SG2013097183A - Respiratory devices - Google Patents

Description

RESPIRATORY DEVICES

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to respiratory devices. Embodiments of the disclosure are related to a respiratory device integrated with one or more micro high pressure piezoelectric air pumps fo provide positive airflow within a mask.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Hespirators are used fo protect the wearer from inhaling harmful dusts, fumes, vapors, or gases. A wide range of types and sizes of respirators are used in various fields including without limitation, military, industry, and public. Respirators range from cheaper, single-use, disposable masks to reusable models with replaceable cartridges. in general, a respirator includes a mask sealed against the face of a user, an air inlet to permit air into the mask so that the user may breathe, a filter often being used fo remove unwanted materials from the air {o be inhaled and an outlet to exit the exhaled air into an ambient atmosphere.

[6003] Respirators can be of two types, an air-purifying respirator or an air-supplving respirator. The air-purifying respirator provides purified air to the user after filtering the air through a filter. The air-supplying respirator is provided with an aliernate supply to deliver fresh alr to the user. Each type of respirator utilizes different techniques to reduce or eliminate noxious airborne contents.

[0004] In accordance with a known art, a powerad air purifying respirator (PAPR) is used that improves breathing experience of a user by reducing air resistance and supplying positive airflow, However, such active masks and respirators with air pumps mainly designed for industrial and medical usage, are heavy, cumbersome and expensive. Also, such devices are unsuitable for daily use by general public consumers against haze, virus and urban air pollutants,

[8005] In accordance with another art, a typical off-the-shelf non-powered air-purifying mask used by consumers such as the National institute for Qeocupational Safety and

Health (NIOSH) filters efficiency grade N85 series of filtered masks. Such masks are plaguad by hygiene, moisture and dirt problems which results in increased breathing resistance, especially, with prolonged usage. The increased resisiance reduces the axhialation efficacy thus, increasing heat and humidity trapped within the mask. Also, prolong usage of such masks may cause breathing difficulties andfor dizziness aspecially, to the elderly and young children. This issue may exacerbate for higher filter efficiency grade N98, N100 and HEPA filter masks where the lower filler porosity {o provide higher filter efficiency is expected to significantly reduce alr exchanges rate.

[0006] A need, therefore, exists for an improved respiratory device that is compact, lightweight, low noise and consumes minimal power.

SUMMARY

[6007] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the disclosed embodiment and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed hersin can be gained by taking into consideration the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

[0008] tis, therefore, one aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide a respiratory device including a mask to be positioned around the mouth and nose of a wearer to form a relatively closed area sealed from ambient air, one or more air exchange unit embedded in the mask such that the air exchange unit includes a first holding substrate having at least one air filter through which ambient air from outside the mask flows info the relatively closed area within the mask, one or more exhaust uni embedded in the mask such that the exhaust unit includes a second holding substrate Including at least one high pressure piezoelectric micro-pump, and a first controller for controlling the high

“3a pressure piezoelectric micro-pump, such that the high pressure piezoelectric micro- pump draws filtered air from the air filter into the relatively closed area and discharges expired air out of the relatively closed area of the mask thereby, maintaining positive filtered purified airflow into the mask. 0009] tis another aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide a plurality of sensors in communication with the first controller such that the first controller triggers the high pressure plezoelectric micro-pump fo regulate the air flow. The sensors may be one or more temperature and humidity sensors,

[0010] | is yet another aim of the disclosed ermnbodiments to provide the air filter that includes one or more functional layers made of polypropylene fell andior activated carbon fibers fo hold back virus, particulate contaminanis and odor.

[0011] itis vel another aim of the disclosed embodiments to provide an optional fan in the first holding substrate of the air exchange unit.

[0012] His vet another aim of the disclosed embodiments that the mask is made of transparent silicone.

[0013] Ut is yst another aim of the disclosed embodiments fo provide a respiratory device including a mask positioned around the mouth and nose of a wearer fo form a redalively closed area sealed from ambient air, one or more alr exchange unit comprising of an air filter, a first holding substrate with a first fastener and a first cover, a fan and a first controller for driving the fan to draw ambient air from outside the mask to flow through the air filter into the relatively closed ares within the mask, and one or more exhaust unit comprising a second holding substrate with a plurality of sensors, a second fastener and a second cover, a high pressure piezoelectric micro-pump, a power source for driving the high pressure piezoslectiic micro-pump, and a second controller for controlling the high pressure piezoelectric micro-pump through suitable control signals wid whereby filtered air is drawn into the relatively closed arsa and expired air is discharged out of the relatively closed ares of the mask, thereby drawing positive fillered purified air into the mask. f00141 it is vet another aim of the disclosed embodiments fo ulilize the plurality of sensors for regulating the air flow through the exhaust unit and out of the mask based on temperature and humidity levels in the relatively closed area.

[0018] Ut is another aim of the disclosed embodiments to make the mask of transparent silicone, [00161 lis another aim of the disclosed embodiments that the air filter includes one or more functional layers made of polypropylene felt and/or activated carbon fibers © hold back virus, particulate contaminants and odor.

[017] Other aspects and advaniages of the invention will become apparent from the following detail description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,

Hlustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0001] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative simbodiments, is beller understood when read in conjunclion with the appended drawings. For the purpose of Hlustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not {o scale. Wherever possible, like slemenis have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0002] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a schematic front view of a mask of a respiratory device, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0003] FIG. 2A is an dlustration of a schematic side view of the mask depicted in FIG. 1 on a wearers’ face with an exhaust unif, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments; 100041 FIG. 28 is an illustration of a schematic side view of the mask depicted in FIG. 1 on a wearers’ face with an alr sschange unit, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0008] FIG. 3 is an Hustration of an exploded assembly view of the air exchanges unit depicted In FIG. 2B, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments:

[0006] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the integrated structure of the air exchange unit depicted in FIG. 3, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments; [00071 FIG. § is an llustration of an exploded assembly view of the exhaust unit depicted in FIG. 2A, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0008] FIG. 8 is an Hustration of a gross-sectional view of the integrated structure of the exhaust unit depicted in FIG. 8, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments; and

[0008] FIG 7 (Ta-7d) illustrate the operation of the mask 101 in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The particular values and cordfigurstions discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and ares cited mersly to Hlustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof

“Fa

[0011] The present disclosure provides a respiratory device having an air exchange unit and exhaust unit integrated or embedded in a respiratory mask. The air exchange unit provides filtered air to the user and also allows the expended sir to exit. The exhaust uni venis the mask as heat and humidity build up within the mask. An air pump in the exhaust unit draws filtered air info the relatively closed area between a wearers’ face and the mask through the air exchange unit, and pumps out expired air of the relatively closed ares through the exhaust unit. The speed and amount of air flow may be regulsted by controlling the air pump through suitable control signals. The air exchange unit and exhaust unit may work jointly or independently fo provide purified air and regulate the temperature and humidity within the mask. 0012] FiG. 1 is a front schematic view of one embodiment of a respiralory device including a mask 101. The mask 101 includes an air exchange unit 182 and exhaust unit 103. The air exchange unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 are integrated or embedded In the mask 101. In an embodiment, the air exchange unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 are located on the mask 101 such that once the mask 101 is worn, the air exchange unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 are placed near the nostrils and mouth area of the wearers’ face. Also, this strategic positioning of the air exchange unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 allows a continuous stream of purified air to be drawn across very near io the face nostrils and mouth area for better breathing experience. Alternatively, the air exchange unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 may be located on one side of the mask 181. Such variations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0013] The air exchanges unit 102 provides filtered regulated purified positive air fo snsura smooth inhalation and exhalation. The exhaust unit 103 draws out expired/dead air from the mask. Details of the alr exchange unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 are provided in FIGS. 3 and 5 respectively, The mask 101 may be made of a transparent and easily moldable material for example, transparent silicone, fo minimize visusl obstruction and offer a comfortable, conforming fit to the wearer's face.

[0014] FIGS. 2A and 28 depict exemplary placement of the mask 101 on a wearer's face 104. In this embodiment, the mask 101 covers the central part of the wearer's face 184 around the nose and mouth to form a relatively closed space 105 catering to filtered purified air for inhalation. Alternatively, the mask $01 can be designed to cover the entire face 104 including the eyes as a full facial mask piece.

[0018] As shown, the alr exchange unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 are placed near the nostrils of the wearer, Alternatively, the exhaust unit 103 can also be located near the tower part of the mask 101 belween the mouth and chin area of the face 104 to effectively discharges exhaust expired air, which is carbon dioxide and moisture rich and therefore relatively heavier. Mask 181 may also have more than one air exchange unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 to provide stronger air flow and exchange.

[0018] The air exchanges unit 102 provides filtered regulated purified positive air into the relatively closed space 105 located near the nose while the exhaust unit 103 draws the expired/dead air from the relatively closed space 105 near the nose to the ambience outside the mask 101, The structure and method of integrating and embedding the air exchange unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 are illustrated In accompanying FIGS. 3-6. [00171 FIGS. 3 and 4 show an exploded view and cross-sectional view respectively of the air exchange unit 102. The air exchange unit 102 includes a first holding substrate 121, a fan 122, an air filter 123, a first gasket 124 and a first cover 125. As shown in

Fit. 3, all of the components of the gir exchange unit 102 are stacked in ssquence and integrated or embedded onfo the mask 101. Depending upon requirements, if is possible to include plurality of the above components, for example, alr filter 122 or gasket 124, oto. The first holding substrate 121 may be designed to allow integration of the air exchange unit 102 onto the mask 101. For example, the first holding substrate $21 has a circular cross-gection and is slightly curved to fit into the mask 181. The first holding substrate 121 includes one or more suitably sized perforations 129 for easy air passage. The first holding substrate 121 can be made of, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylens (PP), polyvinyl chioride (PVC.

“B-

[6018] The air filter 123 is used {fo supply filtered purified air continuously inio the space 108 for breathing. In the depicted embodiment, the air filter 123 is diroular in shape and is of such dimensions that it can be placed within the first holding substrate 121. The air filter 123 may contain one or more functional layers, such as polypropylene felt and/or activated carbon fo hold back virus, particulate pollutants and odor. The alr filter 123 may be of disposable or replaceable type, in which case, the air exchange unit 102 may be modular to facilifate convenient access and replacement of the air filler 123.

The air filter 123 may be designed to be of appropriate size and type such that even when an air pump 132 of the exhaust unit 103 and/or fan 122 is/are not working, air flow into and out of the mask 101 through the air filter 123 is sufficient,

[8018] The fan 122 is mounted on the substrate 121 to draw air through the air filter 123 into the mask 101 thereby, increasing the air flow info the mask 181. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, once the mask 101 is worn, the fan 122 of the air exchange unit 102 serves fo improve the drawing of ambient air from outside the mask 161 through the filter 123 info the relatively closed space 108 within the mask 101 fo further improve breathing experience of the mask wearer. The fan 122 is optional, but advisable to be used with the air exchange unit 102. The fan 122 may be a micro fan.

By controlling the speed of the fan 122, air flow through the alr exchange unit 182 into the mask 101 can be regulated. The fan 122 is connected to a first controller {not shown) for power and control signals. The first controller can be carried in the wearer's pocket, strap onto the wearer head, ear, neck or limbs. Alternatively, the first controller can he miniaturized and contained in the first cover 128 of the air exchange unit 102.

The connecting wires may be integrated within the mask 101 to provide safety to the wearer and for esthetic reason. It should be noted that even when the fan 122 is not working, the air flow through the air filter 123 info and out of the sir exchange unit 102 is not obstructed, [00201 The first gasket 124 provides an air tight seal between the first cover 125 and the ajr filter 123. This ensures that there is no air leakage, Other mechanisms thal serve

“G- the same function as that of gasket can be used with the present invention,

[8021] The first cover 125 is provided on the top of the assembly of the fan 122, air filter 123 and first gasket 124 and is aftached onto the first holding subsfraie 121 securely by a suitable fastening mechanism. For example, the fastening mechanism for the first cover 125 may be screw threads while for the first holding substrate 121 may be corresponding nut threads. The entire alr exchange unit 102 when fully assembled onto the mask 101 may be sealed and fully isolate the relatively closed space 105 within the mask 101 from the ambience outside the mask 101. The first cover 1258 may be designed to have enough empty space exposed to aliow ambient air outside mask 101 fo pass through and reach the filter 123 easily. The first cover may be made of, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate {PC), polypropylene {PP}, polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0022] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an exploded view and a corresponding cross-sectional view of the exhaust unit 103 respectively. The exhaust unit 103 includes a second holding substrate 131 with one or more embedded sensors, an air pump 132, a second gasket 133, a second cover 134 and a battery module 1358. As shown in FIG. §, all of the components of the exhaust unit 103 are stacked in sequence and integrated or embedded onto the mask 101. Depending upon requirements, it is possible to include a plurality of the above components, for example, air pump 132 or gasket 133, etc. The second holding substrate 131 includes a suitably sized first perforation 137 to release air from inside the mask 101 when the air is being sucked by the air pump 132. The second holding substrate may be made of, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PG), polypropylens (PP), polyvinyl chioride (PVC). The second holding substrate 131 may be designed to allow integration of the exhaust unit 143 onlo the mask 101. For example, the second holding substrate 131 has a circular cross- section and is slightly curved to fit into the mask 101.

[0023] The air pump 132 may draw fillered air into the mask 104 through the air filter 123 of the air exchange unit 102 and pump out expired alr from within the mask 101 inte

“0 the ambience through the first perforation 137 and a second perforation 136 on the second cover 134 of the exhaust unit 103 when power is supplied to it by the battery module 135. The pressure of the air pump 132 is sufficiently high to prevent external ambient air from flowing inte the mask, even when the user inhales. The air pump 132 can be aftached directly fo the mask 101 by mounting it on the second holding substraie $31 without any tubes and draws its power from the battery module 135. The air pump 432 can be for example, a micro-slaciro-mechanical systems (MEMS) like a high pressure plezosleciric micro-pump which has the advantages of ultrs-low power consumption, small and slim dimensions, light weight and operation quietness. In addition, the air pump 132 may have a very low flow rate which can be adjusted using a second controller, The exemplary plezosleciric micro-pump is driven by an altemaling current (AC) power and conirol signals to draw filtered air info the relatively closed area of the mask 181 through the air exchange unit 102 and pump out expired air of the relatively closed arsa of the mask 181 through the exhaust unit 103. The regulated air pump 132 creates forced ventilation through the air filter 123 fo provide positive airflow within the respiratory device. The sensor driven MEMS/micro air pumps are energy saving and consume significantly less power than conventional systems. In addition, the

MEMS/micro alr pump that provides positive airflow is lightweight, compact and portable. The air pump may be turned on all the time, throughout the breathing cycle. [60241 The number of air pumps 132 or exhaust unit 103 may be increased to increase overall air flow throughput {o further improve a mask wearers’ breathing experience. A second controller (not shown) Is required to drive the air pump 132 for power and control signals. The second controller can be the same as the first controller of the air exchange unit 102 or a different controller which provides power and control signals to the fan 122 of the air exchange unit 102. The connecting wires are integrated within the mask 101 for safety and aesthetic reason. The second controller can be carried in the wearer's pocket, strap onto the wearer head, ear, neck or limbs. The second controller can also be minfaturized and contained in the second cover 134 of the exhaust unit 103.

The second conirolier controls the sensors and the alr pump 132 such that on sensing heat and humidity beyond a predefined limit, if tiggers the air pump to exhaust the

- 4% = expended air build up within the mask 101.

[00258] The second gaskst 133 provides an air tight seal between the second cover 134 and the air pump 132. The second cover 134 caps the air pump 132, the second gasket 133 and the baltery 138 and attaches itself onto the second holding substrate 131 securely by a suitable fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism can be for example, screw threads on the second cover 134 and corresponding nut threads on the second holding substrate 131. The second cover 134 may have one or more second perforations 136 for the air pump 132 to extract the expired air from within the mask 104% and expel it to the ambience outside the mask 101 without allowing culside ambient air from entering the mask 181 through the exhaust unit 103 even when the alr pump 132 is not working. The entire exhaust unit 103 when fully assembled onto mask 101 is sealed and fully isolates the relatively closed space 105 within the mask 101 from the ambience outside the mask 101. i should be noted that the FIGS. 1-8 ulilize gaskets 124 and 133 as fasteners, other fasteners can be utilized without limitation. [oa2e] FIG 7 {Ta-7d) Hustrate the operation of the mask 101. The air exchanges unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 may work jointly or independently to provide purified alr and regulate the temperature and humidity within the mask 101. FIG Ya depicts a graph 202 showing a breathing cycle. The abscissa depicts time component while the ordinate depicts the volume of air inhaled/exhaled. In each breathing cycle, air is inhaled as shown by 204, exhaled shown by 208 and a short peried during which there is a pause 208 before the next breathing cycle. During 204, air is inhaled therefore the volume of air in the lungs increases while in 208, due to exhalation, volume of air in the lungs decrezses.

[0027] FIG 7b depicls the alr flow during the inhalation phase 2084. During this phase, the ambient air flows into the air exchange unit 102 through the air filter 123. The arrow depicts the direction of air inflow in the mask 181. The second controller may trigger the air pump 132 fo draw the filtered air into the relatively closed area of the mask 104 through the air exchange unit 102. In case the fan 122 is present, the first controller may control the speed of the fan for drawing the required quantum of air,

[0028] in the exhalation phase 206 depicted in FIG Te, the expired air from inside the mask 101 is sucked and discharged outside the mask 101. The air exchange unit 102, in addition {o the air pump 132, allows the expended air to exit at the exhalation phase 206. This means, that the exhaled gir does not only exit through the air pump 132 but also through the air filler 123 in the air exchanges unit 102. The air pump 132 pumps out the expired air from within the mask 101 into the ambiance through the second nerforagtion 136 on the second cover 134 of the exhaust unit 103. In an allemals embodiment, only one of the two, namely the air exchange unit 102 or the exhaust unit 103, may discharge the air within the mask 101 outside. In this way, a positive continuous alr flow is built up within the mask 101. The air low through the exhaust unit 103 and out of mask 101 is regulated by embedded sensors according fo the temperature and humidity levels. 100291 In one embodiment, the sensor may be one or more temperature sensors that are able to detect the increase In temperature during the exhalation phase 206 and the decrease in temperalure during the inhalation phase 204. The temperature sensor(s} detect the temperature increase during the exhalation phase 208 and feed it fo the second controller which in turn may trigger one or more control signals to tum on the air pump 132 during exhalation. Conversely, upon sensing temperature decrease during inhalation 204, control signals may sent io turn off the alr pump 132. This serves fo

CONSEVe power. [803071 In a second embodiment, the temperature sensors may activate the pump if a set first thresheld femperature of, Tor example, 33degC is reached. Once the temperature drops below a second threshold temperature of for example 32.5decC, the air pump 132 may be turned off.

[0031] In a third embodiment, instead of using temperature sensors, one or more humidity sensors may be used that can detect relative humidity within the mask 101.

High humidity levels are not desired as high moisture levels reduce permeability and effectiveness of the air filter 123, hence making if more difficult for hot, humid exhalation to escape oulside the mask 101. The second controller may trigger one or mora control signals to tm on the air pump 132 once a humidity threshold is reached. The hot and humid air within the mask 101 is then let oul. | may be noted that a combination of temperature and humidity sensors can be used and are within the teachings of the present invention.

[0032] FIG 7d fllustrates that in the pause stage 288, the air pump 132 may still be In the on state fo remove humidity from the relatively closed area 188. Due io very litle air in the relatively closed area, there may be no air flow through the air exchange unit 102.

[0833] Through the above description, one can understand that this respiratory device with integrated or embedded air exchange unit 102 and exhaust unit 103 provides the wearer with an improved breathing experience by drawing fresh filtered purified air, removing expired alr within the relatively closed space 108 of mask 101 and vents the mask 181 in every breathing cycle. This technique is highly efficient, low power consumption and compact.

[0034] The invention may be preferable for users who need fo stay in hostile environment with air pollution or contamination for a prolonged period of time. The invention can be used for normal respiration, and does not provide any supplied! pressurized air for breathing per se, due to low air flow from the air pump. f00358] It will be appreciated that variations of the above disclosed and other fealures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined info many other different systems or applications, Also, that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended fo be gnicompassed by the following claims.

hh

[8036] Although smbodiments of the current disclosure have been described comprehensively, in considerable detail fo cover the possible aspects, those skilled in the art would recognize that other versions of the disclosure are aiso possible.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS What is claimed is!

   1. A respiratory device comprising: a mask fo be positioned around the mouth and nose of a wearer to form a relatively closed area sealed from ambient air; at least one air exchange unit embedded in the mask, wherein the at least one air exchange unit comprises a first holding substrate having at lzast one air filter through which ambient air from oulside the mask flows into the relatively closed area within the mask; at least one exhaust unil embedded in the mask, wherein the al leas! one exhaust unit comprises a second holding substrate including at least ong high prassure piezoelectric micro-pump; and a first controller for controlling the high pressure piezoelectric micro-pump, wherein the high pressure plezeelectric micro-pump draws filtered air from the air filter into the relatively closed area and discharges expired alr out of the relatively closed area of the mask thereby, maintaining positive filtered purified atrflow into the mask.

   2. The respiratory device of claim 1, wherein the exhaust unit comprises a plurality of sensors in communication with the first controller, wherein the first controller riggers the high pressure piezoelectric micro-pump io regulate the air flow.

   3. The respiratory device of claim 2, wherein the sensors comprises one or more temperature and humidity sensors. 4, The respiratory device of claim 1, wherein the air filler comprises one or more functional layers made of polypropylens felt and/or activated carbon fibers fo hold back virus, parliculate contaminants and odor.

   i.

   5. The respiratory device of claim 1, wherein the air exchange unit further comprises a fan mounted on the first holding substrate.

   8. The respiratory device of claim 1, wherein the mask is made of transparent silicone.

   7. A respiratory device, comprising: a mask positioned around the mouth and nose of a wearer to form a relatively closed area sealed from ambient air; at least one air exchange unit comprising of an air filter, a first holding substrate with a first fastener and a first cover, a fan and a first controller for driving the fan fo draw ambient air from outside the mask to flow through the air filter info the relatively closed area within the mask; and at least one exhaust unit comprising a second holding substrate with a plurality of sensors, a second fastener and a second cover, a high pressure piezoelectric micro- pump, a power source for driving the high pressure piezoelectric micro-pump, and a second controller for controlling the high pressure piezoelectric micro-pump through suitable control signals whereby filtered air is drawn info the relatively closed area and expired air is discharged out of the relatively closed area of the mask, theraby drawing positive filtered purified air into the mask.

   8. The respiratory device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of sensors are utilized for regulating the alr flow through the exhaust unit and out of the mask based on temperature and humidity levels in the relatively closed area,

   8. The respiratory device of claim 7, wherein the mask is made of transparent silicone.

   10. The respiratory device of claim 7, wherein the air filler comprises one or more functional layers made of polypropylene felt and/or activated carbon fibers to hold back virus, particulate cordaminants and odor.