WO1994000196A1 - Humidificateur individuel - Google Patents

Humidificateur individuel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1994000196A1
WO1994000196A1 PCT/AU1993/000304 AU9300304W WO9400196A1 WO 1994000196 A1 WO1994000196 A1 WO 1994000196A1 AU 9300304 W AU9300304 W AU 9300304W WO 9400196 A1 WO9400196 A1 WO 9400196A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mask
air
exchange material
moisture exchange
housing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1993/000304
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul Howard Aberhart
Original Assignee
Paul Howard Aberhart
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Paul Howard Aberhart filed Critical Paul Howard Aberhart
Priority to AU42992/93A priority Critical patent/AU4299293A/en
Publication of WO1994000196A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994000196A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A61M16/1045—Devices for humidifying or heating the inspired gas by using recovered moisture or heat from the expired gas
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/02—Masks
    • A62B18/025—Halfmasks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B9/00—Component parts for respiratory or breathing apparatus
    • A62B9/003—Means for influencing the temperature or humidity of the breathing gas
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A61M16/105—Filters
    • A61M16/1055—Filters bacterial
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
    • A61M16/105—Filters
    • A61M16/106—Filters in a path

Definitions

  • This invention relates to personal humidifying apparatus, especially such apparatus for use in aircraft.
  • this invention relates to an improved personal humidifying apparatus.
  • the air In aircraft cabins, the air is invariably of very low humidity. On long-haul journeys, passengers and crew are exposed to low humidity air for, say, twelve or more hours at a time. Under these conditions, it is common for the passengers and crew to experience dehydration and, in extreme cases, damage to the delicate membranes lining the air passages. Bronchial infections may also occur.
  • this invention provides a personal humidifying apparatus comprising a mask adapted to encompass a user's nose and mouth, the mask having at least one air passage adapted to permit air to enter and leave the mask, and a moisture exchange material located in or associated with the mask and positioned so that air entering or leaving the mask through the passage passes through the moisture exchange material, characterised in that means are provided to prevent or reduce blockage of air entering the mask passing through the moisture exchange material.
  • the mask may be of any suitable construction and material, but in the interests of economy of manufacture and portability it is preferred that the mask is of a light plastic and/or metal framework shaped to fit around the nose and mouth area. In the case of a metal framework, this may be capable of in situ manipulation to mould comfortably to the contours of the user's face.
  • the mask may be disposable, if desired.
  • the mask is of air-impervious material, such as a rigid or semi-rigid plastic polymer.
  • the mask may take any convenient shape but preferably is constructed so as to fit snugly and comfortably around the user's nose and mouth.
  • Some existing masks may be suitable, such as those used in surgery.
  • the mask may include a lining material of foam plastic or felt or other suitable material, to cushion the mask on the user's face and to assist in excluding ambient air from the mask.
  • a disposable "comfort strip" may be supplied with the mask: the strip may have an adhesive backing so that the user may adhere the strip to the mask before use, if desired.
  • the mask may contain more than one air passage; however, it is preferred that only one air passage is provided for the passage of air through the moisture exchange material.
  • the mask may include small apertures, in addition to the air passage, permitting a small quantity of outside air to enter the mask via the apertures. Some users may find breathing is more comfortable if the mask has apertures. Others may not require the apertures.
  • the mask includes small apertures which can be opened or closed, as desired.
  • the means for opening or closing the apertures can include, for example, adhesive strips which are removable to expose the apertures, valves which are opened by pulling or twisting, or rotating discs which expose the apertures in one position and cover them in another position. Other means will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
  • the mask includes means for securing the mask during use.
  • These means may comprise, for example, an elastic strap or other means for securing the mask to the head of a user during use, such as a pair of straps to hold the mask to the ears and to keep the mask in place over the nose and mouth, or an elastic strap to encircle the user's head.
  • the moisture exchange material may be any material which is able to remove at least some moisture from expired air, to hold that moisture without dripping, and to add adequate moisture to dry air to be inspired.
  • the moisture exchange material can be capable of humidifying air to be inspired to up to 80% relative humidity.
  • the material may also be capable of filtering out dust, smoke and large airborne particles.
  • the moisture exchange material While such a heat and moisture exchanger as that referred to above is suitable, it is to be understood that it is not necessary, in the apparatus of the invention, that the moisture exchange material also acts as a heat exchanger. It will also be understood that moisture exchangers other than that described in Australian Patent Application No. 57641/90 can be suitable in the apparatus of this invention.
  • the moisture exchange material may be constructed of a suitable foam material rather than paper.
  • the moisture exchange material may incorporate other beneficial products, so that, for example, the material may act also as a viral filter or a bacteriostatic filter.
  • the moisture exchange material is preferably confined in a housing so that air passing through the material during inspiration and exhalation does not cause the material to move towards and away from the mask.
  • the mask and the housing may be manufactured as one piece: this can give an attractive compact appearance to the apparatus of the invention.
  • the moisture exchange material is located in or associated with the mask in such a way that it may be easily replaced.
  • the moisture exchange material may be located in a housing such as that described in Patent Specification No. 57641/90 (see above).
  • This housing has an inlet and an outlet for the passage of air.
  • the housing may be attached to the mask by either the inlet or the outlet, so that air passes through the moisture exchange material after leaving or before entering the mask.
  • the housing may be permanently fixed to the mask, for example by glueing or welding the inlet or the outlet to the mask.
  • the housing may be friction-fitted to the mask; this is preferred since the apparatus of the invention may be sold with the mask and the housing in two pieces, in the interests of reducing bulk for packaging. Before use, the user simply fits the housing to the mask.
  • the apparatus of the invention may be worn more comfortably if the moisture exchange material is located in a housing connected to the mask by means of a short hose.
  • This configuration can be comfortable while resting or sleeping in the prone position, while the means for preventing blockage of air still operates to ensure adequate airflow.
  • the apparatus of the invention can be made in other configurations to enhance the comfort aspect.
  • the means for preventing or reducing blockage of air entering the mask through the moisture exchange material may comprise any effective means for this purpose.
  • the moisture exchange material is in a housing as described above and joined to the mask by the inlet, for example, that region of the housing near the outlet may contain one or more apertures for passage of air, so that if the outlet becomes blocked inadvertently, air can still pass through the or each outlet aperture.
  • a more preferred means for preventing or reducing blockage of air entering the mask through the moisture exchange material comprises a guard mounted on the outlet of the housing for the moisture ex ⁇ hange material.
  • the guard preferably has a curved surface, with one or more
  • the apparatus of the invention may be used in many low humidity environments. These include, for example, air-conditioned hotels, offices and modes of transport.
  • the apparatus of the invention may also be used by skiers, mountain climbers and others who experience difficulties because of low air humidity.
  • Figure 1 shows in side elevation an embodiment of the personal humidifying apparatus of the invention
  • Figure 2 illustrates the apparatus of Figure 1 in use
  • Figure 3 shows in side elevation a second embodiment of the apparatus of the invention.
  • the apparatus indicated generally at 10, comprises a mask 12 having a nose portion 14 adapted to encompass a user's nose and a mouth portion 16 adapted to encompass a user's mouth.
  • Air passage 18 permits air to enter and leave mask 12.
  • Air passage 18 is formed integrally with mask 12 or is attached thereto by welding or other suitable means.
  • Mask 12 may have attached thereto a strip of soft material 19 (see Figure 2) to cushion mask 12 against the user's face and to assist in obtaining an acceptable seal.
  • a moisture exchange material 20 (as described in Australian Patent Specification No. 57641/90) is located in housing 22 having an inlet 24 and an outlet 26 (shown in phantom outline in Figure 1) .
  • Guard 30 is provided to prevent or reduce blockage of air entering mask 12 via outlet 26.
  • Guard 30 consists of a hollow clear plastic sphere firmly fixed to outlet 26 by glue or other fixative.
  • Guard 30 has a number of circular apertures 32 disposed over the surface of guard 30. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that it would be most difficult to inadvertently block all apertures 32 of guard 30. Consequently, for all practical purposes in use air will be available to outlet 26.
  • Mask 12 also includes metal bridge 34 to enable mask 12 to fit closely over the bridge of the user's nose.
  • Strap 36 is provided to encircle the user's head and retain mask 12 in place. As shown by arrow 37 in Figure 2, strap 36 may be worn in either of the positions illustrated (the second position being shown in phantom outline) or in any comfortable position on the head.
  • Small apertures 38 in mask 12 permit some outside unhumidified air to enter mask 12. If desired, small apertures 38 may be closed off to outside unhumidified air by suitable closure means (not shown) .
  • air passage 18 is lengthened by means of flex hose 40 which links mask 12 with inlet 24 of housing 22. This configuration allows greater comfort when apparatus 10 is used during sleep in the prone position.
  • the apparatus of the invention is clearly useful for passengers and crew of aircraft, especially in the case of long haul flights where the lack of cabin humidity can have a deleterious effect on physical well-being.
  • the apparatus of the invention is also useful in similar environments of low humidity.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un humidification individuel (10) comprenant un masque (12) conçu pour entourer le nez et la bouche d'un utilisateur, le masque (12) comprenant au moins un passage (18) à air permettant l'entrée et la sortie d'air dans le masque (12) et hors de celui-ci, ainsi qu'un matériau (20) échangeur d'humidité situé dans le masque (12) ou associé à ce dernier, et positionné de façon que l'air entrant dans le masque ou sortant du masque, par le passage (18), passe par le matériau (20) échangeur d'humidité. L'invention se caractérise en ce que des éléments (30) sont prévus pour empêcher ou réduire l'obstruction de l'air pénétrant dans le masque (12) en passant à travers le matériau (20) échangeur d'humidité (20).
PCT/AU1993/000304 1992-06-25 1993-06-24 Humidificateur individuel WO1994000196A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU42992/93A AU4299293A (en) 1992-06-25 1993-06-24 Personal humidifying apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPL3158 1992-06-25
AUPL315892 1992-06-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994000196A1 true WO1994000196A1 (fr) 1994-01-06

Family

ID=3776248

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1993/000304 WO1994000196A1 (fr) 1992-06-25 1993-06-24 Humidificateur individuel

Country Status (2)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1994000196A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA934493B (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000004958A1 (fr) * 1998-07-24 2000-02-03 Fausto Ferraro Dispositif de filtre a air pourvu de moyens de serrage en forme d'embout buccal
CN107281599A (zh) * 2017-07-31 2017-10-24 苏州雾联医疗科技有限公司 一种儿童专用雾化器面罩

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU1885370A (en) * 1970-04-27 1972-02-24 HIRTZ and HANNS-JOACHIM HIRTZ HANS Device for treating the respiratory passage with warm air
AU4056072A (en) * 1971-12-07 1973-10-04 HANS HIRTZ and HANKS-JOACHIM HIRTZ Device for treating the respiratory passage with warm air
EP0338234A2 (fr) * 1988-04-19 1989-10-25 Danzaburo Takata Masque d'inhalation à humidificateur
EP0350914A2 (fr) * 1988-07-14 1990-01-17 Japan Air Lines Co., Ltd. Masque à récupération d'humidité
US5010594A (en) * 1989-06-27 1991-04-30 Japan Air Lines Co., Ltd. Dampening mask for use in aircraft
GB2237208A (en) * 1989-10-23 1991-05-01 Edmunds & Company Limited D Heating and humidifying respiratory gas
WO1992011888A1 (fr) * 1990-12-28 1992-07-23 Insinööritoimisto Megsent Oy Masque de respiration

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU1885370A (en) * 1970-04-27 1972-02-24 HIRTZ and HANNS-JOACHIM HIRTZ HANS Device for treating the respiratory passage with warm air
AU4056072A (en) * 1971-12-07 1973-10-04 HANS HIRTZ and HANKS-JOACHIM HIRTZ Device for treating the respiratory passage with warm air
EP0338234A2 (fr) * 1988-04-19 1989-10-25 Danzaburo Takata Masque d'inhalation à humidificateur
EP0350914A2 (fr) * 1988-07-14 1990-01-17 Japan Air Lines Co., Ltd. Masque à récupération d'humidité
US5010594A (en) * 1989-06-27 1991-04-30 Japan Air Lines Co., Ltd. Dampening mask for use in aircraft
GB2237208A (en) * 1989-10-23 1991-05-01 Edmunds & Company Limited D Heating and humidifying respiratory gas
WO1992011888A1 (fr) * 1990-12-28 1992-07-23 Insinööritoimisto Megsent Oy Masque de respiration

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000004958A1 (fr) * 1998-07-24 2000-02-03 Fausto Ferraro Dispositif de filtre a air pourvu de moyens de serrage en forme d'embout buccal
US6530374B1 (en) 1998-07-24 2003-03-11 Fausto Ferraro Air filter device provided with gripping means in the form of a mouthpiece
CN107281599A (zh) * 2017-07-31 2017-10-24 苏州雾联医疗科技有限公司 一种儿童专用雾化器面罩
CN107281599B (zh) * 2017-07-31 2020-05-19 苏州雾联医疗科技有限公司 一种儿童专用雾化器面罩

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ZA934493B (en) 1994-03-10

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