JP7430948B2 - mask - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mask.

In the above-mentioned technical field, Patent Document 1 discloses a mask attachment using bellows to reduce discomfort during wearing and pain caused by pressure.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-102349

However, with the technique described in the above-mentioned document, the mask does not follow the user's skin sufficiently, resulting in poor wearing comfort.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for solving the above-mentioned problems.

In order to achieve the above object, the mask according to the present invention includes:
In order to send inhaled air into at least one of the user's nose and mouth, an edge abuts the user's skin to form a cylindrical space that temporarily accommodates the user's inhaled air and exhaled air, and the cylindrical space A mask comprising a bellows portion having a plurality of folds formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the mask, the folds being folded by a force pressing in the axial direction,
By pasting a plate-like member in the axial direction on the outer circumferential surface of the bellows portion, the mask achieves different elastic forces between a portion that contacts the user's cheek and a portion that contacts the chin.
In order to achieve the above object, another mask according to the present invention includes:
In order to send inhaled air into at least one of the user's nose and mouth, an edge abuts the user's skin to form a cylindrical space that temporarily accommodates the user's inhaled air and exhaled air, and the cylindrical space A mask comprising a bellows portion having a plurality of folds formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the mask, the folds being folded by a force pressing in the axial direction,
The mask realizes different elastic forces by changing the number of folds in the bellows portion between a portion that corresponds to the root of the user's nose and a portion that corresponds to the user's cheek .
In order to achieve the above object, yet another mask according to the present invention includes:
In order to send inhaled air into at least one of the user's nose and mouth, an edge abuts the user's skin to form a cylindrical space that temporarily accommodates the user's inhaled air and exhaled air, and the cylindrical space A mask comprising a bellows portion having a plurality of folds formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the mask, the folds being folded by a force pressing in the axial direction,
In the bellows section, a spring spring is used to spread out both ends of the bellows section, thereby realizing different elastic forces between a portion that touches the root of the user's nose and a portion that touches the user's cheek.

According to the present invention, a mask that is comfortable to wear can be provided.

It is a figure showing the usage state of the mask concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the shape of the bellows part of the mask concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the shape of the bellows part of the mask concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bellows portion of a mask according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the usage state of the mask based on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the shape of the bellows part of the mask based on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the shape of the bellows part of the mask based on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the shape of the bellows part of the mask based on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usage state of the mask based on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usage state of the mask based on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usage state of the mask based on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usage state of the mask based on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usage state of the mask based on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the shape of the bellows part of the mask based on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the Example of the mask based on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usage state of the mask based on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usage state of the mask based on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usage state of the mask based on other embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below by way of example with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the technical scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto.

[First embodiment]
A mask 100 for a non-invasive respirator as a first embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining how the mask 100 is used.

Generally, the purpose of a ventilator is to support inspiration to maintain adequate ventilation of the user, reduce the work of breathing, and improve oxygenation. However, wearing a mask for a long time can cause pressure sores on the user's skin, so it is important to control the pressure applied to the skin.

Based on this, the mask 100 according to the present embodiment includes openings 101 and 102 and a bellows portion 103, as shown in FIG.

The opening 101 is open to take in air from the outside, and is connected to a respirator 124 via a tube 123 or the like, for example. Here, as the respirator 124, a mechanical ventilation device for BIPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure), NIPPV (Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation), or CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is shown. However, the respirator according to the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a hand massage pump, and the concept of the present invention also includes a mask (BVM: Bag Valve Mask) that is connected to a hand massage pump and used manually. included.

A cover 104 provided in the gap between the edge around the opening 101 and the end of the bellows part is made of transparent resin, so that even when wearing the mask 100, the user's mouth (for example, whether or not he or she is vomiting) can be checked. It is configured so that it can be checked. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cover 104 may be formed of an opaque material.

The opening 102 is provided opposite the opening 101 and has a larger opening than the opening 101, and sends inhaled air from the opening 101 into at least one of the user's 110 nose and mouth. Here, the opening 101 and the opening 102 are opposed to each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The openings 101 and 102 may be formed at different angles without facing each other. The opening 101 may be located at the chin or between the eyebrows and open toward the chin. An opening may be provided near the bottom side 134 and the apex portion 131 that contacts the bridge of the nose, or may be provided in the bellows portion 103.

The bellows portion 103 is formed on at least a portion of the edge of the opening 102, and forms a space between the opening 101 and the opening 102 that temporarily accommodates the user's 110's inhaled and exhaled air, and It contacts the skin and deforms to follow the shape of the user's 110 face. The bellows portion 103 fits the skin of the user 110 with a pressure below a predetermined value due to its cushioning properties. The bellows portion 103 is preferably made of paper or synthetic resin, particularly silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, plastic, rubber, polymer materials, aluminum sheets, spring materials, etc. may be used, but are not limited to these, and include new materials that will realize this function in the future. When viewed from the front of the user 110, the bellows portion 103 has an apex portion 131 that abuts the root or bridge of the nose of the user 110, apex portions 132 and 133 that abut both cheeks 111, and abuts the jaw 112. It is a substantially isosceles triangle having a base 134. Further, the bellows portion 103 has a height greater than a predetermined value (for example, 5 cm) from the cover 104 provided at the edge of the opening 101 to the opening 102, and has an approximately triangular cylinder shape as a whole. There is. A sealed space is formed between the opening 101 and the user's nose and mouth by the bellows portion 103, the cover 104, and the user's 110 skin, and air from the respirator is supplied to the user's nose or mouth without leaking. be done.

The mask 100 is pressed toward the face by a belt 141 wrapped around the head of the user 110, and the bellows portion 103 is appropriately folded under the pressure. In other words, the tightening force of the belt 141 is adjusted so as to generate a pressing force that allows the bellows portion 103 to be appropriately folded with a margin.

2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining the detailed shape of the bellows portion 103. When the bellows portion 103 is viewed from the direction A in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of short mountain folds 201 and valley folds 202 longer than the mountain folds 201 are alternately formed. Desirably, the edge closest to the opening 102 is a mountain fold 201 . By folding the final surface of the bellows inward, the pressure in the inner space of the bellows portion 103 becomes a force that presses the final surface downward in FIG. 2, so that the contact pressure with the skin of the user 110 becomes higher.

When the bellows portion 103 is viewed from the mouth side of the user 110 in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 3, each vertex portion 131, 132, 133 is a bellows folded inward. As a result, the horizontal cross section of the bellows portion 103 depicts a hexagonal shape.

The bellows portion 103 fits the root or bridge of the user's 110 nose with a pressure of less than a predetermined value (for example, 15 mmHg) due to its cushioning properties, and fits the cheek of the user with a pressure of more than a predetermined value (for example, 4 mmHg) due to its restoring force. do.

On the other hand, if the mask 100 is pressed against the face to such an extent that a predetermined pressure or more is applied to the skin of the user 110 due to the tightening of the belt 141, the bellows portion 103 deforms and becomes difficult to function as a respiratory device. . For example, when the bellows portion 103 is folded excessively, the tip of the nose 113 of the user 110 will come into contact with the inside of the transparent cover 104 of the opening 101, making it very obvious to both the user 110 and the surrounding operator. , it is possible to know if the belt 141 is too tight. Moreover, since the bellows part 103 constitutes the majority of the mask 100, it becomes easy for a medical worker to judge whether the belt 141 is too tight by looking at the folding condition of the bellows part 103.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, in a state 401 in which the bellows portion 103 is stretched without being folded very much, an "○" is clearly visible, and in a state 402 in which the bellows part 103 is greatly folded and shrunk below a predetermined value, an "x" is clearly visible. The outer periphery of the bellows portion 103 may be colored visually. For example, if the elements constituting the "X" are not colored in the valley fold part, the "X" will appear thin when stretched, and the "X" will appear dark and clear when contracted. Here, an example of drawing symbols such as "○" and "x" has been explained, but the present invention is not limited to this, and drawing contact pressure (unit: mmHg) such as "5" and "10" is explained. It may also be a structure in which characters such as ``Shimetsukesugi'' stand out. Furthermore, these notifications may be configured such that, for example, information obtained from an electronic pressure sensor is transmitted to an electronic device using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. In this way, it is possible to clearly notify that the belt 141 is too tight, thereby making it possible to prevent bedsores from occurring on the user's skin.

According to the above configuration, the elastic bellows portion 103 deforms to follow the shape of the user's face, so that the mask 100 can be applied with an appropriate pressure that does not press the user's 110 skin too much and prevents intake air from leaking. The close contact can improve the wearing comfort of the user 110.

Note that in this embodiment, the bellows portion is formed on the entire edge of the opening 102, but the invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that a bellows part is formed at a part of the edge of the opening 102, more specifically at any one of the root of the nose, the bridge of the nose, the cheek, the lower jaw, or a combination thereof. Further, a sheet-like cushioning material may be provided on the surface of the bellows portion that comes into contact with the user's skin.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a mask 500 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining how the mask 500 is used. The mask 500 according to the present embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the bellows portion 503 tapers so that the horizontal cross section becomes narrower from the opening 101 side to the opening 502 side, and the cover 504 It differs in that it has a structure and also has belts 541 on both sides of the nose. The other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same configurations and operations are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

The bellows portion 503 has an apex portion 531 that abuts the root or bridge of the nose of the user 110, apex portions 532, 533 that abut both cheeks of the user 110, and a bottom side 534 that abuts the chin 112 of the user 110. It is similar to FIG. 1 in that it is a substantially isosceles triangle. The cover 504 around the opening 101 is made of flexible resin and deforms under the tension of the belts 141, 541.

6 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the shape of the bellows portion 503 before attachment. When the bellows portion 503 is viewed from the direction C in FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of short mountain folds 601 and valley folds 602 longer than the mountain folds 601 are alternately formed. In the unattached state, as shown in FIG. 6, the bellows portion 503 has approximately isosceles trapezoidal side surfaces, and the cover 504 also has a flat plate shape. However, the cover 504 is not limited to this, and any shape and material that can be elastically deformed against the tension of the belts 141, 541 may be used.

Because of the taper, when worn, the bellows portion 503 tends to bend to both sides around the contact position 603 with the chin located in the midline of the human body, which has the effect of increasing the closeness to the cheeks.

When the bellows portion 503 is viewed from the mouth side of the user 110 in FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 7, the bellows portion 503 has a bellows shape in which the distance between the vertex portions 532 and 533 gradually narrows. As a result, the bellows portion 503 has a taper formed so that the horizontal cross-sectional area becomes narrower toward the mouth side of the user 110. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bellows portion 503. FIG. 8 is a perspective view viewed from the opening 502 side for easy understanding. By bending around the chin contact position 603, the apex portions 532, 533 can easily come into close contact with the cheeks of the user 110.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the mask 500 is in use, as viewed from below the chin 112 of the user 110 (direction C in FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom side 534 of the bellows portion 503 contacts the jaw 112 and is bent. Further, in the figure, the cover 504 above the bellows portion 503 is also deformed into an upwardly convex arc shape due to the tension of the belts 141, 541. As a result, the apex portions 532 and 533 are brought into close contact with both cheeks 111 of the user 110, and the airtightness within the mask 500 is improved. It is expected that this will be particularly effective for users with sunken cheeks.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the adhesion to the skin without impairing the user's wearing comfort, and in turn, improve the confidentiality of the mask 500. , the user's appropriate ventilation volume can be maintained.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a mask 1000 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining how the mask 1000 is used. The mask 1000 according to the present embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the bellows portion 1003 tapers so that the horizontal cross section thereof becomes wider from the opening 101 side toward the opening 1002 side. The other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second embodiment, so the same configurations and operations are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the mask 1000 is in use, viewed from below the chin 112 of the user 110. As shown in FIG. 11, the bottom side 1034 of the bellows portion 1003 is bent when it comes into contact with the chin 112, so that the apex portions 1032, 1033 are in close contact with both cheeks 111 of the user 110, and the inside of the mask 1000 is kept confidential. Improves sex. It is expected that this will be particularly effective for users with swollen cheeks.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a mask 1200 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining how the mask 1200 is used. In comparison with the second embodiment, the mask 1200 according to the present embodiment is reinforced on the surface between the apex portion 531 and the apex portion 532 of the bellows portion 1203 and the surface between the apex portion 531 and the apex portion 533. The difference is that a material 1231 is provided. The other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second embodiment, so the same configurations and operations are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

By providing the reinforcing material 1231, the elastic force (repulsion force, force that tries to return to its original state) becomes stronger around the apex portions 532 and 533 of the bellows portion 1203, so that the apex portions 532 and 533 are more firmly attached to the cheeks 111. (e.g. 4mmHg or more). On the other hand, around the apex portion 531, the elastic force (repulsion force, force that tries to return to its original state) is relatively weak, so its cushioning properties cause pressure on the root or bridge of the nose of the user 110 to be below a predetermined value (for example, 15 mmHg). to fit. The reinforcing member 1231 is preferably configured to be detachable, and a medical worker can attach and detach the reinforcing member 1231 according to the shape of the user's face, thereby realizing a mask with high adhesion to all users.

If the cheeks 111 of the user 110 are greatly sunken, the mask 1300 may be provided with an additional reinforcing material 1331, as shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the bellows portion 1303 of the mask 1300 taken out, and is a perspective view seen from the opening 101 side. As shown in FIG. 14, the reinforcing materials 1231, 1331 are plate-like members such as cardboard that are pasted on the outer peripheral surface of the bellows part 1303 in the direction from the opening 101 toward the opening 502, and are attached along the bellows part 1303. It has mountain folds and valley folds.

However, the reinforcing material 1231 is not limited to this, and may have any configuration as long as it has the function of changing the elastic modulus of the bellows depending on the location. For example, spring springs may be attached that physically push apart both ends of the bellows portion. Alternatively, a system could be used that controls the hardness of the material by applying a spray or liquid coating. Furthermore, it is preferable to change the elastic force of the bellows by changing the thickness, hardness, and material depending on the area (thickening the cheeks to increase the elastic force, and decreasing the elastic force for the nose and chin). The number of folds in the bellows portion may be different between the part that contacts the user's nose and the part that contacts the user's cheeks. For example, the number of creases in the portion that corresponds to the user's nose may be smaller than the creases in the portion that corresponds to the user's cheeks.

In this way, the bellows parts 1203 and 1303 have different elastic forces (repulsive force, reproducing force) between the part that contacts the root of the user's nose and the part that contacts the cheeks of the user 110, so they do not contact the root or bridge of the nose with relatively small pressure. , the cheek can be contacted with sufficient pressure. Since the root of the nose or the bridge of the nose is harder than the cheeks, bedsores are likely to occur due to pressure from the mask, but according to the masks 1200 and 1300 of this embodiment, such bedsores can be avoided very effectively. .

The results of a specific experiment are shown in FIG. Pressure sensors were placed at six locations on the user's face 1501, the user wore a mask 1300, and while a respirator was connected to supply oxygen (CPAP 10 cmH2O, Leak 40 L/min), the contact pressure at each part was measured. The results are shown in Table 1502. The contact pressure had a minimum value of 4.5 mmHg and a maximum value of 8 mmHg, and the standard deviation was 1.5. Compared to conventional products (using Breas' Vivo50 as a respirator and Fisher & Paykel's Simplex Masks as a mask), the maximum value and standard deviation of contact pressure are less than half, which is appropriate for the skin. It was also found that contact was made with uniform contact pressure. That is, the numerical values also show that this embodiment improves the wearing comfort for the user.

[Other embodiments]
Masks 1600, 1700, and 1800 according to other embodiments of the present invention will be described using FIGS. 16 to 18. 16, 17, and 18 are diagrams for explaining how the masks 1600, 1700, and 1800 are used.

In the mask 1600, compared to the above embodiment, the bellows portion 1603 connects a portion 1631 that contacts the root or bridge of the nose of the user 110 and a portion 1632 that contacts the chin 112 when viewed from the front of the user 110. It differs in that it is circular with a line in its diameter. The other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second embodiment, so the same configurations and operations are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

Compared to the above embodiment, the mask 1700 has a bellows portion 1703 that connects a portion 1731 that contacts the root or bridge of the nose of the user 110 and a portion 1732 that contacts the chin 112 when viewed from the front of the user 110. It differs in that it is an ellipse with a line as its major axis. The other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second embodiment, so the same configurations and operations are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the mask 1800, compared to the above embodiment, the bellows portion 1803 connects a portion 1831 that contacts the root or bridge of the nose of the user 110 and a portion 1832 that contacts the chin 112 when viewed from the front of the user 110. It differs in that it is a diamond shape with lines on the diagonal. The other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second embodiment, so the same configurations and operations are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

In addition, the bellows portion of the mask 1800 may be shaped into a rounded isosceles triangle, equilateral triangle, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, other polygon, teardrop shape, etc. when viewed from the front of the user, or a hybrid shape thereof. It may be.

[Other embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration and details of the present invention can be modified in various ways that can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, any combination of separate features included in each embodiment is also included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (5)

In order to send inhaled air into at least one of the user's nose and mouth, an edge abuts the user's skin to form a cylindrical space that temporarily accommodates the user's inhaled air and exhaled air, and the cylindrical space A mask comprising a bellows portion having a plurality of folds formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the mask, the folds being folded by a force pressing in the axial direction,
The mask achieves different elastic forces between a portion that contacts the user's cheek and a portion that contacts the chin by attaching a plate-like member in the axial direction on the outer circumferential surface of the bellows portion . 2. The mask according to claim 1 , wherein the number of plate-like members attached to the outer circumferential surface of the bellows portion is different between a portion that corresponds to the user's cheek and a portion that corresponds to the user's chin . The mask according to claim 2 , wherein the plate member is detachably provided . In order to send inhaled air into at least one of the user's nose and mouth, an edge abuts the user's skin to form a cylindrical space that temporarily accommodates the user's inhaled air and exhaled air, and the cylindrical space A mask comprising a bellows portion having a plurality of folds formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the mask, the folds being folded by a force pressing in the axial direction,
A mask that achieves different elastic forces by changing the number of folds in the bellows portion at a portion that hits the root of the user's nose and a portion that hits the user's cheeks . In order to send inhaled air into at least one of the user's nose and mouth, an edge abuts the user's skin to form a cylindrical space that temporarily accommodates the user's inhaled air and exhaled air, and the cylindrical space A mask comprising a bellows portion having a plurality of folds formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the mask, the folds being folded by a force pressing in the axial direction,
In the bellows section, a spring spring is used to spread out both ends of the bellows section, thereby achieving different elastic forces between a portion that touches the root of the user's nose and a portion that touches the user's cheek.

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