steam generated affects the water content of the steam generator 3, the steam generator 3 preferably contains a large amount of water because the steam generator 3 has the above-mentioned steam generating ability. The water content of the steam generator 3 including other components is preferably 6 g or more, more preferably 12 g or more, and further preferably 18 g or more. Further, from the viewpoint of the influence of the weight of the steam generator 3 on the usability when the wearer wears the mask 1, the water content of the steam generator 3 is preferably 30 g or less, and preferably 24 g or less. More preferred.

Since the steam generator 3 contains a large amount of water, a large amount of steam can be supplied to the wearer's throat, and the steam generator 3 is hard to cool after being heated, so that the heated steam is generated. The temperature of the body 3 can be maintained at a high temperature for a long time. Therefore, more steam can be generated from the steam generator 3, and warm steam can be generated for a long time, so that the wearer can be comfortable and the usability of the mask 1 can be improved. ..

The steam generator 3 can have a rectangular shape in a plan view. Since the steam generator 3 is used at the wearer's mouth when the wearer wears the mask 1, the size thereof may be, for example, 4 cm or more and 14 cm or less in the horizontal direction and 2 cm or more and 7 cm or less in the vertical direction. It is preferably 7 cm or more and 11 cm or less in the horizontal direction, and more preferably 3 cm or more and 6 cm or less in the vertical direction. In terms of area, for example, it is preferably 8 cm ² or more and 98 cm ² or less, and more preferably 25 cm ² or more and 50 cm ² or less.

The steam generator 3 is provided with a ventilation hole 30 at a position corresponding to the ventilation hole 9 of the accommodating portion 6 of the mask main body 2. The ventilation hole 30 is formed of a notch like the ventilation hole 9, and is formed so as to extend upward from the lower edge of the steam generator 3 at the center position in the left-right direction of the steam generator 3. As a result, the wearer can easily breathe by mouth when wearing the mask 1. Further, by aligning the vent hole 30 of the steam generator 3 with the vent hole 9 of the accommodating portion 6, the steam generator 3 can be held at a predetermined position in the accommodating portion 6, and the steam generator 3 is misoriented. It can be accommodated in the accommodating portion 6 without any problem.

Moreover, since the vent hole 30 extends in the vertical direction to the central position in the width direction of the steam generator 3, the steam generator 3 can be easily bent along the vent hole 30 at the central position in the left-right direction. As a result, even if the steam generator 3 is relatively hard, when the wearer wears the mask 1, the steam generator 3 is likely to be deformed along the face shape of the wearer's mouth, so that the feeling of use of the mask 1 is improved. Can be improved.

In addition to the position corresponding to the ventilation hole 9 of the accommodating portion 6, the steam generator 3 may be further provided with one or a plurality of ventilation holes composed of holes having a small diameter, for example. Further, the steam generator 3 does not necessarily have to be provided with the ventilation hole 30 at a position corresponding to the ventilation hole 9 of the accommodating portion 6. For example, the two steam generators 3 may be individually housed in the right and left regions of the vents 9 of the accommodating portion 6, and each steam generator 3 may be provided with a desired vent, or the vents may be provided. It does not have to be.

The steam generator 3 is composed of an impermeable aluminum laminate film, an aluminum vapor-deposited PET film, and a transparent (silica) vapor-deposited PET film before the wearer wears the mask 1, that is, before being accommodated in the accommodating portion 6. It is preferable to store it in a bag or the like.

According to the mask 1 of the present embodiment described above, warm steam is generated from the steam generator 3 heated when the wearer wears it, thereby humidifying the wearer's oral cavity and the like. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wearer's oral cavity from drying out.

At this time, the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3 is 150 mg or more within 30 minutes after the steam is generated, and a large amount of steam is emitted from the steam generator 3 in a short period of time, and a large amount of steam is concentrated on the wearer's throat. Is supplied to. Therefore, if the wearer has a feeling of discomfort or pain in the throat, this can be effectively improved. When the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3 is 410 mg or more within 30 minutes after the steam is generated, the discomfort and pain in the wearer's throat can be further effectively improved. On the other hand, since the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3 is 30,000 mg or less within 30 minutes after the steam is generated, even if a large amount of steam is supplied to the wearer's face, the steam causes the wearer to wear the mask 1. It is possible to suppress the feeling of discomfort.

Further, according to the mask 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3 is 50 mg or more within 5 minutes after the steam is generated, and a large amount of steam is generated early after the wearer wears the mask 1. Since it is supplied to the throat of the wearer, it can exert an improving effect on the discomfort and pain of the wearer's throat immediately after wearing. When the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3 is 330 mg or more within 5 minutes after the steam is generated, the discomfort and pain in the wearer's throat can be further effectively improved. On the other hand, since the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3 is 5000 mg or less within 5 minutes after the steam is generated, even if a large amount of steam is supplied to the wearer's face, the steam causes the wearer to wear the mask 1. It is possible to suppress the feeling of discomfort.

Further, according to the mask 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3 is 10 mg or more in 1 minute after the steam is generated, and a large amount of steam is immediately emitted from the wearer after the wearer wears the mask 1. Since it is supplied to the throat, it can exert an improving effect on the discomfort and pain of the wearer's throat immediately after wearing. When the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3 is 120 mg or more in 1 minute after the steam is generated, the discomfort and pain in the wearer's throat can be further effectively improved. On the other hand, since the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3 is 1000 mg or less in 1 minute after the steam is generated, even if a large amount of steam is supplied to the wearer's face, the steam causes the wearer to wear the mask 1. It is possible to suppress the feeling of discomfort.

Further, according to the mask 1 of the present embodiment, after the wearer wears the space, the temperature of the space is maintained at 40 degrees or more for at least 5 minutes, and the space becomes a comfortable and humidified space, so that the wearer can relax. The effect can be imparted, and the usability of the mask 1 can be improved.

After that, the temperature of the space is 30 degrees or higher for a total of 30 minutes. Therefore, for example, when the wearer wears the mask 1 during sleep, he / she can sleep comfortably and can improve his / her throat condition when he / she wakes up in the morning.

Further, according to the mask 1 of the present embodiment, since the steam generator 3 is composed of a water-containing body and emits steam when heated, it can be configured to emit a large amount of steam with a simple configuration. Further, since the steam generator 3 is heated by being irradiated with microwaves in, for example, a microwave oven, the steam generator 3 does not require time to generate steam, so that the wearer wears the mask 1. It can be configured to emit a large amount of steam immediately after the operation.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the steam generator 3 is heated by being irradiated with microwaves, for example, in a microwave oven, but the method for heating the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, and various methods are used. May be good.

Further, in the above embodiment, by accommodating the heated steam generator 3 in the accommodating portion 6 of the mask main body 2, warm steam is generated and supplied from the steam generator 3, but the covering portion of the accommodating portion 6 is supplied. A steam generator 3 having the same or almost the same size as the steam generator 3 is attached to the surface on the 5 side, and the steam generator 3 in the accommodating portion 6 is continuously heated by the heat generator. Warm steam may be generated and supplied from the water. In this case, after the wearer wears the mask 1, the amount of steam generated gradually increases, and the amount of steam generated for 30 minutes after the generation of steam becomes 150 mg or more and 30,000 mg or less. In order for the steam generator 3 to have the above-mentioned steam generating ability, the heating element preferably generates heat at 40 ° C. or higher.

Further, in the above embodiment, the steam generator 3 is heated by another heating means to generate steam, but the generated heat heats the moisture content to generate steam by generating heat by itself, for example, like a disposable body warmer. You may let me.

Further, in the above embodiment, the steam generator 3 emits steam by heating, but it may be configured to generate steam by a method other than heating. Further, the steam generator 3 may be one that rapidly emits the steam of the above-mentioned steam generation amount by spontaneously evaporating the water content without any means.

Further, in the above embodiment, the steam holding layer 62 is provided on the first layer 60 on the face side of the accommodating portion 6, but the steam holding layer 62 does not necessarily have to be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first layer 60 and the second layer 61 of the accommodating portion 6 both have a heat insulating property, but only one of them may have a heat insulating property, or both of them. Does not have to have heat insulating properties.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first layer 60 of the accommodating portion 6 is moisture permeable and the second layer 61 is non-moisture permeable, but both may be moisture permeable.

Further, in the above embodiment, the accommodating portion 6 is attached to the covering portion 5 at a position below the upper edge 50 of the covering portion 5, but is attached to the covering portion 5 at the position of the upper edge 50 of the covering portion 5. It may have been.

Further, in the above embodiment, the upper edge of the first layer 60 on the face side of the accommodating portion 6 is located above the upper edge of the second layer 61 on the covering portion 5 side and is joined to the covering portion 5. The upper edge of the second layer 61 on the cover portion 5 side may be located above the upper edge of the first layer 60 on the face side and may be joined to the cover portion 5.

Further, in the above embodiment, the accommodating portion 6 is provided with the ventilation hole 9, but the ventilation hole 9 does not necessarily have to be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the upper edge 50, the lower edge 51, and the left and right side edges 52, 53 of the covering portion 5 are formed in a straight line, but for example, the upper edge 50 is a curved line that is convex toward the upper side. It may be formed in a curved line, and / or the lower edge 51 may be formed in a curved or curved line that is convex downward, and / or the left and right side edges 52, 53. May be formed in a curved or curved line that is convex toward the inside.

Further, in the above embodiment, the steam generator 3 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, but may have various shapes such as a triangular shape, a square shape, another polygonal shape, a circular shape, and an elliptical shape.

Further, in the above embodiment, the covering portion 5 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, but may have various shapes such as a triangular shape, a square shape, another polygonal shape, a circular shape, and an elliptical shape.

Further, in the above embodiment, the covering portion 5 has a structure that can be extended in the vertical direction by the pleats 54, but the means for making the covering portion 5 extendable in the vertical direction is not limited to the pleats 54, and other means. Various means can be used. For example, the covering portion 5 may have a structure that can be extended in the vertical direction by forming gathers on the covering portion 5. The means and structure for extending the covering portion 5 such as the pleats 54 may not be provided in the covering portion 5.

Further, in the above embodiment, the covering portion 5 is a flat type, but may be a three-dimensional type.

Hereinafter, examples and comparative examples of the present invention will be described. In the following, the relationship between the amount of steam generated by the steam generator and the effect of improving discomfort and pain in the throat was tested. The present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Steam generator is formed in a vertical 50 mm × horizontal 60 mm, the air-laid non-woven fabric (basis weight: 800g / ^{m 2)} composed of pulp and heat fusible fiber, spun lace nonwoven fabric (basis weight consisting of rayon from both: 30 g / ^{m 2} ) Is sandwiched between (water-containing material). In addition, a ventilation hole (notch) is formed at the center position of the lower edge of the steam generator in the left-right direction, and the steam generator has a concave shape as a whole (notch: length 20 mm × width 10 mm). ). This steam generator is impregnated with the water retention solution shown in Table 1 below.

The covering portion of the mask body has a structure in which two spunbonded non-woven fabrics made of polypropylene are laminated. The size of the covering portion is 90 mm in length × 180 mm in width, the basis weight of the outer non-woven fabric is 20 g / m ² , and the basis weight of the inner non-woven fabric is 40 g / m ² . The accommodating portion of the mask body has a structure in which two spunbonded non-woven fabrics (mesh: 20 g / m ² ) made of polypropylene are laminated on a foamed resin sheet whose face side layer is made of foamed polyolefin, and is on the cover side. It has a structure in which a non-breathable material is superposed on a foamed resin sheet whose layer is made of foamed polyolefin. The size of the accommodating portion is 70 mm in length × 120 mm in width.

For the masks of each Example and Comparative Example, the results of measuring the amount of steam generated for 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 30 minutes after the steam was generated with the steam generator housed in the housing portion of the mask body are shown in Table 2. ~ Table 4 shows. The method for measuring the amount of steam generated is as described above.

For the masks of each example and comparative example, 20 subjects who felt discomfort / pain in their throats in an environment of temperature 20 ° C. and humidity 35% RH were asked to wear them for 30 minutes, and the throat was moisturized when worn. A sensory test was conducted for each item of throat discomfort / pain improvement and steam discomfort. The evaluation criteria for each item are as follows.

・One point of moisturizing throat when worn : There is no difference in moisturizing compared to before wearing.
2 points: I feel a little moisturized compared to before wearing.
3 points: Feels more moisturized than before wearing.
4 points: Feels more moisturized than before wearing.
5 points: I feel very moisturized compared to before wearing.

・ Improvement of throat discomfort / pain when worn 1 point: No difference in throat discomfort / pain compared to before wearing.
2 points: The discomfort and pain in the throat were slightly improved compared to before wearing.
3 points: The discomfort and pain in the throat were improved compared to before wearing.
4 points: The discomfort and pain in the throat were significantly improved compared to before wearing.
5 points: The discomfort and pain in the throat were greatly improved compared to before wearing.

・ Discomfort caused by steam when worn 1 point: Very unpleasant.
2 points: It is quite unpleasant.
3 points: A little uncomfortable.
4 points: I feel almost no discomfort.
5 points: I don't feel uncomfortable at all.

For each item, the cumulative score of all examiners is calculated, 81 points or more and 100 points or less is "S", 61 points or more and 80 points or less is "A", 41 points or more and 60 points or less is "B", 40 points. The following was evaluated as "C". The evaluation results are shown in Tables 2 to 4.

From the results in Tables 2 to 4, it can be seen that the mask of the present invention can prevent the wearer's oral cavity from drying out and moisturize the throat.

Further, the mask of the present invention can effectively improve the discomfort / pain in the throat for the wearer who feels discomfort / pain in the throat because the amount of steam generated is 150 mg or more within 30 minutes after the steam is generated. It can be seen that the amount of steam generated is 410 mg or more within 30 minutes after the steam is generated, so that the discomfort and pain in the throat can be further effectively improved.

Further, the mask of the present invention has a steam generation amount of 30,000 mg or less within 30 minutes after the steam generation, so that even if a large amount of steam is supplied to the wearer's face, the wearer does not feel uncomfortable due to the steam. I understand.

Further, the mask of the present invention has a steam generation amount of 50 mg or more within 5 minutes after the steam generation, so that the wearer who feels discomfort / pain in the throat can quickly improve the discomfort / pain in the throat after wearing. It can be exhibited, and it can be seen that the discomfort and pain in the throat can be more effectively improved when the amount of steam generated is 330 mg or more within 5 minutes after the steam is generated.

Further, the mask of the present invention has a steam generation amount of 5000 mg or less within 5 minutes after the steam generation, so that even if a large amount of steam is supplied to the wearer's face, the wearer does not feel uncomfortable due to the steam. I understand.

Further, the mask of the present invention exerts an effect of improving throat discomfort / pain immediately after wearing it for a wearer who feels discomfort / pain in the throat because the amount of steam generated is 10 mg or more in 1 minute after steam generation. It is possible, and it can be seen that the discomfort and pain in the throat can be more effectively improved when the amount of steam generated is 120 mg or more in 1 minute after the steam is generated.

Further, the mask of the present invention has a steam generation amount of 1000 mg or less in 1 minute after steam generation, so that even if a large amount of steam is supplied to the wearer's face, the wearer does not feel discomfort due to steam. I understand.

1 Mask 2 Mask body 3 Steam generator (water-containing body)
5 Cover 6 Storage

Claims (8)

A mask equipped with a mask body that covers a part of the wearer's face and a steam generator that emits steam.
The steam generator is a mask in which the amount of steam generated over 30 minutes after steam generation is 150 mg or more and 30,000 mg or less. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the steam generator has a steam generation amount of 50 mg or more and 5000 mg or less over 5 minutes after steam generation. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the steam generator has a steam generation amount of 10 mg or more and 1000 mg or less over one minute after steam generation. Any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the steam generator emits steam that maintains the temperature of the space between the mask body and the mouth and nostrils of the face at 30 degrees or higher for at least 30 minutes after wearing the mask. The mask described in Crab. Any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the steam generator emits steam that maintains the temperature of the space between the mask body and the mouth and nostrils of the face at 40 degrees or higher for at least 5 minutes after wearing the mask. The mask described in Crab. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the steam generator is a water-containing body that holds water. The mask according to claim 6, wherein the water-containing body emits vapor when heated. The mask according to claim 7, wherein the water-containing body is heated by being irradiated with microwaves.

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