Surgical mask

a mask and surgical technology, applied in the field of surgical masks, can solve the problems of reducing the potential for reuse of masks, and achieve the effects of reducing or eliminating fogging of eyewear, improving comfort, and facilitating proper use of masks

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-11-01
ALLEGIANCE CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The invention relates to a surgical mask that provides a wearer with improved comfort, facilitates proper use of the mask, and re

Problems solved by technology

Further, this configuration reduces

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

experimental 1

[0091]The ability of the mask of the invention to prevent fogging of a wearer's eyewear and to restrict movement on a wearer's face as compared to three other masks that are commonly used by medical professionals was tested on a group of thirty random participants. The mask tested was similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, which includes sleeves as reinforcement members, and one set of ties. The mask also included a sealing member with two pockets similar to that shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0092]The commonly-used masks tested were the Cardinal Health Secure-Gard® Fluid Resistant Surgical Mask with Fog-Free Strip mask (Ref. AT74535), the Kimberly-Clark TECNOL® FLUIDSHIELD® Fog-Free Surgical Mask (Ref. 48207), and the 3M High Fluid Resistant Surgical Mask (Ref. 1835). Any markings on the masks, such as manufacturer names, that may allow a participant to identify one of the tested masks were covered by the moderators prior to testing.

[0093]All four of the masks tested had ple...

experimental 2

[0106]The fit and comfort of a mask of the invention was tested on a group of 12 participants. The mask used was similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, which includes loops as restraint members.

[0107]The moderators first asked the participants a series of questions about the type of mask they currently wear at work, whether they wear eyewear, and whether they experience any fogging of eyewear while wearing the current mask. If the participant experienced fogging of eyewear, the participant was asked how they typically reduce or prevent the fogging. These responses included, for example, moving the glasses and lifting the mask, and taping or adjusting the nose wire.

[0108]The moderators then measured the facial width, facial length, nose length, and nose protuberance, or how far the nose protrudes from the face, of each participant. The facial widths ranged from about 10.6 cm to about 15 cm, the facial lengths ranged from about 9.5 cm to about 13.9 cm, the nose lengths rang...

experimental 3

[0113]In another set of tests, participants were asked to compare the ability to control fogging, the fit, and the comfort of the mask of the invention with their currently-used mask. The mask of the invention used in the tests was similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, which includes sleeves as reinforcement members and one set of ties. The mask also included a sealing member with two pockets similar to that shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. The participants' were not asked to identify their currently-used mask, but to use its performance as a point of comparison to the performance of the mask of the invention.

[0114]The tests were conducted on 136 random participants, who were medical professionals at five medical facilities. The participants included 25 surgeons and 111 nurse / circulators, physician's assistants, and surgical / scrub technicians. The testing was performed by having the participants wear the mask of the invention during an actual medical procedure that they were pe...

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Abstract

A surgical mask provides a wide range of wearers with a good fit and improved comfort, facilitates proper use of the mask, and reduces or eliminates fogging of eyewear, as compared with typical masks. The mask may include a pair of ties that are joined to the upper, central, and lower parts of either side of the body of the mask with the assistance of restraint members. The mask may also include a sealing member that reduces or eliminates gaps between the wearer's face and the upper part of the mask by forming a seal between the wearer's face and the mask in use. In addition, the mask may include a barrier panel that reduces or prevents the wearer's breath from escaping through the mask and rising to the wearer's eyewear.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 332,536 titled “Surgical Mask” filed May 7, 2010 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 103,570 filed May 9, 2011. The related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a surgical mask that provides a wide range of wearers with a good fit and comfort, while facilitating proper use of the mask and reducing fogging of the wearer's eyewear.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Medical professionals wear surgical masks to prevent contamination of a patient's surgical or wound site with the wearer's nasal and oral bacteria that may result from the wearer talking, sneezing, or coughing during a medical procedure, such as surgery. Surgical masks also protect the wearer's mouth, nose and mucosa from contacting splashes or sprays of the patient's blood or other body fluids and from airborne microorganisms.[0004]T...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A41D13/11
CPCA41D13/1115
Inventor PALOMO, JOSEPHCARROLL, STEPHANIEWEGENER, SARAAGUILAR, CHRISMILLER, JOE
Owner ALLEGIANCE CORP
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