Respirator mask

Abstract

The present application describes a respirator mask (100) comprising an orinasal body portion defining an upper edge region (108) including first and second peak segments (128,130) respectively conformable and contactable with first and second anteromedial cheek regions of a wearer's face when donning the mask and respectively located on first and second sides of a centrally disposed trough segment (126) conformable and contactable with a nose of the wearer when donning the mask.

Description

[0001] RESPIRATOR MASK

[0002] The present invention relates to a respirator mask and in particular, but not exclusively, to a maintenance-free respirator mask.

[0003] Conventional maintenance-free respirator masks, often referred to as filtering face masks, typically include two or more panels of air filtering material and are worn over the mouth and nose of a wearer to prevent potentially harmful particles entering the wearer’s respiratory tract and to protect others from being exposed to pathogens exhaled by the wearer. They are often foldable when not in use along at least one horizontal or vertical fold line depending on the number of panels the mask includes. Such masks should be comfortable to wear and closely fit a wearer’s face to minimise air leaks between the mask and the wearer’s face. Some maintenance- free respirator masks are designed to closely fit over the cheeks and chin of a wearer, however the area below each eye and over the nose of the wearer is more complex and leak gaps can exist through which contaminants can pass. In addition, if the wearer is donning eyewear, such as protective glasses or goggles, these may become fogged up as a result of warm exhaled air being directed upwards from inside the mask and through the leak gaps to condense on the inside of the eyewear. Furthermore, such eyewear may clash with the mask and may not rest properly and comfortably on the wearer’s face. Conventional maintenance-free respirator masks can also impede the line of sight of the wearer which can be particularly undesirable and frustrating, such as in a medical environment.

[0004] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a maintenance-free respirator mask that closely fits the wearer’s face, particularly substantially around the nose and cheek region to prevent or at least minimise leak gaps.

[0005] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a maintenance-free respirator mask that allows eyewear to be properly and comfortably worn by the mask wearer. It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a maintenance-free respirator mask that does not compromise a field of view of the mask wearer.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a respirator mask comprising: an orinasal body portion defining an upper edge region including first and second peak segments respectively conformable and contactable with first and second anteromedial cheek regions of a wearer’s face when donning the mask and respectively located on first and second sides of a centrally disposed trough segment conformable and contactable with a nose of the wearer when donning the mask.

[0007] Optionally, the first and second peak segments and the trough segment define at least five inflection points along the upper edge region.

[0008] Optionally, the upper edge region defines at least seven inflection points there along.

[0009] Optionally, the trough segment is substantially concave.

[0010] Optionally, a depth of the trough segment along a central vertical plane from a base thereof to a horizontal tangent line joining the first and second peak segments is around 4 to 10 mm.

[0011] Optionally, the depth of the trough segment is around 5 mm.

[0012] Optionally, the base of the trough segment equally extends in opposed directions from a central vertical plane by around 10 to 15 mm.

[0013] Optionally, the first and second peak segments define a pitch spacing of around 45 to 75 mm.

[0014] Optionally, the pitch spacing is around 55 to 65 mm. Optionally, the orinasal body portion comprises filtering material for capturing potentially harmful gas or vapour particles responsive to a wearer of the mask inhaling or exhaling.

[0015] Optionally, the orinasal body portion can be folded flat when the mask is doffed and comprises a plurality of connected panels including an upper panel defining the upper edge region when the mask is donned.

[0016] Optionally, the plurality of panels comprises a lower panel locatable under a chin of the wearer when donning the mask and connected to the upper panel by a middle panel locatable in front of a mouth of the wearer when donning the mask.

[0017] Optionally, the lower panel is located between the middle panel and the upper panel when the orinasal body portion is folded flat.

[0018] Optionally, the middle panel comprises an upper edge region along which the upper panel is attached and which includes a peak segment centrally disposed between first and second side edge segments of the upper edge region which slope away in opposed directions from a respective side of the centrally disposed peak segment towards a respective end region of the middle panel.

[0019] Optionally, the upper edge region of the middle panel defines at least six inflection points there along.

[0020] Optionally, the centrally disposed peak segment of the middle panel has a width of around 40 to 60 mm.

[0021] Optionally, the centrally disposed peak segment of the middle panel is convex and has a radius of curvature of around 200 to 220 mm.

[0022] Optionally, each of the first and second side edge segments is concave.

[0023] Optionally, each of the first and second side edge segments is connected to the centrally disposed peak segment by a respective transition segment each comprising Optionally, a concave transition segment having a radius of curvature less than the radius of curvature of the first and second side edge segments.

[0024] Optionally, the radius of curvature of each concave transition segment is around 20 to 35 mm.

[0025] Optionally, the middle panel comprises a lower edge region along which the lower panel is attached and which is different in profile to the upper edge region of the middle panel such that the middle panel is non-symmetrical about a horizontal axis.

[0026] Optionally, the lower panel comprises a lower edge region including a centrally disposed recessed segment conformable and contactable with a throat region of the wearer when donning the mask.

[0027] Optionally, the centrally disposed recessed segment of the lower edge region is located between first and second convex segments extending towards respective end regions of the lower panel.

[0028] Optionally, the respirator mask comprises at least one harness strap for securing the mask to the wearer’s head.

[0029] Optionally, the respirator mask comprises at least one exhalation valve.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a respirator mask comprising: an orinasal body portion comprising a plurality of connected panels configured to allow the mask to be folded flat when doffed, wherein the plurality of connected panels comprises an upper panel defining an upper edge region conformable and contactable with a wearer’s face when the mask is donned, a lower panel locatable under a chin of the wearer when donning the mask, and a middle panel locatable in front of a mouth of the wearer when donning the mask, wherein the middle panel comprises an upper edge region along which the upper panel is attached and which includes a peak segment centrally disposed between first and second side edge segments of the upper edge region which slope away in opposed directions from a respective side of the centrally disposed peak segment towards a respective end region of the middle panel.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a respirator mask comprising: an orinasal body portion comprising a plurality of connected panels configured to allow the mask to be folded flat when doffed, wherein the plurality of connected panels comprises an upper panel defining an upper edge region conformable and contactable with a wearer’s face when the mask is donned, a lower panel locatable under a chin of the wearer when donning the mask, and a middle panel locatable in front of a mouth of the wearer when donning the mask, wherein the upper panel comprises an array of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced apart stiffening elements or regions located substantially centrally on the upper panel and between the upper edge region of the upper panel and an upper edge region of the middle panel.

[0032] Optionally, the stiffening elements or regions each comprise a weld line forming a rib.

[0033] Description of the Drawings

[0034] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a respirator mask according to certain embodiments of the present invention when in an open and unfolded state;

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of the mask of Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 3a illustrates a rear view of the mask body without the straps shown and when in a closed and folded flat state;

[0038] Figure 3b illustrates a close-up view of the central section of the upper edge region of the upper panel of the mask body of Figure 3a; Figure 4a illustrates a front view of the middle panel of the mask body of Figure 3a;

[0039] Figure 4b illustrates a close-up view of the central section of the upper edge region of the middle panel of Figure 4a;

[0040] Figure 5a illustrates a rear view of the lower panel of the mask body of Figure 3a;

[0041] Figure 5b illustrates a close-up view of the lower edge region of the lower panel of Figure 5a; and

[0042] Figures 6a to 6d illustrate an alternative embodiment of the respirator mask including an array of stiffening ribs on the upper and lower panels to prevent buckling.

[0043] Detailed Description

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates a fold-flat, maintenance-free respirator mask 100 in an unfolded and open state as it would be when donned by a wearer in use. The mask 100 includes an upper panel 102, a middle panel 104, and a lower panel 106 which collectively define an orinasal body portion for covering the nose and mouth of the wearer when the mask is in the unfolded and open state. The upper panel 102 defines an upper edge region 108 for contacting the wearer’s face below the wearer’s eyes when worn, and the lower panel 106 defines a lower edge region 110 for contacting the lower jaw and throat of the wearer such that the wearer’s chin is accommodated in the mask.

[0045] Each of the panels 102,104,106 comprises a plurality of layers; an outer layer, at least one filtration layer for capturing potentially harmful gas or vapour particles responsive to the wearer of the mask inhaling or exhaling, and an inner layer. The outer layer is aptly a spunbonded polypropylene material having a density of around 50 grams per square meter (gsm). The outer layer protects the layers beneath it from damage through scuffing, tearing or soiling. Beneath the outer layer is a set of filtration layers of melt blown polypropylene, varying in weight and quantity between different variants of the respirator depending on its application and filtering requirements. These layers provide filtering performance through their static charge, attracting harmful particles as air passes through the respirator, preventing them from continuing into the airways of the wearer. This static charge can be achieved through electrostatic or hydrostatic means. For disposable respirators, filtering facepiece (FFP) levels typically range from 1 to 3 providing different levels of protection from particulate hazards. An indicator may be provided on the mask to indicate to a user the level of protection offered by the mask. For example, the elastic of the strap / s may be colour-coded to act as such an indicator, such as blue for FFP2, orange for FFP3 and so on. Aptly, the filtration layers of melt blown polypropylene can vary in quantity between two and five layers and in weight between 20 to 40 gsm. Aptly, the filtration layers of melt blown polypropylene decrease in weight from the external layer to the internal layer. The inner layer of the respirator is a layer of spun bond polypropylene, aptly of around 30 gsm. The outer layer is relatively soft and provides a comfortable and inviting environment for the wearer. The mask may optionally include a one-way valve (not shown), such as an exhalation valve mounted centrally on the outer surface of the middle panel 104.

[0046] The middle panel 104 further includes a structural mesh layer located between the outer layer and the filtration layer / s. Aptly, the structural layer comprises a polypropylene mesh. This layer is considerably stiffer than the other layers and is positioned to provide horizontal structure when the respirator is being worn and to prevent caving / collapse in use. The mesh has open apertures in the region of around 4x4mm which provides structure to the respirator but without significantly increasing breathing resistance. This affords an open breathing space to the user, though with a more comfortable and less inhibiting breathing experience. This structural layer is placed only across the width of the middle panel, since the upper and lower panels are required to deform in different planes in order to conform to the wearer’s face.

[0047] The middle panel 104 defines an upper edge region 1 12 along which a corresponding edge region of the upper panel 102 is attached by ultrasonic seam welding to seal the two panels and the layup material thereof together along those upper edge regions. The middle panel 104 defines a lower edge region 114 along which a corresponding edge region of the lower panel 106 is attached by ultrasonic seam welding to seal the two panels and the layup material thereof together along those lower edge regions. A pair of parallel lines of pin or spot ultrasonic welds are disposed along the free upper edge region 108 of the upper panel 102 and along the free lower edge region 110 of the lower panel 106 to seal the layup material thereof together and prevent fraying. Pin or spot welds are aptly used along these free edges to provide material flexibility when conforming to the wearer’s face. The opposed end regions 116,118 of the three panels 102,104,106 are sealed together by spaced apart and parallel transverse weld lines 120. As illustrated in Figure 3a, the panels are arranged such that the lower panel overlaps the middle panel and the upper panel overlaps on top of the lower panel when the orinasal body portion is in a closed and folded flat state, i.e. the lower panel is located between the middle panel and the upper panel when the orinasal body portion is folded flat.

[0048] The ends of a pair of elastic harness straps 122,124 are welded to a rear / inner surface of each respective end region 116,118. Aptly, the ends of an upper one of the straps 122 is welded to the end regions of the upper panel 102 and the ends of a lower one of the straps 124 is welded to the end regions of the lower panel 106. Optionally, the ends of the straps 122,124 are located between a reinforcing strip of material before being welded to the panels. Aptly, the end regions of the panels and the straps are welded together in a single welding operation and under pressure such that the strap material at least partially combines with the layup materials of the panels 102,104,106 to securely attach the ends of the straps 122,124 to the orinasal body portion of the mask. The transverse weld lines 120 form elongate ribs or teeth 122 on an outer surface of the end regions of the middle panel 104 which corrugate the strap and panel material to further secure the straps to the orinasal body portion of the mask. The ribs or teeth 122 are formed on the outer surface of the middle panel 104 to avoid contacting the wearer’s face, and can improve grip when holding the end regions 116,118 of the orinasal body portion to don and / or adjust a position of the mask with respect to the wearer’s face. The welded end regions 116,118 also seal the geometry of the mask when opened and can be pulled in opposed directions to help fold and close the mask when not in use.

[0049] As illustrated in Figure 2, the free upper edge region 108 of the upper panel 102 includes a central disposed recess or trough segment 126 for contacting and conforming over the nose of the wearer. An aluminium nose strip 132 is optionally provided on or within the outer layer of the upper panel 102 to allow the wearer to retain close conformity and contact of the upper edge region 108 of the upper panel 102 with their anteromedial cheek regions and nose to ensure an efficient seal between the mask and face is maintained during use. The nose strip 132 is aptly secured in position on or within the upper panel by ultrasonic welding, adhesive or the like, e.g. welded features 131 at least partially surround a perimeter of the nose strip to hold it in place. Aptly, the nose strip is around 96mm long and around 5- 6mm in wide. Furthermore, a foam strip is optionally provided on the inner surface of the inner layer and extends along the upper edge region 108 to further mitigate any risk of inward leakage when the wearer inhales. Aptly, the foam strip is formed from a soft touch compressible foam material.

[0050] As illustrated in Figure 3a, which shows the mask in a closed and folded flat state, the upper edge region 108 of the upper panel 102 also includes first and second convex peak segments 128,130 respectively located on first and second sides of the recessed trough segment 126. The first and second peak segments 128,130 are shaped and sized to contact and closely conform with the anteromedial cheek regions of the wearer’s face on each side of their nose to ensure a consistent and efficient sealing interface between the mask and face substantially along the upper edge region 108 of the upper panel 102, whilst also providing a maximum amount of filtering material in that region of the upper panel 102 for improved filtering performance and breathability.

[0051] As illustrated in Figure 3b, each convex peak segment 128,130 defines a curved apex. A radius of curvature of each peak segment is around 20-40mm and aptly around 26mm. The convex peak segments 128,130 smoothly transition into each side 138,140 of the trough segment 126, wherein each side of the trough segment is substantially curved. A radius of curvature of each side of the trough segment is around 20-40mm and aptly around 29mm. A base 139 of the trough segment 126 is slightly concave, but may be straight, i.e. not curved. A radius of curvature of the base of the trough segment is around 200-300mm and aptly around 240mm. Aptly, a depth of the trough segment along a central vertical plane from the base thereof to a horizontal tangent line joining the first and second peak segments is around 4- 10mm, and aptly around 5mm. Aptly, the base of the trough segment equally extends in opposed directions from the central vertical plane by around 10-15mm. Aptly, the first and second peak segments define a pitch spacing of around 45- 75mm, i.e. the distance between their apexes, and aptly around 55-65mm. Each side segment 146, 148 of the upper edge region 108 of the upper panel 102 then slopes away from the respective peak segment 128,130 towards the respective end region 116,1 18 of the panel. Each side segment 146,148 is slightly convex and has a radius of curvature of around 1600-1700mm and aptly around 1645-1655mm. Alternatively, each side segment may be straight. From the left-hand side of Figure 3b, the central section of the upper edge region 108 of the upper panel 102 defines seven different segments 142,128,138,126,140,130,144 wherein at least the peak segments 128,130 have a different direction of curvature to the trough side segments 138,140. Preferably each of the seven segments is curved. A change in slope direction, i.e. increase or decrease, along the upper edge region is indicated by the seven inflection points 141 ,143,145,147,149,151 ,153 shown in Figure 3b.

[0052] The upper edge region 108 of the upper panel 102 includes a pair of parallel weld lines 150 each comprising spaced apart pin or spot welds to seal the layer of the panel together and also provide some flexibility along that edge region to allow the same to closely follow the contours of the wearer’s face to prevent gapping and in turn leak paths.

[0053] As illustrated in Figure 4a, the upper edge region 112 of the middle panel 104 includes a peak segment 152 centrally disposed between first and second side edge segments 154,156 of the upper edge region which slope away in opposed directions from a respective side of the centrally disposed peak segment 152 towards a respective end region 1 16,118 of the middle panel 104. The peak segment 152 of the middle panel 104 is substantially convex and has a radius of curvature of around 200-220mm, but may be straight, i.e. not curved, to define a substantially flat ‘table- top’ peak segment. Aptly, the peak segment 152 of the middle panel has a width of around 40-60mm and a height of around 5mm. Each of the first and second side edge segments 154,156 of the upper edge region 112 of the middle panel 104 is concave to define a sweeping tapered edge from proximal each side of the central peak segment 152 to each respective end region 116,118 of the panel. Each side 158,160 of the peak segment 152 is substantially convex and each of the first and second side edge segments 154,156 is connected to each respective side 158,160 of the peak segment 152 by a respective concave transition segment 162,164 having a radius of curvature which is less than the radius of curvature of the first and second side edge segments 154,156. Aptly, the convex sides 158,160 of the peak segment each have a radius of curvature of around 15-20mm, aptly around 16.5mm, and the concave transition segments 162,164 each have a radius of curvature of around 20- 35mm, aptly around 28.5mm. This arrangement smoothly transitions the sweeping side edge segments 154,156 into the central peak segment 152. Desirably, the profile of the upper edge region 1 12 of the middle panel 104 improves the line of sight for the wearer when the mask is donned. From the centre ‘Z-plane’ moving transversely across the Y-axis in either direction towards either end region of the mask, the upper edge region 1 12 tapers to reduce periphery and central vision obstruction to in turn increase the area of visibility for the wearer. This upper edge profile of the middle panel 104 also accommodates eyewear to allow the same to be comfortably worn without clashing with the mask, and also maximises the filtration area of the middle panel and allows for lower breathing resistance.

[0054] As illustrated in Figure 4b, viewing from left to right, the upper edge region 1 12 of the middle panel 104 defines seven different segments 154,162,158,152,160,164,156 wherein at least the convex side segments 158,160 of the central peak segment 152 have a different direction of curvature to the concave transition segments 162,164. Preferably each of the seven segments is curved. A change in slope direction, i.e. increase or decrease, along the upper edge region is indicated by the seven inflection points 155,157,159,161 ,163,165,167 shown in Figure 4b.

[0055] The middle panel 104 comprises the lower edge region 114 along which the lower panel is attached and which is different in profile to the upper edge region 1 12 of the middle panel 104 such that the middle panel is non-symmetrical about a horizontal central axis. The lower edge region 114 includes a central convex segment 166 having a radius of curvature of around 90mm located between substantially straight side segments 168,170 extending to the end regions 116,118 of the panel. Alternatively, the side segments 168,170 may be slightly concave and comprise at least one concave segment. Aptly, each side segment 168,170 may include an inboard concave segment having a radius of curvature of around 635mm and an outboard concave segment of around 515mm. Either arrangement maximises the filtration area of the middle panel and allows for lower breathing resistance. The height of the middle panel 104 along the central vertical plane or Z axis’ is around 85mm and the width of the middle panel 104 along the central horizontal plane or ‘Y axis’ including the end regions 116,1 18 thereof is around 210mm. A depth of the lower edge region 110 is around 30mm.

[0056] As illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b, the lower edge region 110 of the lower panel 106 includes a centrally disposed recessed segment 172 located between first and second convex peak segments 174,176 extending towards the respective end regions 116,118 of the lower panel 106. The recessed segment 172 is configured to accommodate and conform with the wearer’s throat region under the wearer’s chin when donning the mask to improve comfort and prevent irritation. The centrally disposed recessed segment 172 is substantially concave and has a radius of curvature of around 41 mm, a depth of around 1 ,4mm and a width of around 14mm. Each convex peak segment 174,176 of the lower edge region 110 has a radius of curvature of around 52.5mm and a width of around 20mm. Each side edge of the lower edge region 110 comprises at least one convex side segment 178,180 which sweeps smoothly from each convex peak segment 174,176 towards the respective end region 1 16,118. Each side edge of the lower edge region 110 may also comprise a substantially straight or a further convex segment 186,188 joining each outboard convex side segment 178,180 with the respective convex peak segment 174,176. Aptly, each side edge comprises a concave side segment 182,184 joining the respective convex side segment 178,180 to the respective end region 116,118.

[0057] As illustrated in Figure 5b, viewing from left to right, the lower edge region 110 of the lower panel 106 defines nine different segments 182,178,186,174,172,176,188,180,184. Aptly, at least seven segments are curved. A change in slope direction, i.e. increase or decrease, along the lower edge region is indicated by the eight inflection points 173,175,177,179,181 ,183,185,187 shown in Figure 5b. To aid the wearer donning or doffing the mask, the upper panel 102 and / or lower panel 106 may include one or more handle regions for the wearer to grasp when opening the mask and fitting the same over the nose and mouth. For example, the upper panel 102 may include a loop of material to locate a finger under or a fold out tab of material for gripping between a finger and thumb. The mask may also include means for adjusting a length of the or each strap attached to the mask to accommodate different anatomies of wearer. Whilst preferably the straps are welded to the inside surface of each end region 116,118 of the mask, the straps may be welded to the outer surface of the end region of the middle panel 104.

[0058] Alternatively, the or each strap may be coupled to the mask body by a folded textile loop attached to each end region of the mask and the or each strap may be a continuous strap passed through each textile loop. Further alternatively, the or each strap may be a continuous loop strap passing through slots in each end region of the mask body.

[0059] As illustrated in Figures 6a to 6d, the upper panel 602 and / or lower panel 606 of the mask 600 may include an array of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced apart elongate stiffening elements or regions 650 to add longitudinal (fore-aft) bending stiffness to the respective panels in the central regions thereof. Aptly, the stiffening elements or regions are weld lines created by, for example, ultrasonic welding. Each weld line forms a rib which acts as a strengthener / bend stiffener. The addition of these ribs creates an area of rigidity which is desirably advantageous on both the upper and lower panels to prevent buckling or crumpling of the panel material, particularly at a central region, when the mask is worn. This buckling effect is otherwise created by tension in the harness which pulls the middle panel 604 towards the wearer’s face and undesirably compromises the filtering performance of the mask. The ribs are located along the lines of incident force to create areas of rigidity to prevent this undesirable buckling in a longitudinal (fore-aft) direction, whilst allowing the respective panel to conform laterally around the nose or chin. An alternative means of increasing bending strength and rigidity in one or both of the central regions of the upper and lower panels could be to attach a second layer of material to the outer surface of the upper and / or lower panel in the central region thereof by a welded line around the perimeter of the second layer to thereby double the material thickness in those central regions. However, this would undesirably increase the breathing resistance in those regions and may cause discomfort to the wearer. The evenly spaced weld lines allow inhaled and exhaled air to pass through the material between the weld lines removing the need to double-layer for increased stiffness / rigidity and without substantially increasing breathing resistance. The weld lines are aptly longest on and proximal to the central axis of the mask and reduce in length towards the outer edge of the array of weld lines to form a substantially triangular-shaped array of weld lines. Aptly, the upper ends of each weld line on the upper panel are angled to define a line of flex. Likewise, the lower ends of each weld line on the lower panel are angled to aptly define a line of flex. Aptly, the relatively wide region of the array of weld lines on the upper panel 602 substantially corresponds in width to the peak segment 652 of the upper edge region 612 of the middle panel 604. Aptly, the relatively wide region of the array of weld lines on the lower panel 606 may substantially correspond in width to a chin of a wearer. When the mask is donned, the location and arrangement of the stiffening weld lines 650 allows the remaining ‘unstructured’ regions of the upper and lower panels to closely conform to the wearer’s facial geometry in an effective and efficient manner, particularly around the nose and chin, whilst preventing buckling of these central regions of the upper and lower panels. Aptly, a gap is provided between the upper edge region 612 of the middle panel 604 and the stiffening weld lines 650 on the upper panel 602 and / or between the lower edge region 614 of the middle panel 604 and the stiffening weld lines 650 on the lower panel 606. This arrangement creates a region of flexibility at this junction allowing the upper and / or lower panel material to bend locally when the mask is opened for ease of donning.

[0060] Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore provide a maintenance-free fold-flat respirator mask that closely fits the wearer’s face, particularly substantially around the nose and cheek region to prevent, or at least minimise, the risk of leak gaps. The mask is comfortable to wear and easy to don and doff. The mask allows eyewear to be properly and comfortably worn by the mask wearer without adversely affecting the function of either piece of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the mask is configured not to compromise or restrict a field of view of the mask wearer.

Claims

Claims1 . A respirator mask comprising: an orinasal body portion defining an upper edge region including first and second peak segments respectively conformable and contactable with first and second anteromedial cheek regions of a wearer’s face when donning the mask and respectively located on first and second sides of a centrally disposed trough segment conformable and contactable with a nose of the wearer when donning the mask.

2. The respirator mask according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second peak segments and the trough segment define at least five inflection points along the upper edge region.

3. The respirator mask according to claim 2, wherein the upper edge region defines at least seven inflection points there along.

4. The respirator mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the trough segment is substantially concave.

5. The respirator mask according to any preceding claim, wherein a depth of the trough segment along a central vertical plane from a base thereof to a horizontal tangent line joining the first and second peak segments is around 4 to 10 mm.

6. The respirator mask according to claim 5, wherein the depth of the trough segment is around 5 mm.

7. The respirator mask according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the base of the trough segment equally extends in opposed directions from a central vertical plane by around 10 to 15 mm.

8. The respirator mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second peak segments define a pitch spacing of around 45 to 75 mm.

9. The respirator mask according to claim 8, wherein the pitch spacing is around 55 to 65 mm.

10. The respirator mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the orinasal body portion comprises filtering material for capturing potentially harmful gas or vapour particles responsive to a wearer of the mask inhaling or exhaling.11 . The respirator mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the orinasal body portion can be folded flat when the mask is doffed and comprises a plurality of connected panels including an upper panel defining the upper edge region when the mask is donned.

12. The respirator mask according to claim 11 , wherein the plurality of panels comprises a lower panel locatable under a chin of the wearer when donning the mask and connected to the upper panel by a middle panel locatable in front of a mouth of the wearer when donning the mask.

13. The respirator mask according to claim 12, wherein the lower panel is located between the middle panel and the upper panel when the orinasal body portion is folded flat.

14. The respirator mask according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the middle panel comprises an upper edge region along which the upper panel is attached and which includes a peak segment centrally disposed between first and second side edge segments of the upper edge region which slope away in opposed directions from a respective side of the centrally disposed peak segment towards a respective end region of the middle panel.

15. The respirator mask according to claim 14, wherein the upper edge region of the middle panel defines at least six inflection points there along.

16. The respirator mask according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the centrally disposed peak segment of the middle panel has a width of around 40 to 60 mm.

17. The respirator mask according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the centrally disposed peak segment of the middle panel is convex and has a radius of curvature of around 200 to 220 mm.

18. The respirator mask according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein each of the first and second side edge segments is concave.

19. The respirator mask according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein each of the first and second side edge segments is connected to the centrally disposed peak segment by a respective transition segment each comprising a concave transition segment having a radius of curvature less than the radius of curvature of the first and second side edge segments.

20. The respirator mask according to claim 19, wherein the radius of curvature of each concave transition segment is around 20 to 35 mm.21 . The respirator mask according to any of claims 14 to 20, wherein the middle panel comprises a lower edge region along which the lower panel is attached and which is different in profile to the upper edge region of the middle panel such that the middle panel is non-symmetrical about a horizontal axis.

22. The respirator mask according to any of claims 12 to 21 , wherein the lower panel comprises a lower edge region including a centrally disposed recessed segment conformable and contactable with a throat region of the wearer when donning the mask.

23. The respirator mask according to claim 22, wherein the centrally disposed recessed segment of the lower edge region is located between first and second convex segments extending towards respective end regions of the lower panel.

24. The respirator mask according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one harness strap for securing the mask to the wearer’s head.

25. The respirator mask according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one exhalation valve.

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