Hydrogen inhalation device

Abstract

To provide a device for hydrogen gas supply to a living body around the nostrils that can be used in a non-contact manner during rest, sleep, or the like.SOLUTION: There is provided a pillow-type, easy-chair-type, or portable hydrogen inhalation device employing a re-circulation system which enables efficient hydrogen inhalation in a non-contact manner for extended periods during sleep, without discomfort, even when using an inexpensive and low-capacity hydrogen gas generator, with a configuration including: a hydrogen supply unit that supplies hydrogen in a non-contact manner to the head (in the vicinity of the nostrils); a gas collection dome that is disposed in the upper direction of the head or facial region to collect hydrogen that is not absorbed or utilized and has diffused into the atmosphere; and a re-circulation pump with adjustable flow rate for re-supplying the hydrogen collected in the gas collection dome to the head or nasal area in a non-contact manner. This method is more hygienic and effective than conventional nasal cannulae and suggests a possibility of being helpful to improve sleep quality and relieve stress.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-contact hydrogen gas inhalation device using a recirculation system that is placed around the nostrils on the head. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydrogen can be inhaled into the body as a gas or taken in by ingesting hydrogen water, and as shown in Figure 8, it is expected that hydrogen can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, have an anti-inflammatory effect, enhance the immune system, and reduce the risk of cancer through its effect of reducing active oxygen (antioxidation). Hydrogen generation and supply devices have been proposed for the purpose of prevention and treatment, but there are many aspects that remain unclear, such as the dosage and administration method, and there is still room for improvement in the method of inhaling hydrogen gas.

[0003] In general, hydrogen is administered at 100ml / min to 600ml / min for 1-2 hours per day. However, in cancer treatment, hydrogen is sometimes administered at 1200ml / min for 3 hours or more per day, and such a high-volume hydrogen generator is extremely expensive. Unless an inexpensive low-volume hydrogen generator (electrolysis method) is used, it will not be widely used as a preventive treatment. However, a low-volume hydrogen generator requires a long administration time, and since it is difficult to administer it during the day for working people, there is a need for a method to administer it comfortably while sleeping.

[0004] Furthermore, active oxygen becomes more reactive when oxygen is exposed to various external stimuli (such as ultraviolet light, radiation, air pollution, tobacco, drugs, and the ingestion of oxidized substances). It is also an established theory that cellular aging caused by active oxygen progresses due to the weakening of antioxidant activity associated with aging (free radical aging hypothesis).

[0005] As shown in Figure 9, the generation of excessive active oxygen has various adverse effects on the living body, such as dementia, progression of diabetic complications, cerebral strokes associated with arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, cancer and lifestyle-related diseases, atopy and autoimmune diseases, skin disorders such as age spots and wrinkles, and worsening of infectious diseases. In a super-aging society, the prevention of these diseases is extremely important. Hydrogen gas reacts with this active oxygen, particularly the hydroxyl radical (·OH), to produce water and eliminate the active oxygen. It also penetrates into cells and improves mitochondrial activity and immune cell activity. It is therefore believed that taking hydrogen gas into the body will make it possible to prevent and treat a variety of diseases, and it has come into widespread use over the past decade. Among these, although it was a study on rats, it has been reported that hydrogen gas has a sympathetic nervous system suppressing effect and a blood pressure lowering effect (Sugai K, et. al. Daily inhalation of hydrogen gas has a blood pressure-lowering effect in a rat model of hypertension. (Scientific Report 10(1):20173,Nov26 2020 .)) and is also useful for recovering from fatigue caused by sports (Shibayama Y, Dobashi S, Arisawa T, Fukuoka T, Koyama K. Impact of hydrogen-rich gas mixture inhalation through nasal cannula during post-exercise recovery period on subsequent oxidative stress, muscle damage, and exercise performances in men. Med Gas Res. (2020) 10:155?62. 10.4103 / 2045-9912.304222).

[0006] JP 2017-86839 A shows a bed in which the entire bed, including the pillow, is perforated with tiny holes, and hydrogen gas is released from all of the holes. The bed shows a configuration in which hydrogen gas and oxyhydrogen gas are absorbed transdermally through the skin on the entire back of a person sleeping on the bed over a long period of time, and hydrogen is delivered to cells throughout the body.

[0007] Utility Model Registration No. 3213310 discloses an apparatus that allows the entire body to be exposed to hydrogen gas and includes a mat for the user to inhale and absorb the hydrogen gas. It discloses that by inhaling and absorbing the hydrogen gas released in small amounts over a wide range of the hydrogen mat over a period of time, it is possible to obtain the same effect as inhaling and absorbing a large amount of hydrogen gas directly from a hydrogen gas generator or the like in a short period of time. JP 2022-166879 A discloses clothing with high gas barrier performance, in which multiple release ports for releasing hydrogen gas are arranged within the clothing, and transdermal absorption is performed at multiple sites.

[0008] JP 2015-205257 A describes a hydrogen releaser that produces a hydrogen liquid containing hydrogen, spreads the hydrogen liquid flat, and uses at least one surface of the hydrogen liquid-filled layer where the hydrogen liquid is spread as a release surface, thereby releasing hydrogen gas from the release surface, thereby enabling efficient supply to a wide area. JP 2021-74482 A discloses a hydrogen inhalation device equipped with outlet devices for releasing hydrogen installed on both sides of a pillow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-86839 A [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3213310 [Patent Document 3] JP 2015-205257 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2022-166879 A [Patent Document 5] Patent Publication No. 2021-74482 [Non-patent literature]

[0010] [Non-Patent Document 1] SaiLi et.al.Hydrogen gas in cancer treatment, Frontiers in Oncology;696,2019 [Non-Patent Document 2] Sugai K,et.al. Daily inhalation of hydrogen gas has a blood pressure-lowering effect in a rat model of hypertension.(Scientific Report 10(1):20173,Nov26 2020 .) [Non-Patent Document 3] Shibayama Y, Dobashi S, Arisawa T, Fukuoka T, Koyama K. Impact of hydrogen-rich gas mixture inhalation through nasal cannula during post-exercise recovery period on subsequent oxidative stress, muscle damage, and exercise performances in men. Med Gas Res. (2020) 10:155?62. 10.4103 / 2045-9912.304222 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] However, the hydrogen gas administration methods to date have required large equipment and low hydrogen absorption efficiency, and therefore have not yet been put to practical use. Hydrogen is light, so with any method other than inserting a hydrogen supply tube directly into the nostrils, most of the hydrogen will diffuse upwards in the room and be lost, so in order to efficiently supply hydrogen, a cannula that releases hydrogen is often inserted into the nostrils. However, although this method allows hydrogen to be taken in by inhalation, most of the hydrogen will diffuse into the air when exhaled, so it is not necessarily efficient, and it is uncomfortable and unclean, which is a heavy burden on the user and difficult to use while sleeping.

[0012] Furthermore, when hydrogen is released from the entire bed, it can come into contact with a wide area of ​​the human body, increasing the area of ​​percutaneous absorption; however, the amount of hydrogen that diffuses over a wide area and rises is lost, and if a large amount of hydrogen is generated, there is even more waste. In reality, the mechanism for supplying an effective amount of hydrogen to the user has not yet been elucidated.

[0013] In view of the above, the present invention has a hydrogen supply unit that supplies hydrogen to the face having nostrils in the neck or to the neck near the nostrils, an air collection dome that is located in the upper part of the face and collects hydrogen dispersed in the atmosphere, and a recirculation unit that resupplies the hydrogen collected in the air collection dome to the vicinity of the nostrils, making it possible to reuse hydrogen gas that has diffused upward from exhaled breath, thereby enabling hydrogen therapy to be performed without wasting hydrogen gas, and since no tubes are inserted directly into the nostrils, it is clean to use with less discomfort. Also, if used while sleeping, hydrogen gas can be inhaled for long periods of time. The hydrogen inhalation method of the present invention includes a range of activities such as removing active oxygen, preventing lifestyle habits, and providing sound sleep and relieving stress.

[0014] The air collection dome placed above the neck in this invention refers to a sheet made of a transparent or semi-transparent material (such as Teflon (registered trademark)) that does not allow hydrogen to pass through, formed into a dome, radial, umbrella, or other shape that collects hydrogen in the center. The shape is not limited as long as it forms a portion that collects the rising hydrogen gas. As for size, if the distance from the head is short, an air collection portion with a small area may be sufficient, but as the distance from the head increases, the range into which the hydrogen gas diffuses becomes wider and an air collection dome with a large volume is required. Therefore, it is preferable to place the air collection dome close to the person, but since there is a possibility that sleep will be disturbed due to a feeling of pressure during sleep, it is preferable that the transparent dome be adjustable so that it can be set to a height according to preference. In order to improve the efficiency of air collection, a transparent or semi-transparent air collection sheet (curtain-shaped) made of, for example, Teflon (registered trademark) may be attached along the edge of the open portion of the air collection dome.

[0015] The hydrogen supply unit in the present invention is exemplified by a form in which a hydrogen gas emitting tube is inserted into a pillow (hydrogen pillow type) or a form in which the emitting end of the hydrogen gas emitting tube can be brought close to the nose (chair type), but when absorption is to be performed via a percutaneous site other than the nose (hair roots, sweat glands, etc.), the end of the hydrogen emitting tube may be attached to a pillow, bed, futon, etc., and hydrogen gas released near the nostrils may be inhaled through the nostrils or absorbed percutaneously into the head. Hydrogen gas that is not absorbed can be circulated again and hydrogen exposure can be repeated.

[0016] Various methods were devised depending on the purpose, and are shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows four examples of hydrogen gas recirculation systems based on their principles and purposes. The principle is to expose the head and the area around the nostrils to hydrogen without contact. The remaining hydrogen that is not absorbed is extremely light and diffuses upward, but it is collected in an air collection dome at the top, sucked in by a silent electric pump (an ultra-small ultrasonic pump), and sprayed back out onto the neck and the area around the nostrils.

[0017] Based on this principle, depending on the application, examples include the hydrogen pillow-dome stand type shown in Figure 1(a), the hydrogen pillow-airflow forming stand type shown in Figure 1(b), the armchair type shown in Figure 1(c), and the headphone cap type shown in Figure 1(d). FIG. 1 shows a principle diagram, and detailed diagrams are shown in FIG. 2 for FIG. 1(a), FIG. 2A for FIG. 1(b), FIG. 3 for FIG. 1(c), and FIG. 4 for FIG. 1(d). In FIG. 1, a indicates an air collecting dome, b indicates a Teflon (registered trademark) curtain, c indicates a hydrogen gas supply pipe, d indicates a recirculating hydrogen gas supply pipe, and e indicates an air pump. The difference between Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b) is that in Figure 1(a), hydrogen gas is sprayed near the nostrils and any remaining hydrogen gas that is not absorbed is collected in air collection dome a and then circulated, whereas in Figure 1(b), the hydrogen gas coming out from the neck side of the pillow is pumped by the suction force of air pump a to form an airflow from the neck to the nostrils toward the ceiling. Both Figures 1 show a configuration that eliminates the waste of hydrogen gas due to recirculation. The advantages are: (1) The nasal cannula method has the disadvantage that hydrogen gas can be inhaled when inhaled, but diffuses into the outside air when exhaled. With this device, the cannula is sprayed non-contact near the nostrils, and the flange at the outlet prevents diffusion. The unabsorbed hydrogen is light and rises, so it is collected in an air collection dome and recirculated by an air pump to improve the efficiency of hydrogen (H2) administration. (2) The nasal catheter method is uncomfortable and unhygienic, but this method is contactless. (3) The pillow-dome stand type and pillow-airflow forming stand type make it possible to inhale hydrogen gas for long periods of time while sleeping without having to spend special time in your daily life.

[0018] The re-supply unit in the present invention refers to a configuration that recirculates the hydrogen gas collected by the air collection dome and re-supplies it mainly around the user's nostrils, and is exemplified by a hydrogen gas re-circulation configuration using a silent pump such as an ultrasonic pump, etc. However, it is preferable that the re-circulation amount is equal to or less than the amount from the hydrogen generator by adjusting the flow rate of the pump. This is because using a pump to suck in and send out large amounts of air could lower the hydrogen concentration inside the dome.

[0019] Hydrogen gas is preferably released from a location close to the nostrils. A release port may be provided in a pillow or bed, or a tube that can be deformed so that it cannot return to its original shape even when bent may be used to release hydrogen gas and recirculated hydrogen gas near the nostrils, or a hydrogen gas release port may be formed in the neck part of the pillow near the nostrils. The hydrogen gas used in the present invention can also be absorbed transdermally when administered over a long period of time, and therefore a certain level of effect can be obtained by radiating the gas not only through the nose but also into the surrounding area, allowing it to circulate again and again for repeated long-term exposure. Effect of the Invention

[0020] The present invention differs from conventional methods in that when hydrogen gas is administered near the nostrils during nighttime sleep or daytime rest to treat or prevent lifestyle-related diseases or relieve stress, it collects unabsorbed hydrogen gas and recirculates it again for absorption through the nostrils or skin. This allows for efficient administration of hydrogen gas without contact, even with an inexpensive hydrogen gas generator, and eliminates waste of hydrogen gas. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the principle and methods of the present invention at a glance. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention (pillow-dome stand type). [Figure 2A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention (pillow-airflow forming stand type). [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a pillow used in the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment (armchair type) of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one embodiment (headphone cap type) of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the present invention during sleep. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a method for measuring the effect of the present invention. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the effects of the present invention in a chair type. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining the effect of hydrogen gas in cancer treatment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the effect of hydrogen gas on lifestyle-related diseases and the like. [Figure 10]FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The present invention has a hydrogen supplying part that supplies hydrogen to the vicinity of the nostrils in a non-contact manner, and hydrogen gas that is not absorbed by the human body among the hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen supplying part is collected at the top, and the collected hydrogen is recirculated to the vicinity of the face and the vicinity of the nostrils. By collecting gas that is extremely light and rises, such as hydrogen, and supplying it again to the vicinity of the nostrils, and repeating this process, it is possible to supply hydrogen gas to the living body without waste. When collecting hydrogen gas, as described above, an air collector such as a pillow stand type, chair type, or cap type is used, and the rising hydrogen gas is collected at one point and sucked in using an ultrasonically driven soundproof air pump to collect it and release it again to the nostrils, and the amount is re-sent to the nostrils. However, the pump capacity is adjusted so that the amount of air sent by the pump is less than the amount of air supplied. The present invention is not limited to a configuration in which hydrogen gas is inhaled while sleeping at night or resting during the day, but rather that which allows for recirculation, recovery, and reuse, and is also sufficient if a conduit for releasing hydrogen can be placed near the nostrils in a non-contact manner, without the need for an outlet in bedding such as a pillow. EXAMPLES

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention (pillow-stand type) is shown in Fig. 2 and will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view. Fig. 2 is the same type as Fig. 1(a). Reference numeral 10 denotes a frame support base, which is made of wood, hard plastic, or the like, and which is made up of an integrated inverted L-shaped adjustable support member 10a, a dome support portion 10c, a bottom plate-like body 10b on which an L-shaped pillow is placed, and a fixed support member 10d extending vertically from the bottom plate-like body 10b. The fixed support member 10d and the variable support member 10a are vertically slidable, and after the height is adjusted, they are fixed with an adjustment screw portion 10e. 10f is a fixture for fixing the air pump 14 under the dome support portion 10c.

[0024] The position of the adjustment screw portion 10e in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and is not limited thereto. It is preferable to place the adjustment screw portion 10e at a position where it is easy to fix and where the pump noise can be further reduced. Reference numeral 11 denotes an air collection dome, which is formed, for example, by attaching a sheet made of Teflon (registered trademark) to an umbrella-shaped, canopy-shaped, or fish-shaped frame made of metal, plastic, etc., and which slopes upward toward the center, forming an air collection space 12 in the center.

[0025] The air collection dome 11 in Figure 2 is formed by attaching a Teflon (registered trademark) sheet to the inside of a skeleton made of lightweight metal, hard plastic, etc., or it may be formed from hard plastic that is impermeable to hydrogen. In addition, the height between the air collection dome 11 and the head U can be adjusted by the adjustment screw portion 10e of the frame support portion 10, for example, in order to avoid a feeling of pressure on the face by the air collection dome 11. Therefore, since there is a distance and space from the face to the air collection dome 11, in order to prevent the movement of hydrogen gas to places other than the air collection dome 11 due to radial diffusion, a curtain 13 may be formed to surround the periphery of the face with a flexible sheet made of Teflon (registered trademark) uniformly connected to the periphery of the opening of the air collection dome 11.

[0026] Reference numeral 12 in FIG. 2 denotes an air collection space, which is located near the upper portion of the air collection dome 11, and has an air pump 14 disposed in the center. Numeral 13 denotes a sheet-like curtain made of Teflon (registered trademark), which is placed around the air collection dome 11 and is formed in an area that can cover close to the face. Reference numeral 14 denotes an air pump, which is formed with an input section 14a for inputting air and an output section 14b. For example, a piezoelectric element, for example, is energized at an ultrasonic frequency to cause an electrostrictive state in which the element distorts in response to energization, and air such as gas containing hydrogen is silently pumped.

[0027] The air pump 14 in FIG. 2 is exemplified by an ultrasonic pump that operates quietly, but other air pumps may also be used as long as they operate quietly. Reference numeral 15 denotes a conduit for conducting the collected residual hydrogen. One end of the conduit 15 is connected to the output portion 14b of the air pump 14, and a nozzle 15a is formed at the tip of the other end of the conduit 15 for forcefully spraying the residual hydrogen gas. Reference numeral 16 denotes a conduit having the same configuration as conduit 15, which extends from a hydrogen gas supply section 19 through which hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas generator passes.

[0028] It is preferable that the conduits 15 and 16 are formed from a hard material that can be deformed so as not to return to its original shape even when bent, or that they are formed from a soft tube that is fixed to and combined with a hard material.

[0029] Reference numeral 15a in FIG. 2 denotes a recirculating hydrogen gas discharge portion, which is formed at the end of the conduit 15 and serves to inject the delivered hydrogen gas near the nostrils of the user U. Reference numeral 17 denotes a hydrogen gas release portion, which is formed at the end of the conduit 16 and serves to spray the hydrogen gas delivered from the hydrogen gas generator near the nostrils of the user U. Reference numeral 19 denotes a hydrogen supply portion (not shown in the figure), which extends from the output portion of the device that produces hydrogen gas and connects to the conduit 16 .

[0030] 20 in Fig. 2 is a pillow, and the inside of the pillow 20 is filled with air so that the height of the pillow can be adjusted in a hollow state, and is filled with an internal filler such as buckwheat husks or sponge as in normal pillows. A general pillow is also acceptable, and a pillow according to the user's preference is selected and used.

[0031] Next, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be described. Hydrogen supplied from an external hydrogen generating device (not shown) is released from an opening 17 via a supply conduit 16 to the side of the head and neck of the user U and near the nostrils as hydrogen gas. At this time, the position of the opening 17 may be changed to make it easier to reach the nostrils. The released hydrogen gas is inhaled through the nostrils and absorbed through the skin on the head, but the remaining hydrogen gas that is not absorbed diffuses and rises. The rising hydrogen gas reaches the inner surface of the gas collecting dome 11 and then moves along the inclination of the inner surface to be collected in the gas collecting space 12 .

[0032] The air pump 14 uses its driving suction force to discharge the residual hydrogen gas accumulated in the upper part of the air collection dome 11 from the opening 17 via the conduit 15 for passing through the pillow. Next, a hydrogen pillow-stand type (pillow-airflow forming stand type: type b in FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2A.

[0033] 2-01 in FIG. 2A is an air collection cover, and as shown in FIG. 2A(b), the top surface is trapezoidal, with the base being higher than the front side. When suctioned by pump 2-04, hydrogen gas flows in the form of an air current near the nostrils, and remains in the highest position toward the upper base side. 2-02 is a shielding curtain, which is made of a transparent Teflon (registered trademark) curtain to prevent the permeation of hydrogen gas and prevents the rising hydrogen gas from diffusing to the outside of the gas collection cover 2-01. It is preferable that the shielding curtain 2-02 is attached uniformly to the inside of the air-collecting cover 2-01.

[0034] 2-03 in FIG. 2A is a support for the air collection cover, which is made of plastic and is fixed to the side of the bottom side of the wooden air collection cover, and is further fixed to the variable support part 2-08. 2-04 is an air pump, which has, for example, an ultrasonic vibrator built-in and is equipped with an input section 04a and an output section 04b, and forms a flow in the gas inputted from the input section 04a by deformation of the ultrasonic vibrator and outputs it from the output section 04b. 2-05 is a conduit for recirculating hydrogen gas, which is made of a Teflon (registered trademark) tube or the like, one end of which is connected to the output portion 04b of the air pump, and the other end of which is connected to the hydrogen output portion 06a via a flange portion 2-06.

[0035] 2A is the flange, which is made of a transparent Teflon (registered trademark) plate, and has a hydrogen output part 06a in the center for releasing recirculated hydrogen gas. The flange 2-06 reflects the hydrogen gas released from the nose and mouth during exhalation toward the pump, preventing the hydrogen gas from diffusing outside the air collection cover 2-01 and the shielding curtain 2-02. 2-07 is a support base, which is formed of a base on which the pillow is placed and a fixed support part extending vertically from the base. The fixed support part is slidably connected to a variable support part 2-08 and fixed with an adjustment part 2-09, making it possible to adjust the distance between the air collection cover 2-01 and the head of the user U. 2-08 is a variable support part, which is made of metal, wood, hard plastic, etc., and is integrally connected to the cover support part 2-03 at the upper part, and has a part that can be fixed by the adjustment part 2-09 while forming a sliding relationship with the support base 2-07 at the lower part.

[0036] Reference numeral 2-09 in FIG. 2A denotes an adjustment portion, which is a portion that fixes the variable support portion 2-08 that slides on the support base 2-07 after adjusting it up and down, and is formed by a combination of bolts and nuts. 2-10 is a hydrogen supply pipe, one end of which is connected to the generation output of an external hydrogen gas generation device, and the other end of which is connected to a hydrogen gas discharge port 2-11. A part of the hydrogen supply pipe 2-10 is disposed inside the pillow 2-12, but if the hydrogen gas discharge port 2-11 has a hardness such as a bellows-shaped pipe, it may not be necessary to pass it through the pillow 2-12.

[0037] 2-11 in FIG. 2A is a hydrogen gas release port, which is made of soft plastic that does not feel strange when it touches the skin, and is positioned and fixed on a pillow 2-12 at a site behind the nostrils and close to the neck. 2-12 is a pillow. An example is shown in which a hydrogen gas pipe is attached inside the pillow as shown in FIG. 2A, but depending on the pillow, if personal comfort takes priority, a hydrogen gas outlet may be attached to the outside of the pillow.

[0038] Next, an example of a pillow used in the pillow-airflow type forming stand type of Figure 2A is shown in Figure 2B. In FIG. 2B, the same components as those in FIG. 2A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 2B(a) is a top view of the portion on which the head is placed, and FIG. 2B(b) is a view of the conduit portion separated so that an everyday pillow can be used. 2-12 in FIG. 2A is a pillowcase, and is made of a material such as lace that is breathable and feels good against the skin.

[0039] In Fig. 2B (a), the hydrogen supply conduit 2-10 (hydrogen generator omitted) passes through the pillow and splits into two at the neck end of the pillow, with soft tubes protruding from holes in the pillow at both ends of the neck at an angle toward the pump to form hydrogen gas outlet 2-11. This is to allow hydrogen gas to form an airflow from the hydrogen gas outlet 2-11 near the nostrils in the direction of the pump's suction. If the air current can be made stronger, the air collection dome can also be made smaller.

[0040] Figure 2B(b) shows the duct outlet section cut off so that the user can use a familiar pillow. Hydrogen gas is sent from a hydrogen supply conduit 2-10 to a hydrogen gas outlet 2-11, as in FIG. 2B(a). In this case, the small pillow 2-13 is placed on the pillow rest sheet 2-14 so that it does not come off the pillow body, and is secured with Velcro (registered trademark) 2-15. Also, the conduit 2-05 in FIG. 2A attached to the upper part of the face may be moved to the small pillow, and the conduit 2-05 for recirculating hydrogen gas and the outlet 2-11 (corresponding to 06a in FIG. 2A) may be installed on the small pillow 2-13.

[0041] Next, the operation of FIG. 2A will be described. The user lies on his / her back with his / her head placed on pillow 2-12. The recirculating hydrogen gas conduit 2-05 is manually adjusted so that the flange 2-06 is located near the user's nostrils and mouth. Activate the hydrogen generator and air pump 2-04. The hydrogen gas output from the hydrogen generator flows through a hydrogen supply pipe 2-10 and is released from a hydrogen gas release port 2-11.

[0042] When the hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen gas discharge port 2-11 reaches the vicinity of the nostrils, a part of it is taken into the nostrils during the inhalation phase, and during the exhalation phase, the hydrogen gas that has entered the lungs in the body is discharged and diffused again. The hydrogen gas discharged again from the exhaled air is reflected by the flange 2-06 and rises inside the air collection cover 2-01 and the shielding curtain 2-02. The rising hydrogen gas rises along the inside of the air collection cover and collects in the area of ​​the air pump 2-04. The air pump 2-04 draws in air containing hydrogen gas at the input port 04a, and releases the hydrogen gas from the output port 04b. The hydrogen gas passes through a recirculating hydrogen gas conduit 2-05 and is released from the hydrogen output port 06a of the flange 2-06. A part of the recirculated hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen output part 06a of the flange 2-06 is taken into the body again through the nostrils and scalp. The hydrogen recirculation method from the small pillow in Figure 2(b) is almost the same. By repeating the above steps, hydrogen gas is sucked in efficiently.

[0043] Next, an easy chair type of another embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The principle is the same as that of Fig. 2. Reference numeral 31 denotes an air collection dome, which is made of a transparent Teflon (registered trademark) sheet and is formed in a hemispherical shape, for example, like an umbrella or a shade, and has a structure for temporarily taking in hydrogen gas in the center of the upper inside part. The periphery of the air collecting dome 31 is shown partially in cross section. Reference numeral 32 denotes an air collection section, which indicates the vicinity of the center of the air collection dome 31, and indicates the portion where hydrogen gas rises and moves upward along the inner surface of the air collection dome 31 to collect the residual hydrogen gas.

[0044] Reference numeral 31K in FIG. 3 denotes an air collection curtain, which is made of a transparent Teflon (registered trademark) sheet and is attached to the inside periphery and entire inside of the open part of air collection dome 31. The Teflon (registered trademark) sheet extends downward to form a curtain, which prevents hydrogen gas released from hydrogen gas output port 36c and nozzle 34a, and hydrogen gas in exhaled breath, from diffusing outside air collection dome 31.

[0045] 33 in Fig. 3 is an air pump, which is small and approximately 1 cm thick, similar to Fig. 2, and is preferably made of an ultrasonic motor for noise reduction purposes. Air pump 33 is formed with input section 33a for inputting gas and output section 33b for generating a flow in the input gas and outputting it. An output portion 33b of the air pump 33 is connected to one end of a hydrogen gas recovery conduit 34, and the air output of the air pump 33 is sprayed toward the nostrils from a nozzle 34a attached to the tip of the other end of the hydrogen gas recovery conduit 34 arranged in front of the air collection dome 31. Reference numeral 34 denotes a hydrogen gas recovery conduit for recirculation, which is a tube for resupplying the residual hydrogen gas output from the air pump 33 to the user, and has a nozzle 34a attached to the other end tip.

[0046] Reference numeral 35 in FIG. 3 denotes a hydrogen gas generator, which outputs hydrogen gas generated by electrolysis of pure water or the like, and uses existing devices and equipment. Reference numeral 36 denotes a hydrogen gas supply pipe, and a flange 36a formed of a transparent reflector is disposed at the tip of the pipe. A hydrogen gas output port 36c, which is the end of the supply pipe 36 and which discharges hydrogen gas, is connected in an open state to the flange 36a. It is preferably formed in a bellows shape, and is a conduit that can be deformed so that it cannot be restored to its original shape even when bent in order to release hydrogen gas, for example, near the nostrils. A transparent plastic plate (transparent reflector) flange 36a is attached to the outlet, which corresponds to the output part of the supply conduit 36, and reflects the exhaled air to prevent it from leaking to the outside as much as possible. The flange 36a is a transparent plastic plate that does not allow hydrogen to pass through, and has an area for receiving and reflecting exhaled air. Reference numeral 36 b denotes a connecting conduit, one end of which is connected to the hydrogen output portion of the hydrogen gas generator 35 and the other end of which is connected to one end of the supply conduit 36 ​​.

[0047] Reference numeral 37 in FIG. 3 denotes a support arm, which is formed from a rod-shaped body that has flexibility, such as a flexible arm or flexible tube made by winding a round or square wire in a spiral shape, but that can bend freely and does not return to its original shape when bent, and has a configuration that allows it to deform so that it will not return to its original shape even if bent manually. A rotatable shaft 38 is connected to one end of the support arm 37, and the other end of the rotating shaft 38 is connected to the center of the air collection dome 31, making the position of the air collection dome 31 adjustable.

[0048] The support arm 37 and rotating shaft 38 in Figure 3 allow the dome to be deformed so that it cannot be returned to its original shape even when bent, and the user can operate and move the dome so that it is always above the user and in a direction that allows hydrogen to be collected at the center. Furthermore, the support arm 37 and the rotating shaft 38 are operated manually to move and fix the air collection dome 31 to the location where hydrogen is most likely to collect, but this can also be done automatically using a motor, for example, a robot arm that tracks the appropriate position of the air collection part 32. Numeral 39 denotes a pillow, which may be selected by the user and may be configured to be fixed to the inclined chair part 40 by a hook-and-loop fastener or the like. Also, a speaker for playing music to induce a nap may be built into the pillow part.

[0049] Reference numeral 40 in FIG. 3 denotes a chair portion, which may be transformable into a reclining type or sofa bed type, and it is sufficient that the air collection dome can be maintained at a certain height by the support arm 37 at least. Next, the operation will be described. The user sits on the chair portion 40 and reclines with the head and neck resting against the pillow 39. When the air collecting dome 31 is manually moved so that the center of the dome 31 is above the head and face, the dome 31 can be moved, adjusted, and fixed while being deformed so that it does not return to its original shape even if bent due to deformation of the support arm 37 and rotation of the rotating shaft 38. Furthermore, the supply conduit 36 ​​is adjusted, for example by bending, so that the hydrogen gas output port 36c on the flange 36a is positioned at the position of the user's nostrils.

[0050] Hydrogen gas output from hydrogen gas generator 35 in FIG. 3 is released near the nostrils via connecting conduit 36b and hydrogen gas output port 36c of supply conduit 36. The hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen gas output port 36c of the supply conduit 36 ​​is discharged to the nostrils in a non-contact manner and is taken into the body through nasal absorption and transdermal absorption. The remainder that is not absorbed diffuses and rises, is captured by the air collection dome 31, and is collected in the air collection section 32. The hydrogen gas collected in the air collection section 32 is input through the input section 33a of the air pump 33, and the hydrogen gas output from the output section 33b is released again near the nostrils via the hydrogen gas recovery conduit 34, thereby making effective use of the hydrogen gas (hydrogen gas recirculation method). Furthermore, if a large space is created between the user's face and the air collection dome 31, the air collection dome 31 may be further surrounded by an air collection curtain 31K to prevent hydrogen gas from diffusing beyond the range of the air collection dome 31.

[0051] Next, a portable headphone cap type as another embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 41 denotes an air-collecting cap, such as a helmet or hat, whose inner surface is made of a hydrogen gas impermeable material such as a Teflon (registered trademark) cover, and whose center serves as an air-collecting part 43. In FIG. 4, it is shown partially in cross section. Reference numeral 42 denotes an air collection canopy, which is made of a transparent or semi-transparent plastic material or the like that does not obstruct visibility, and has a shape for capturing hydrogen gas rising from near the nose and guiding it to the air collection section 43.

[0052] 4 shows the gap between the head and the inside of the air collection cap 41 and the vicinity of the top of the head. The gap is at a distance equal to or greater than the thickness of the air pump 44 (approximately 1 cm) and is in contact with the input part of the air pump 44. Reference numeral 44 denotes a small air pump having an input section 44a for inputting air containing hydrogen gas and an output section 44b for outputting the air containing hydrogen gas. The air pump 44 is formed by an ultrasonic motor and receives the recovered hydrogen gas collected in the air collection section 43 through the input section 44a and outputs it to a recirculation conduit 45 connected to the output section 44b. Reference numeral 45 denotes a recirculation conduit for passing the recirculated hydrogen gas, and is a tube with sides made of hydrogen gas impermeable material such as silicone.

[0053] Reference numeral 46 denotes a fixing portion, which, when connected to both ends of a U-shaped headphone-type fixing band 50, presses against both sides of the face so as to face each other, thereby fixing the support arm 47 in place. By providing one fixing part 46 on each opposing surface of the head side, the headphone-type fixing body 50 and the fixing parts 46 attached to both end surfaces have a configuration similar to that of music headphones, for example, and are configured to lightly press against the head from both sides, making them easy to put on and take off. Support arm 47 is made of a flexible tube, a bellows tube, or the like, extends with one end fixed to fixed part 46, is bellows-shaped, and has a deformable function that does not return to its original shape even when bent, and a recirculation conduit 45 and a hydrogen generator conduit 48 are fixed along support arm 47. A small transparent plate-like flange 49 is integrally attached to the other end of support arm 47. Reference numeral 48 denotes a conduit for a hydrogen generator, which extends from a hydrogen generator (not shown) and transmits hydrogen gas generated in the hydrogen generator to a hydrogen gas outlet 48a provided in a flange 49. The length of the conduit for the hydrogen generator 48 allows it to move freely to a certain extent.

[0054] 4 denotes a flange, which is a small transparent plate-like body arranged parallel to the face and is connected and fixed to one end of the support arm 47. The flange 49 is formed with a hydrogen gas outlet 48a for releasing hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen generator via a hydrogen generator conduit 48 and a recirculation hydrogen outlet 45a for releasing hydrogen gas supplied via a recirculation conduit 45. Reference numeral 50 denotes a headphone-type fixed body, which is configured in an inverted U-shape like headphones, generates a pressing force inward, and presses and fixes the face from both sides with two fixing parts 46 connected to both ends. Note that there may be one fixing part 46 and the other may be a substitute, or it may be a one-ear headphone type.

[0055] Next, the operation will be described. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is an improvement over the conventional nasal catheter method, and shows a mode that can be used not only for inhaling hydrogen gas while relaxing, but also for temporary use during daily activities. When inhaling hydrogen gas, wear the air collection cap 41. Adjust it by bending it so that the hydrogen gas release port 48a and the recirculation hydrogen release port 45a are near the nostrils.

[0056] When the hydrogen generator is started, hydrogen gas is discharged from a hydrogen gas discharge port 48 a provided in a flange portion 49 via a hydrogen generator conduit 48 . The released hydrogen gas is inhaled through the nostrils along with the inhaled air, and is also absorbed through the skin, such as through hair roots, wherever the hydrogen gas comes into contact. The remaining hydrogen gas rises while diffusing, but is guided by the air collection eaves 42 to the air collection cap 41 and begins to collect near the air collection section 43.

[0057] When the air pump 44 is driven, the residual hydrogen gas is taken into the air pump 44 from the input port 44a, and then output into the recirculation conduit 45 via the output port 44b. The recirculated hydrogen gas in the recirculation conduit 45 is released again from the recirculation hydrogen discharge port 45 a on the flange 49 , and is taken into the nostrils when inhaled, and also rises and collects in the air collection section 43 . The recirculation amount of the pump is adjusted to be equal to or greater than the amount of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas generator, similar to those in Figs. Hydrogen gas released from the flange 49 during inhalation and residual hydrogen gas are inhaled through the nostrils, but hydrogen gas released from the mouth during exhalation is reflected by the flange 49 in the direction of the exhaled air and rises inside the air collection cap, allowing unabsorbed hydrogen gas to be repeatedly exposed to the minimum possible amount.

[0058] Cushion-shaped hydrogen generator FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a chair-type monitor for performing a stress check using a hydrogen gas generator incorporated in a cushion-type seat. Reference numeral 1001 denotes a hydrogen generator, which is configured to generate and output hydrogen gas, and may be a commercially available one. Reference numeral 1002 denotes a conduit, which connects a hydrogen gas output port 1004 to a hydrogen output portion of the hydrogen generator 1001 .

[0059] One end of the conduit 1002 does not necessarily have to be positioned at the hydrogen gas output port 1004 on the surface of the seat cushion 1003, as in FIG. 10, but may be positioned inside the seat cushion 1003, with one or more hydrogen gas output holes provided on the surface of the seat cushion 1003. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a seat cushion, which is a cushion intended for sitting such as a cushion, and may be filled with a cushioning material such as sponge for comfort. The seat cushion 1003 may be placed on a chair or on the floor. The hydrogen release section of the seat cushion 1003 can release hydrogen to the upper body when a person sits on it, so hydrogen gas can be absorbed widely through the skin, and a troublesome protruding hydrogen gas release section is not required. Furthermore, the seat cushion 1003 may be combined with the hydrogen gas collection section and recirculation release section shown in Fig. 1 to collect the rising hydrogen gas and release it again to the user's nose (not shown). Reference numeral 1004 denotes a hydrogen gas output port through which hydrogen gas generated from the hydrogen generator 1001 is discharged onto the surface of the seat cushion 1003 via the conduit 1002. In addition to a configuration in which hydrogen gas is output from one location, a branched configuration may be formed to output hydrogen gas from multiple locations. Also, the seating portion of the seat cushion 1003 may be made porous, allowing hydrogen to be absorbed transdermally or the like over a wide area from the entire buttocks to the upper body.

[0060] Reference numeral 1005 denotes a vitalogram, which is a multi-functional wearable bio-measuring sensor device for calculating stress, fatigue level, etc., and which is equipped with bio-information sensors such as blood flow and blood pressure sensors, and is a device for measuring the stress relief and fatigue level reduction caused by inhaling hydrogen gas or by exposing the hydrogen gas to the upper body. The vitalgram 1005 is electrically connected to the display monitor 1006 by wire or wirelessly (WiFi, infrared, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.), and data output by the vitalgram 1005 is output on the display monitor 1006. In addition, the display monitor 1006 is equipped with an input interface such as a touch panel, voice, etc. Reference numeral 1006 denotes a display monitor, which is connected to the vitalogram 1005 to display biological information measured by the vitalogram 1005 and to display an evaluation of this biological information. In addition, the output of hydrogen gas to the living body displays the amount of stress and fatigue relief. The display monitor 1006 may be equipped with an input interface such as a touch panel, a keyboard, or a voice input. The vitalogram 1005 may also be equipped with an input interface similar to the display monitor 1006.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the effectiveness of hydrogen gas inhalation by the user can be improved by displaying the degree of stress and fatigue relief on a display monitor 1006 when the user absorbs hydrogen gas. 1007 is a sensor support, which is formed in a rod shape or a dome shape. In the case of a dome shape, the air collection unit shown in FIG. 1 may be attached, and a configuration may be added in which the collected hydrogen gas is guided to the upper surface of the seat cushion 1003 by a recirculation pump and released, thereby making hydrogen inhalation more efficient. PL is a pillow part, which is placed on the part of the chair CR where the head is placed. SP is a speaker, which outputs music including theta waves, alarm sounds, etc., or outputs one's favorite music. HR is an armrest, which reduces the burden on the body when in a seated position, and a vital gram 1005 is placed at the tip of the armrest HR at the position of the hand, and is provided with an arrangement suitable for measuring the degree of relief of stress and fatigue when hydrogen is absorbed by the upper body. 10, by introducing a cushion-shaped hydrogen output unit, hydrogen can be efficiently absorbed into the body, and health checks can be visualized on a display monitor 1006. Furthermore, as described above, the air collection dome a shown in FIG. 1 may be attached near the sensor support 1007, an air pump e may be placed in the internal air collection unit, and the hydrogen gas release unit of the recirculation hydrogen gas supply conduit d extending from this air pump e may be placed near the nose, so that hydrogen gas captured in the air collection unit is released again at the nose, etc.

[0062] The advantages and physiological effects of this reperfusion method are described below. With the conventional nasal cannula method, hydrogen can only be inhaled by inhalation, but hydrogen gas is essentially wasted when exhaled. However, with this method, hydrogen gas exhaled and the remaining hydrogen gas that is not absorbed by the human body can be recirculated, allowing hydrogen to be inhaled without waste. - Conventional nasal cannula methods release hydrogen gas directly into the nasal cavity, which can cause discomfort and can also give the impression of being unclean due to appearance and nasal mucus adhesion. In this embodiment, for example, after putting on the combination of the headphone type fixing belt 50 and the fixing device 46 shown in Fig. 4 on the head, simply putting on the air collecting cap 41 forms the air collecting part 43, and the supporting arm 47 is manually operated so that the flange part 49 is positioned to block the direction of exhalation, making it possible to effectively inhale hydrogen gas released during inhalation and exhalation. The same applies to the pillow stand type and easy chair type.

[0063] Conventional nasal catheter methods only allow hydrogen gas to be inhaled when inhaled, and the hydrogen gas diffuses in the exhaled breath. This method allows the remaining hydrogen gas that is not absorbed and the hydrogen gas released during exhalation to be reused, and the hydrogen gas released near the nostrils and the recovered hydrogen gas are repeatedly reused, making it possible to effectively use hydrogen gas without waste, and also to efficiently administer hydrogen gas for long periods of time during breaks and sleep.

[0064] Physiological effects of the hydrogen gas recirculation method of the present invention Physiological effects of pillow-stand type devices We have conducted a preliminary study on the physiological effects of using the hydrogen gas recirculation method of the present invention, and will report on the results here. Full-scale studies will be continued in the future. First, using the pillow-stand type device shown in Figure 2, an elderly male (79 years old) with high blood pressure, sleep disorder, and frequent urination at night (2 to 3 times per day) was examined using the Vitalgram (trademark) device ( Sleep state was measured using a monitor manufactured by AffordSense (which can measure electrocardiograms, number of postural awakenings using acceleration in three directions, heart rate, respiratory rate, body movement, etc. to measure deep sleep time, and low frequency components LF and high frequency components HF can be measured using heart rate fluctuations to check sympathetic nervous activity).

[0065] During a control period of approximately one month excluding holidays, the results were compared with hydrogen gas inhalation using a pillow-stand type device (Figure 2B (b)) (hydrogen gas generator Smart Cube (trademark), generating 100 ml of hydrogen gas per minute, manufactured by Nankai Kogyo Co., Ltd.). The results are shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the ratio (LF / HF: sympathetic nerve activity index) of the amount of high frequency components HF of a specific heart rate fluctuation obtained from an electrocardiogram signal, which is an index of parasympathetic nerve activity, to the amount of frequency components LF in a specific range obtained from an electrocardiogram signal, which is an index of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity, while releasing hydrogen gas into the vicinity of the back of the head with a hydrogen pillow during sleep, as well as the number of wake-ups, heart rate, and deep sleep time when using and not using the hydrogen pillow method (for 21 days). The above measurements can be performed using a biosensor equipped with a multi-element sensor (Vitalgram (registered trademark), manufactured by AffordSense). In Figure 5, 5a is the control (day of non-use), and 5b is the data on the day of use of the hydrogen pillow method.

[0066] The LF / HF ratio, which indicates the balance of sympathetic nervous activity indexes, was 2.72 in the control group, but on the day of hydrogen gas inhalation it dropped to 2.2, indicating that sympathetic nervous activity was suppressed, deep sleep time was extended, and the number of times waking up during sleep was reduced, indicating improvements in sleep status. This confirms the non-patent literature (Sugai K, et.al. Daily inhalation of hydrogen gas has a blood pressure-lowering effect in a rat model of hypertension. (Scientific Report 10(1):20173,Nov26 2020 .)). Inhaling hydrogen gas while sleeping in this way can improve the quality of sleep and can be used for long periods of time, so it is expected that it will also help prevent the onset of lifestyle-related diseases to a certain extent, but further epidemiological research is needed to confirm this. This application provides a means to achieve this.

[0067] Effect of armchair-type hydrogen inhalation device Next, a preliminary study was conducted on the effectiveness of using the armchair-type hydrogen gas inhalation device shown in Figure 3. The subjects were examined using the hydrogen pillow-stand type device as described above, and the Vitalgram™ device was used to measure sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) and blood flow in the superficial temporal artery. A blood flow meter (Laser Blood Flow Meter (RLF-1) manufactured by Advance Co., Ltd.) was used.

[0068] The measurement method is shown in FIG. 6, and the detailed configuration will be described later. The subjects first simply sat in an easy chair for 10 minutes as a control, and then inhaled hydrogen gas for 20 minutes, after which measurements were compared. The hydrogen generator used was "Fuji no Chikara" (trademark) (500ml / min) manufactured by Nankai Kogyo Co., Ltd. The results are shown in Figure 7. Figure 6 illustrates the change in superficial temporal artery blood flow and the sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) measurement method using a laser blood flow device (RLF-1: manufactured by Advance Co., Ltd.) during hydrogen gas inhalation using the easy chair type device (Figure 3). As shown in Figure 7, short-term naps using the armchair method suppress sympathetic nervous activity (LF / HF) and increase blood flow to the head, which may be useful for relieving stress and recovering from fatigue.

[0069] An example of the configuration used to measure blood flow and sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) during hydrogen gas inhalation in the above-mentioned easy chair type is shown in FIG. 6 and will be described. The armchair-type hydrogen gas inhalation configuration shown in FIG. 6 utilizes the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same parts. Reference numeral 60 denotes a laser blood flow measuring device (RLF-1 manufactured by Advance Co.), which irradiates the skin surface with laser light and detects the amount of blood flow equivalent, including blood flow pulse waves, obtained from the reflected light and transmitted light as an average value.

[0070] In FIG. 6, 61 denotes an optical fiber for laser irradiation or a light-transmitting lead wire for supplying electrical energy to a laser light source that outputs a laser light in a sensor probe 63. Reference numeral 62 denotes an optical fiber that receives the light reflected from the living body within a sensor probe 63 and transmits it to the laser blood flow measuring device 60, or a light receiving lead wire that converts the amount of received light into an electrical signal and transmits it. Reference numeral 63 denotes a sensor probe, which is formed of a laser diode, an LED, a phototransistor, etc., and which irradiates a contact portion with laser light and has a pair of an output section and a light receiving section for receiving the reflected light.

[0071] The sensor probe 63 in FIG. 6 converts a blood flow pulse wave signal into an electrical signal and outputs it, and is fixed to a probe support fixture 64, for example. Reference numeral 64 denotes a probe support fixture, which supports and fixes the sensor probe 63 and is formed as a fixing pad so that the head can be clamped. Reference numeral 65 denotes a headphone-type support device that is U-shaped, and when the probe support fixture 64 is connected to an end of the head, preferably at two ends, and the head is attached to the head, the light emitting part and the light receiving part, which are the tip of the sensor probe 63, come into contact with the position of the superficial temporal artery, and the blood flow equivalent amount based on the blood flow pulse wave can be measured. Inside the connecting band 65, the measured pulse wave electric signal of the superficial temporal artery is transmitted to the laser blood flow measuring device 60.

[0072] Reference numeral 66 in FIG. 6 denotes a conduit for measuring breath hydrogen concentration, one end of which is inserted into the oral cavity and the other end of which is connected to a hydrogen gas concentration measuring device 67, and which is made of a material that is at least impermeable to hydrogen gas. 67 is a hydrogen gas concentration measuring instrument that displays the concentration of hydrogen gas, and an existing measuring instrument (Hydrogen Meter UPX4 manufactured by Copi Corporation) was used. 68 is a biosignal measuring device (in this experiment) for measuring sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) data, which is equipped with multiple electrodes, detects multiple biosignals such as electrocardiogram signals, and transmits processed signals wirelessly to a smartphone, PC, or other measuring device 69. In this experiment, a device called Vitalgram (trademark) (manufactured by AffordSense) was used, which was wrapped around the chest so that the electrodes were in contact with the skin.

[0073] 69 in Figure 6 is a measuring device such as a smartphone or PC that receives a Bluetooth signal from Vitalgram (trademark) and receives a wireless signal from a vital signal measuring device (Vitalgram (trademark)) 68, extracts data from this wireless signal, processes the signal, and displays the results. The subject sits on the chair 40 and manually operates the air collection dome 31 to adjust it to a position where residual hydrogen can easily collect in the air collection section 32.

[0074] Furthermore, the supply conduit 36 ​​is adjusted by manually bending it or the like so that the hydrogen gas output port 36c is positioned at the nostril area. The probe support fixture 64 of the connecting belt 65 is adjusted to the head by, for example, moving the position of the probe support fixture 64 so that the sensor probe 63 abuts against the superficial temporal artery. Furthermore, the biosignal measuring device 68 is attached by wrapping it around the chest so that the electrodes of the biosignal measuring device 68 are positioned so that an electrocardiogram can be detected.

[0075] The end of the breath measuring conduit 66 extending from the hydrogen gas concentration measuring device 67 is held in the mouth. Only when inhaling, hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas generator 35 (in this experiment, Fuji no Chikara (trademark) 500 ml / min, manufactured by Nankai Kogyo Co., Ltd.) released from the hydrogen gas output port 36c and residual hydrogen gas released from the nozzle 34a are inhaled, and when exhaling, the exhaled breath is output into the breath measurement conduit 66, the end of which is held in the mouth, and the hydrogen content in the breath is measured with the hydrogen gas concentration meter 67 (a similar method was used to measure the hydrogen concentration in the breath in other experiments). Additionally, the sensor probe 63 detects the blood flow pulse wave signal in the superficial temporal artery, which is measured by the laser blood flow measuring device 60, and the electrocardiogram signal etc. measured by the vital sign measuring device 68 is wirelessly output to the measuring device 69. FIG. 7 shows the results of blood flow and sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) measured by the above method (79-year-old male case). Compared to the 10-minute control, blood flow increased and LF / HF decreased during hydrogen gas exposure. As described in Non-Patent Document 3 (Shibayama Y, et.al. Impact of hydrogen-rich gas mixture inhalation through nasal cannula during post-exercise recovery period on subsequent oxidative stress, muscle damage, and exercise performances in men. Med Gas Res. (2020) 10:155?62. 10.4103 / 2045-9912.304222), easy chair hydrogen inhalation may be useful for recovering from stress and fatigue.

[0076] Measurement of hydrogen concentration in breath Since it is still technically difficult to measure the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the human body, we tried to use a simple method to measure the amount of hydrogen absorbed only during exhalation using a hydrogen meter (HydorgenMete UPX4 manufactured by Copi Co., Ltd.) via a tube inserted into the mouth (see method in Figure 6). With this method, hydrogen gas is taken in through the nose and enters the lungs, and the remaining hydrogen gas that is not inhaled is exhaled; it is not absorbed by the human body, but rather, as a reference for knowing the approximate concentration of hydrogen gas taken in through the nostrils, we compared the hydrogen gas concentration exhausted using the normal nasal catheter method, the hydrogen gas concentration when only hydrogen gas is administered using the armchair position, and the hydrogen gas concentration when hydrogen gas is recirculated using an air pump. The results for the armchair apparatus are shown in Table 1.

[0077] [Table 1]

[0078] As shown in Table 1, the hydrogen gas concentration in the exhaled breath was significantly lower when using the chair-type hydrogen inhalation method without an air pump compared to the usual nasal catheter method, but when hydrogen gas was recirculated using the same air pump, it was significantly higher than with the usual nasal catheter method, suggesting that the hydrogen gas recirculation method may be more effective than the nasal catheter method. In addition, a similar experiment was conducted using a hydrogen pillow stand type (Figure 1 (a)) with 100 ml / min of hydrogen gas (Traize, Nankai Kogyo Co., Ltd., Smart Cube (trademark)) administered in three ways: nasal catheter type, hydrogen pillow stand type without an air pump, and recirculation with an air pump. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0079] [Table 2]

[0080] As shown in Table 2, the hydrogen gas concentration in the breath was significantly lower with the hydrogen pillow-stand method than with the normal nasal catheter method, and was significantly higher when recirculated. However, there is a tendency for this to decrease when lying on one's side. In addition, in the case of type (b) in Figure 1 (type b in Figure 2B) (right side of Table 2), the effect of lying on one's side was minimal when a hydrogen gas airflow was created so that the hydrogen gas flowed from the nostrils to the upper part of the face. Type b is also simpler than type a, and it is thought that it is best to choose type a or b according to the user's preference.

[0081] In addition, in this method (type B), the hydrogen concentration at the hydrogen outlet of the pillow is 35,000 to 40,000 ppm, but the hydrogen concentration in the air collection dome is 10,000 to 20,000 ppm, and it is estimated that this concentration is reflected in the hydrogen concentration in the exhaled breath. Although administration of 100 ml / min of hydrogen gas is not sufficient for type B, it can be administered for 6 to 8 hours during sleep, which is thought to be useful for improving sleep quality (see Figure 5).

[0082] A similar investigation was conducted with the headphone cap type, but the results were almost the same as those of the hydrogen pillow stand type, as shown in Table 3. However, it was found that the hydrogen concentration in the breath was significantly higher with the headphone cap type than with the hydrogen pillow stand type, due to the smaller volume of the air collection cap.

[0083] [Table 3] [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] The present invention is expected to improve the quality of sleep by enabling long-term, efficient exposure to hydrogen while sleeping without contact, and to eliminate excess active oxygen. Since it proposes a configuration that can supply hydrogen effectively to the body without causing discomfort even during rest, it will contribute to the health industry field, such as improving fatigue and stress in the workplace and preventing and treating lifestyle-related diseases. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] a Air collection dome b Teflon curtain c Hydrogen gas supply pipe d. Recirculating hydrogen gas supply pipe e Air pump

Claims

1. A hydrogen inhalation device having a hydrogen supply unit that supplies hydrogen to the head area centered around the nostrils in a non-contact manner, an air collection dome that is positioned toward the upper part of the face to collect hydrogen dispersed in the atmosphere, and a recirculation unit that uses a silent pump to re-supply the hydrogen collected in the air collection dome to the area near the nostrils.

2. 2. The hydrogen inhalation device for use while sleeping according to claim 1, further comprising a pillow-shaped sleeping device having a supply unit for supplying hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply unit and hydrogen supplied from the recirculation unit to a portion of the head centered around the nostrils.

3. 2. The hydrogen inhalation device of claim 1, wherein the re-supply unit recirculates an appropriate amount of hydrogen by driving an ultrasonic motor capable of adjusting the amount of air, thereby re-supplying hydrogen not only during inhalation but also during exhalation to the facial area centered around the nostrils.

4. 2. The hydrogen inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein an air collection curtain is attached around the opening of the air collection dome.

5. 2. The hydrogen inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen supply unit has a plate-shaped flange having a hydrogen release port near the nostrils.

6. When used while sleeping, the air collection dome is highest toward the top of the head and slopes downward toward the nostrils, the input part of the pump of the re-supply unit is located at the highest point, and when the patient is in a lying position, hydrogen gas flows from the hydrogen release port to the vicinity of the nostrils, creating an airflow in the direction of pump suction, thereby recirculating the hydrogen gas. This is an airflow-forming hydrogen inhalation device.

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