BREATHING MASK AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A BREATHING MASK

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a breathing mask comprising a central section, a first side section, and a second side section for attaching the breathing mask to the ears of a user. These side sections connect to the central section opposite each other along a transverse direction, with a first cover layer extending continuously along the central section and the two side sections over a total width of the breathing mask determined along the transverse direction. The invention also relates to the manufacture of such a breathing mask.

[0002] Respiratory masks come in various forms and are used in the medical field as well as, depending on their design, as dust or other respiratory protection.

[0003] Depending on their design, respiratory masks in the form of respirators according to the EN 149:2001 standard can keep out particles including a variety of pathogens, but frequently opening valves are provided for exhalation, so that a user can release corresponding particles in an aerosol or in the form of droplets.

[0004] Simple face masks made of paper, non-woven fabric, or similar materials are commonly used as basic protection in the medical field. For example, such a simple face mask can prevent droplets from a surgeon or other personnel speaking or breathing during a medical operation from entering a patient's wound.

[0005] Besides their use in the medical field, face masks of varying types are also frequently worn in public spaces, offering a degree of protection against viral infections, for example. Wearing a face mask reduces the likelihood of disease transmission, although other measures such as maintaining a safe distance between people are, of course, advisable.

[0006] Wearing face masks in public spaces is particularly useful during periods of increased health risk, such as pandemics.

[0007] For example, a SARS pandemic occurred in 2002 / 2003, spreading primarily in Asia due to close global social and economic interconnectedness. At the beginning of 2020, the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 triggered a new global pandemic. As a protective measure, especially with regard to protecting others, wearing face masks in private and public spaces can also be advisable in such situations.

[0008] The invention relates in particular to simple disposable face masks that are discarded after a single use. Using such a face mask as a disposable item is particularly hygienic because it does not need to be washed or handled in any other way. For such a disposable item, in addition to good functional properties and high wearing comfort, low material and manufacturing costs are of particular importance. Accordingly, such disposable face masks should be producible in large quantities using as little and as inexpensive material as possible and in simple production steps.

[0009] In a simple form, known disposable face masks have a central section to cover the mouth and nose, with simple elastic bands attached to the sides to secure the face mask to a user's ears.

[0010] However, manufacturing such a breathing mask is comparatively complex because several different sections and materials have to be combined and connected.

[0011] Instead of elastic bands, flat side sections can also be provided on both sides of a central section, which are then attached to the user's ears via openings. Masks composed of different materials for the central section on the one hand and the side sections on the other are known, for example, from EP 2 286 878 A1, EP 2 462 992 B1, WO 2013 / 036769 A2, WO 2011 / 109327 A2 and WO 2014 / 007847 A1.

[0012] A respirator of this type, comprising a material with multiple layers extending across its entire width, is known from EP 1 575 388 B1. Since a continuous web of material with a multitude of layers is used, several respirators, if necessary of an adapted size, can be produced one after the other and side by side.

[0013] In light of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a breathing mask that is simple in design, can be mass-produced cost-effectively, and yet exhibits good functional properties, particularly high wearing comfort. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a breathing mask is also to be provided.

[0014] The invention relates to a breathing mask according to claim 1 and a method for manufacturing a breathing mask according to claim 17. The method is particularly intended for forming the breathing mask according to claim 1.

[0015] The respirator, intended primarily as a disposable item, comprises a central section for covering the mouth and nose, as well as a first and second side section designed for attachment to the user's ears. These side sections connect to the central section opposite each other along a transverse direction. A first cover layer, particularly made of nonwoven fabric, extends continuously along the central section and both side sections over a total width determined along the transverse direction. This continuous cover layer achieves a high-quality appearance while avoiding pronounced seams for joining different sections. The continuous cover layer can also contribute to good, even force distribution.

[0016] Based on this, the invention provides that an elastic restoring layer with a first restoring layer section and a second restoring layer section is provided only on the two side sections and is connected there, in particular, directly to the first cover layer.

[0017] While the first top layer is continuous, elasticity is provided by the elastic restoring layer sections only at the two side sections. These side sections with the elastic restoring layer allow for adaptation to different head shapes, whereby – as further described below – the side sections, formed at least from the first top layer and each restoring layer section, exhibit elastic restoring properties overall, even if, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first top layer itself does not have elastic properties.

[0018] In this context, the top layer can be made of a cost-effective material and can also be relatively rigid. Elasticity is then provided only at the side sections. The invention is also based on the understanding that, depending on the shape and size of the head, elastic adaptation at the side sections is advantageous, while the central section should be arranged similarly in front of the mouth and nose for different users.

[0019] The invention thus achieves a clear division between the central section and the side sections, even though the first cover layer is provided as a continuous, uniform material. Due to its elastic properties, the respirator, intended particularly as a disposable item, fits snugly even when the user moves. The elasticity provided, along with a close fit at the side sections, also prevents air from being drawn in and expelled laterally, which would otherwise reduce the overall protective effect.

[0020] As described, the central section should be non-elastic or essentially non-elastic and possess sufficient tensile strength. In contrast to a uniformly elastic material, there is then no risk of loss of protective function due to excessive stretching.

[0021] The breathing mask according to the invention can be manufactured cost-effectively and is suitable for mass production. For rapid production as a continuous web, a first web of material can be provided as the first cover layer, whereby at least the two backing layer sections can then be placed on the cover layer at a distance from each other and joined. With regard to such production, the first cover layer then also serves, in a sense, as a unified carrier. Manufacturing is significantly easier than with a design using separate, laterally adjoining sections that must first be guided separately from each other in a machine before being joined.

[0022] In its simplest form, the breathing mask consists only of the first outer layer and the two backing layers, with ear openings of a suitable size typically provided in the side sections for attachment to the user's ears. The elasticity of the material can also be advantageous with regard to these ear openings, allowing for adjustments to the size and length if necessary.

[0023] Within such a simple design, the first cover layer must, on the one hand, have sufficient filter properties to provide a certain level of protection as a breathing mask, and on the other hand, have sufficient tensile strength to prevent undesirable elongation of the middle section when worn by a user and the elastic stretching of the side sections that is usually associated with this.

[0024] Additional layers can easily be added to improve the properties of the breathing mask.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the restoring layer sections are arranged in the layer structure between the first cover layer and a second cover layer, which extends continuously along the central section and the two side sections, and are particularly suitable for lamination. The cover layers can be of different materials and sizes, or preferably, they can be identical. Without further optional measures, the resulting breathing mask can then be used on both sides without further ado.

[0026] In the described configuration, the middle section is formed by at least the first and second cover layers, resulting in improved filter properties due to the overall two-layer construction. Naturally, both cover layers also contribute to the desired tensile strength of the middle section.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment with a first cover layer and a second cover layer, the two backing layer sections are particularly preferably completely covered on both sides of the breathing mask. When the breathing mask is worn, this results in a largely uniform and consistent surface on both the outside and the inside.

[0028] Such a continuous or essentially continuous surface can also increase wearing comfort. Especially in the transition between the middle section and the side sections, there are no pronounced seams that could create pressure points for the user. Preferably, the two side sections are also free of such pronounced seams, thus ensuring a high level of wearing comfort there as well.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a filtration layer is arranged on the central section, extending only over a portion of the total width of the breathing mask as determined in the transverse direction. It is particularly preferred that the filtration layer is provided only, or substantially only, on the central section, so that the elastic properties provided by the restoring layer sections are not impaired or affected on the side sections.

[0030] The filtration layer is positioned in the central section, together with the first outer layer and, if applicable, the second outer layer, in front of the user's mouth and nose. The filtration layer then allows for the achievement of specific requirements regarding the retention capacity of the respirator and, if applicable, requirements regarding a specific protection class, as further explained below.

[0031] If the filtration layer preferably extends only to the central section or essentially only to the central section, different arrangements of the filtration layer with respect to the restoring layer sections are possible. According to a first variant, a gap remains between the filtration layer and the restoring layer sections, which can be, for example, between 1 mm and 15 mm. According to a second variant, the filtration layer and the restoring layer sections can also be butted together or with only a small gap of, for example, less than 1 mm. Finally, a certain overlap with the respective adjacent restoring layer sections can also be provided at the edges of the filtration layer, with this overlap being, for example, in a range of 1 mm to 15 mm.

[0032] The different variants can be selected particularly depending on the mechanical properties, such as the tensile strength of the individual layers, as well as depending on the type of connection between the layers.

[0033] A slight overlap in the specified area may be advantageous, for example, if the first cover layer and the second cover layer, if applicable, are both slightly stretchable and the necessary tensile strength in the transverse direction is then essentially provided by the filtration layer and the two restoring layer sections.

[0034] Even with such a design, butt joints or a gap arrangement are fundamentally possible if stabilization is achieved in another way, specifically in the area of ​​the gap. For example, the layers can be laminated with a laminating adhesive, which is expediently applied across the entire surface in the gap area and provides the desired stabilization. When laminating with a laminating adhesive, the adhesive can be applied to bond the first cover layer and, if applicable, the second cover layer to the backing layers in a pattern of lines or dots. For instance, a strip of adhesive applied perpendicular to the transverse direction along a longitudinal direction does not significantly impede transverse elongation, even if the laminating adhesive is not elastic and would otherwise provide stiffening and stabilization.

[0035] As previously explained, the retention capacity of the breathing mask can be adjusted by selecting the appropriate filtration layer. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the filtration layer comprises at least one nonwoven layer. The entire filtration layer can be formed from a single or multiple layers of nonwoven material. However, one or more nonwoven layers can also be combined with other layers.

[0036] Suitable materials include meltblown nonwovens or nonwovens with at least one meltblown layer. Staple fiber nonwovens or nonwovens with at least one staple fiber layer are also suitable. Other filter materials can be used for the filtration layer, either additionally or alternatively. Paper-like layers based on cellulose, as well as other natural materials in the form of nonwovens or woven or knitted textiles, are also suitable.

[0037] The filtration layer can also have a perforated film, which on the one hand has sufficient breathability and on the other hand specifies a defined pore size through the perforation.

[0038] If the face mask is intended for only short-term use, the entire filtration layer, or at least individual layers thereof, can have hydrophilic properties to better bind moisture and droplets from the exhaled air. However, the filtration layer will gradually become saturated with moisture during prolonged use. Therefore, it can also be advantageous for the entire filtration layer, or at least individual layers of it, to have a certain degree of hydrophobic properties.

[0039] Finally, the filtration layer may also contain other components and additives. For example, additives that can have a certain disinfecting effect without harming the user could be considered. Silver-plated fibers, for instance, could also be incorporated into the filtration layer to achieve certain disinfecting properties.

[0040] Other additives, such as fragrances, essential oils, or similar substances, can also be easily provided. These additives can compensate for unpleasant sensations experienced by some users when wearing the breathing mask, such as the subjective feeling of shortness of breath or other unpleasant sensations.

[0041] The first cover layer, and if applicable, the second cover layer as well, are preferably made of nonwoven material. At least one cover layer is then not only soft and supple but can also provide a filtering effect if no filtration layer is provided, or at least contribute to the retention of particles and droplets together with the filtration layer. Nonwoven materials that are also used in diaper manufacturing for backsheets, one-piece cuffs, or diaper ears are particularly suitable. For example, nonwoven layers with layers of spunbond and meltblown fibers, which may have a typical SMS structure, are suitable. Crimped spunbond fibers, which are characterized by particularly good softness and, if necessary, also elasticity, are also suitable. The use of thermally bonded carded fibers or chemically bonded nonwovens is also possible.Especially with regard to the desired tensile strength of the middle section, it may be advantageous if the nonwoven is strengthened in a known manner by water jets, needling, embossing or the like.

[0042] The basis weight of at least the first cover layer in a nonwoven design is typically in a range between 10 g / m² and 60 g / m².

[0043] The filter properties can of course also be adjusted by selecting the nonwoven fabric.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the restoring layer sections are formed from an elastic film which is elastically stretchable at least in the transverse direction. As an alternative to an elastic film, for example, an elastic nonwoven or an elastic grid may also be considered. With these alternative materials as well, elastic stretchability can be provided only, or essentially only, in the transverse direction.

[0045] When designed as an elastic film, the thickness is typically in the range between 10 µm and 60 µm, particularly between 15 µm and 50 µm. These specifications refer to the elastic film bonded to the at least first cover layer in its unstretched state.

[0046] The elastic film is preferably stretchable by at least 50% from its initial length and exhibits a permanent deformation of less than 30% after elastic recovery following a 50% stretch. However, with typical elastic materials known from the field of hygiene products, higher elongation limits of, for example, more than 100% and especially more than 200%, as well as lower permanent deformations, can readily be achieved.

[0047] The elastic film can consist of a styrene block copolymer or a polyolefin elastomer as an elastic material.

[0048] In a known manner, the elastic film can have a multilayer structure with a core layer and at least one adjacent cover layer. In practice, the cover layer is often used to allow the elastic film to be rolled up and down without jamming. The cover layer can be made of a non-elastic material or a material with lower elasticity. Polyolefins are particularly suitable for this purpose, with the cover layer typically having a thin thickness of, for example, 1 µm to 10 µm. A non-elastic cover layer also facilitates the processing of the overall elastic film because, at least under the typical tensile forces encountered in a production facility, uncontrolled elongation does not occur.

[0049] As previously explained, the total tensile strength required in the transverse direction of the breathing mask can be provided in various ways. If, for example, the tensile strength is primarily provided by the restoring layer sections and the filtration layer – possibly in combination with adhesive or additional layers – then the top layer can easily be designed to be thin and slightly irreversibly stretchable. In this case, special pretreatment or special measures during the lamination of the top layer to the restoring layer sections may not be necessary to provide the desired elastic properties at the side sections.

[0050] However, if the first cover layer and the optionally provided second cover layer exhibit increased tensile strength with respect to the forces occurring during normal use, then, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first cover layer rests on the respective associated restoring layer section, at least in certain areas, with a wave or fold shape on the side sections. Such a wave or fold shape can be achieved, for example, by activation. This means that the side sections are pre-stretched before use of the breathing mask, thereby lengthening the first cover layer and, in particular, plastically deforming and / or partially tearing it. Such activation, known to those skilled in the art, can be achieved, for example, by interlocking ring rollers or by a stretching frame.

[0051] Alternatively, a wave or fold shape can also be achieved through a process called stretch bonding. The restoring layer sections, formed primarily by an elastic film, are then bonded to the first cover layer and, if applicable, the second cover layer while stretched in the transverse direction of the breathing mask. When the tension is released, the described wave or fold shape is formed.

[0052] Both stretch bonding and activation create a particularly soft and pleasant surface through the wave or fold shape. This can also help to avoid or at least reduce skin irritations or other skin problems for the user.

[0053] As previously explained, the first cover layer and the recovery layer sections, as well as any further layers, including the filtration layer, can be bonded together using laminating adhesive and / or ultrasonic welding. Both elastic and non-elastic laminating adhesives are suitable, although non-elastic adhesives are generally advantageous for cost reasons. Non-elastic adhesives can also contribute to local stabilization, and by applying them in a partial pattern such as longitudinal stripes, dots, or a similar design, elastic recovery is not impeded.

[0054] Ultrasonic welding offers the advantage that no additional material, such as laminating adhesive, is required, thus saving costs. It should also be considered that many adhesives have a characteristic odor, which can be perceived as unpleasant by users, especially when wearing a respirator. Ultrasonic welding is typically performed using a sonotrode in combination with a counter-surface featuring raised sections, such as those found on a rotating roller. The individual raised sections then create the weld points.

[0055] Especially when laminating an elastic film, the formation of pores at the individual joints created by ultrasonic welding is sometimes described. Such pore formation can be accepted on the side sections and is even advantageous there to prevent or reduce perspiration of the user under the side sections. Naturally, pores in the central section should be avoided, as their size could impair the desired filter properties there.

[0056] As further explained below, a laminate for forming the breathing mask can be produced as a continuous sheet, from which individual breathing masks are then cut out or prepared for removal by perforation. In such a configuration, the first top layer and the backing layer section, as well as preferably all other optionally provided layers, extend perpendicular to the transverse direction over the same length, i.e., over the entire height of the breathing mask.

[0057] In its simplest form, the breathing mask is formed flat or essentially flat, whereby a relatively good fit can already be achieved through the elastic recovery at the side sections.

[0058] The fit can also be influenced by the shape of the face mask's cut, with a V-shape widening upwards, particularly advantageous from the user's chin. The area for the user's nose can also be specially shaped when cutting, punching, or perforating the face mask from a laminate.

[0059] Based on this, the invention offers various possibilities to improve the fit of the breathing mask on a user's face.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a skin-compatible adhesive, such as that used in medical plasters, is partially applied to the central section of the mask on the side intended for contact with the user's face. The adhesive can be initially covered by a silicone paper or another comparable layer, as is known. The adhesive can be applied, for example, where the mask is intended to rest over the nose and, in particular, against the nostrils. With regard to the shape of a mask, there is a risk of a less than optimal fit, especially concerning the nose as a protruding part of the face.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, the central section can also be plastically deformed to a certain extent, at least in certain areas, to improve the fit. For example, wrinkles for the nose can be pre-formed by embossing or a type of deep drawing. Furthermore, it is also possible to shape the entire central section concavely towards the user by embossing or deep drawing, which usually requires a separate forming step.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, stiffening elements, elastic sections, or the like can be subsequently applied to the first cover layer or, depending on the design and arrangement, to the second cover layer. For example, plastically deformable elements can be applied as stiffening elements, which adapt to the topology of the face, especially the nasal area, under the application of force; for example, metal strips that can be bent along the facial contour. Regardless of this, however, the first cover layer, which is provided as a flat surface on the central section and the two side sections, as well as the restoring layer sections on the side sections, are always retained within the scope of the invention.

[0063] As explained previously, the first top layer, being a continuous material, avoids a pronounced seam at the transition from the central section to the side sections.

[0064] In principle, the breathing mask, particularly within the central section, can also have at least one contour seam, which gives the central section a three-dimensional shape for use. Such a contour seam can be a type of blind seam, where, starting with a flat cut of the breathing mask, only a section is fixed in the folded state. Alternatively, the contour seam can also be a joining seam, in which case, for example, a flat cut is folded, a section is sealed with the contour seam, and then the material outside the contour seam is removed.

[0065] In the unstretched state of the side sections, the breathing mask typically has a total width along the transverse direction of between 250 mm and 500 mm, in particular between 350 mm and 450 mm.

[0066] The width of the central section is typically between 120 mm and 300 mm. The width of the side sections is, for example, between 50 mm and 150 mm each.

[0067] The distinction between the central section and the side section is achieved within the scope of the invention particularly by virtue of the arrangement of the two restoring layer sections. The inner edge of the two restoring layer sections advantageously defines the beginning of the respective side section.

[0068] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a breathing mask, in particular the breathing mask described above with the various optional features.

[0069] In this process, a first layer of material is fed along a longitudinal direction as a top layer. At least two strips of an elastic backing layer with a smaller width and a distance between them are bonded to the first layer of material and, if necessary, other materials to form a laminate in such a way that the first layer of material completely covers the at least two strips in the transverse direction.

[0070] By cutting, punching or perforating the laminate thus formed, breathing masks are shaped in such a way that the strips of the elastic recovery layer of the breathing mask are located in the form of recovery layer sections on the side sections and a middle section without the elastic recovery layer is formed between the side sections.

[0071] It is understood that successive face masks can be formed along the longitudinal direction of the material web or the laminate formed from it. However, by adding strips of the elastic recovery layer, multiple masks can also be produced in the transverse direction, allowing the face masks to be manufactured automatically at high production speeds even on very large production lines.

[0072] Regardless of whether the manufacturing process is single- or multi-purpose along the transverse direction, individual breathing masks can be produced from the flat laminate, and further shaping before or after cutting, punching or perforating is still possible.

[0073] Alternatively, the laminate can be folded lengthwise inwards to create individual face masks by punching, cutting, or perforating. With a laminate that is folded in a single layer in the transverse direction, this is also possible without creating a contour seam in the center of the face mask.

[0074] The invention is explained below with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates an exemplary embodiment.

[0075] They show: Fig. 1 Process steps for forming a laminate for the production of breathing masks, Fig. 2 such a laminate in a sectional perspective, indicating a breathing mask formed from the laminate, Fig. 3 an alternative embodiment of the laminate, Fig. 4 a top view of the laminate with a first embodiment of the breathing mask, Fig. 5 a folded section of the laminate for forming a second embodiment of the breathing mask, Fig. 6 a view according to the Fig. 5 for another variant of the breathing mask and Fig. 7 another variant of the breathing masks.

[0076] The Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows the production of a laminate 1, which is formed from material strips of different widths.

[0077] A first web of material is fed in as the first top layer 2. Then, two strips of an elastic recovery layer, narrower in width and spaced apart, are fed in and placed on top of the first web of material. As explained below, these two strips of elastic recovery layer form a first recovery layer section 4a and a second recovery layer section 4b in a breathing mask 3 cut from the laminate 1.

[0078] Between the two strips of elastic backing material forming the backing sections 4a and 4b, another layer of material is placed on the first cover layer 2, which forms a filtration layer 5 in the case of the breathing mask 3. Finally, a second cover layer 6 is added and placed on top, the second cover layer 6 having the same width as the first cover layer 2.

[0079] In order for the laminate to be used to form the respiratory masks 3, the two outer layers 2 and 6 are of course sufficiently air-permeable. If the protective and filtering effect of the outer layers 2 and 6 alone is sufficient for a particular application, the filtration layer 5 can then be omitted if necessary.

[0080] In the Fig. 1 It is indicated that during the production of laminate 1 in a transverse direction Q, multi-use production is also possible.

[0081] The components of laminate 1 described above are preferably joined by means of Fig. 2 The lamination adhesive shown as an example 7 and / or ultrasonic welding.

[0082] The Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows an exemplary adhesive pattern in this context, where a gap between the filtration layer 5 and the respective adjacent retention layer sections 4a, 4b is bridged by a wide strip of the laminating adhesive 7, thus reliably preventing tearing of the material in this area. In the region of the retention layer sections 4a, 4b, which are formed by an elastic film, the laminating adhesive 7 is arranged between the retention layer sections 4a, 4b and the cover layers 2, 6 by strips running along the longitudinal direction L, which corresponds to the production direction.

[0083] A breathing mask 3 to be formed from laminate 1 exhibits, according to the Fig. 2 a central section 8 for covering the mouth and nose of a user, and the side sections 9a, 9b adjoining it along the transverse direction Q. Each side section 9a, 9b has an ear opening 10 through which the breathing mask 3 can be placed on the face of a user.

[0084] The breathing mask 3 is tensile-resistant at the central section 8 and essentially non-stretchable under normal use, while elastic properties are provided at the side sections 9a, 9b. These properties can be determined based on the Fig. 2 This can be achieved, for example, by ensuring that the filtration layer 5 is tensile-resistant, while the recovery layer sections 4a, 4b exhibit the desired elastic tensile strength and recovery. The cover layers 2, 6 can then be made of a comparatively thin and slightly stretchable material, in particular a nonwoven.

[0085] Alternatively, the cover layers 2, 6 can also exhibit high tensile strength in the transverse direction Q or at least contribute to the desired tensile strength. Within the scope of the invention, the desired elasticity can then be achieved at the side sections 9a, 9b by local activation using ring rollers or by stretch bonding of the restoring layer section 4a, 4b during manufacturing. As described above, the laminating adhesive 7 can then contribute to stabilization.

[0086] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 2 A distance of typically between 1 mm and 15 mm remains between the filtration layer 5 and the return layer sections 4a, 4b adjoining it on both sides.

[0087] The filtration layer 5 and the return layer sections 4a, 4b can also be arranged butt-jointed or with an overlap, as exemplified in the Fig. 3 The overlap is shown. It typically ranges from 1 mm to 15 mm.

[0088] The figures show that the two cover layers 2, 6 provide a uniform, continuous, and, in a preferred nonwoven design, also a soft surface on both sides. A particularly soft nonwoven is especially comfortable for the user on the inside of the breathing mask 3. Layers made of carded nonwoven, spunlace nonwoven, or so-called high-loft nonwoven with crimped bicomponent fibers are softer than a typical SMS construction. In combination with the elastic recovery properties of the side sections 9a, 9b, this results in good wearing comfort and a close fit of the breathing mask 3 to the user's face. The fit of the breathing mask 3 is also ensured by the features already shown in the Fig. 2 The suggested shape favors a V-shape that opens upwards from a chin section.

[0089] According to the Fig. 1 The laminate 1 and thus a large number of breathing masks 3 can be manufactured particularly easily, quickly and efficiently.

[0090] The Fig. 4 Figure 3 shows a simple design of the breathing mask, which is essentially flat after being cut out of laminate 1. Experience has shown that the fit around the user's nose can be in need of improvement. In this context, the following is relevant: Fig. 4 The figure shows that on the side of the central section 8 intended for contact with the user's face, a skin-compatible adhesive 11, such as that known from medical plasters, is partially provided. In a known manner, the skin-compatible adhesive 11 can be covered by a silicone paper (not shown) or a comparable release layer. The skin-compatible adhesive 11 allows the corresponding area of ​​the central section 8 to be attached to the wing of the nose.

[0091] Additionally or alternatively, at least one contour seam 12 can also be provided, particularly in the central section. This is described in the Fig. 5 The illustration shows that the laminate 1 is first folded in on itself, with a blind seam then being created at the fold edge, i.e., in the middle of the central section 8. This contour seam 12, running centrally along the central section 8, then facilitates the three-dimensional shaping of the breathing mask 3 when it is placed on a user's face.

[0092] The Fig. 6 Further training shows a contour seam 12, which is designed as a connecting seam. As in the Fig. 5 The laminate, with a larger initial width, is folded onto itself, whereby the contour seam 12 is then formed at a distance from the fold edge with an arc corresponding to the curvature of a face, before the breathing mask 3 is then cut out of the folded laminate 1. In this configuration as well, the first cover layer 2 and the second cover layer 6 are arranged over the entire surface of the central section 8 and the side sections 9a, 9b.

[0093] The Fig. 7 This shows an exemplary embodiment with a breathing mask formed by 3D forming. For example, a certain spatial shape can also be achieved through simple embossing.

Claims

1. Breathing mask (3) comprising a central section (8) and comprising a first side section (9a) and a second side section (9b), which adjoin the central section (8) opposite to one another along a transverse direction (Q), wherein a first cover layer (2) extends continuously on the central section (8) and the two side sections (9a, 9b) over a total width of the breathing mask (3) determined along the transverse direction (Q), characterized in that an elastic restoring layer with a first restoring layer section (4a) and a second restoring layer section (4b) is provided only on the two side sections (9a, 9b) and is connected there to the first cover layer (2).

2. Breathing mask (3) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the restoring layer sections (4a, 4b) are arranged between the first cover layer (2) and a second cover layer (6) extending continuously on the middle section (8) and the two side sections (9a, 9b).

3. Breathing mask (3) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a filtration layer (5) is arranged on the central section (8), which extends only over a part of the total width.

4. Breathing mask (3) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the filtration layer (5) is formed from a single- or multi-layer nonwoven or at least comprises a single- or multi-layer nonwoven.

5. Breathing mask (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first cover layer (2) is formed of nonwoven.

6. Breathing mask (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the restoring layer sections (4a, 4b) are formed by an elastic film.

7. Breathing mask (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first cover layer (2) and the restoring layer sections (4a, 4b) extend perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q) over the same length.

8. Breathing mask (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first cover layer (2) and the restoring layer sections (4a, 4b) are connected by laminating adhesive (7) and / or ultrasonic welding.

9. Breathing mask (3) according to Claim 8, characterized in that pores formed by a connection by ultrasonic welding are only present on the side sections (9a, 9b).

10. Breathing mask (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first cover layer (2) rests with a wave or fold shape on the side sections (9a, 9b) on the respectively associated restoring layer section (4a, 4b).

11. Breathing mask (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the central section (8) is plastically deformed at least in regions.

12. Breathing mask (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one contour seam (12) is provided on the central section (8), with which the central section (8) is three-dimensionally shaped for use.

13. Breathing mask (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the total width is between 250 mm and 500 mm.

14. Breathing mask (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the width of the central section (8) is between 120 mm and 300 mm.

15. Breathing mask (3) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the width of the two side sections (9a, 9b) is between 50 mm and 150 mm in each case.

16. Breathing mask according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the side sections (9a, 9b) have ear openings (10).

17. Method for producing a breathing mask (3), in particular according to one of Claims 1 to 16, a) wherein a first material web is fed as the first cover layer (2) along a longitudinal direction (L), b) wherein at least two strips of an elastic restoring layer with a smaller width and at a distance from one another are fed and connected to the first material web to form a laminate in such a manner that the first material web completely covers the at least two strips in a transverse direction (Q) c) wherein breathing masks (3) are formed by cutting, punching or perforating from the laminate in such a manner that the strips of the elastic restoring layer are located on side sections (9a, 9b) of the breathing mask (3) and a central section (8) without the elastic restoring layer is formed between the side sections (9a, 9b).