Method of estimating sleep-rested scales using mask, and the mask

Abstract

To provide a method of estimating sleep-rested scales using a mask that covers the nose and mouth.SOLUTION: The method of estimating sleep-rested scales involves wearing a mask made of a fiber sheet bearing plaster particles and stained with an alkaline indicator, which covers the nose and mouth.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for estimating sleep restfulness using a mask that covers the nose and mouth, and to said mask. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, health conditions have been assessed by analyzing biological data acquired by wearable devices and smartphones (Patent Document 1). For example, using a smartphone, an acceleration sensor detects human movement and vibration, and a microphone measures the volume and rhythm of breathing sounds. From this data, sleep conditions can be estimated and used as an opportunity to review lifestyle habits.

[0003] Furthermore, there is an index of sleep quality called "sleep restfulness" (Non-Patent Document 1). "Sleep restfulness" is an index of sleep quality based on the subjective feeling of restfulness, and reflects physiological sleep satisfaction.

[0004] Meanwhile, in Patent Document 2, the inventor discloses an antibacterial or antiviral sheet formed from a sheet carrying plaster particles and an alkali indicator. When such a sheet is used as a mask to cover the nose and mouth, the plaster particles exhibit alkaline properties, but because the plaster particles undergo a neutralizing reaction with carbon dioxide (CO2) contained in the exhaled breath, the alkalinity is inactivated over time after the mask is worn, causing the color of the alkali indicator to change.

[0005] However, nose and mouth masks have not previously been utilized as a means of estimating sleep restfulness. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] WO2017 / 022015 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7149678 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Scientific Reports (2022)12:189 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for estimating sleep restfulness using a mask that covers the nose and mouth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for estimating sleep restfulness using a mask covering the nose and mouth, comprising a fibrous sheet loaded with plaster particles and stained with an alkali indicator.

[0010] In the present invention, (1) The breathing state during sleep is determined based on the area of ​​the discolored region formed on the fiber sheet after sleep, and the sense of restful sleep is estimated based on the breathing state during sleep. (2) judging the breathing state during sleep based on the position of the discolored area formed on the fiber sheet after sleep, and estimating the sense of restful sleep from the breathing state during sleep; (3) The respiratory state during sleep is determined based on the saturation of the discolored area formed on the fiber sheet after sleep, and the sense of restful sleep is estimated based on the respiratory state during sleep. (4) determining the sleep time based on the area of ​​the discolored region formed on the fiber sheet after sleep, and estimating the sense of restful sleep from the sleep time; is preferred.

[0011] The present invention also provides a mask that covers the nose and mouth and is characterized by including a fiber sheet that carries plaster particles and is dyed with an alkaline indicator, thereby making it possible to estimate the sense of restful sleep. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The method of estimating a sense of restful sleep of the present invention uses a mask that covers the nose and mouth, making it possible to estimate a sense of restful sleep inexpensively and simply. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a mask that covers the nose and mouth for use in the method of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mask of FIG. 1 taken along line AA. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the principle by which alkaline activity is exhibited in a fiber sheet. [Figure 4] 1 shows an example showing discolored areas formed on a fibrous sheet. [Figure 5] Another example showing discolored areas formed on a fibrous sheet. [Figure 6] Another example showing discolored areas formed on a fibrous sheet. [Figure 7] Another example showing discolored areas formed on a fibrous sheet. [Figure 8] Another example showing discolored areas formed on a fibrous sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is a method for estimating the feeling of restful sleep using a mask that covers the nose and mouth, and estimating the feeling of restful sleep from a discolored area formed by discoloration of an alkali indicator due to alkaline deactivation of plaster particles supported on a fiber sheet.

[0015] 1 shows a front view of a mask 1 for covering the nose and mouth used in the method of the present invention. The mask 1 for covering the nose and mouth is composed of a fiber sheet 3, a base fabric 5, and loop-shaped strips 7 for ear loops. The fiber sheet 3 carries plaster particles 9 (not shown), and the fiber sheet 3 is dyed with an alkali indicator 11 (not shown), causing the entire fiber sheet 3 to discolor.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the mask taken along line AA in FIG. 1. The mask 1 comprises an inner base fabric 5a, a fiber sheet 3, and an outer base fabric 5b, in that order. The inner base fabric 5a and the outer base fabric 5b are joined at their peripheries by known methods such as heat fusion or adhesives, and the fiber sheet 3 is sandwiched and fixed between the inner base fabric 5a and the outer base fabric 5b. The side on which the inner base fabric 5a is provided is the side that comes into contact with the face, and the side on which the outer base fabric 5b is provided is the outer side. The reason why the color of the alkali indicator 11 is gradated will be described later.

[0017] Either nonwoven fabric or woven fabric can be used as the fiber sheet 3, but nonwoven fabric is preferred from the standpoint of limiting the size of the openings to ensure a filtering effect and also from the standpoint of breathability to allow the plaster to perform its functions.

[0018] The nonwoven fabric may be one obtained by a known method using cellulosic fibers, as described below, but from a hygienic standpoint, thermally bonded nonwoven fabrics, nanofiber nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, airlaid nonwoven fabrics, needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, etc., which are obtained without using adhesives, are used. Spunlace nonwoven fabrics are preferred because they can adhere plaster particles to the fiber surface by plaster treatment and are easy to process cellulosic fibers.

[0019] Furthermore, the material for forming the fiber sheet 3 can be cellulosic fiber in terms of hydrophilicity. Examples of cellulosic fibers include plant fibers such as cotton, linen, and pulp, regenerated fibers such as rayon, and semi-synthetic fibers such as acetate. Among these, cotton or rayon is preferred from the viewpoint of cost, and rayon is more preferred from the viewpoint of long-lasting moisture retention.

[0020] The fiber diameter, fiber basis weight, etc. may be set depending on the application and usage of the fiber sheet 3. The thickness of the fiber sheet 3 may be within an appropriate range depending on the usage, but is preferably 150 to 600 μm, and more preferably 210 to 500 μm. If the thickness of the fiber sheet 3 is less than 150 μm, it will not be possible to support a sufficient amount of plaster particles 9 to maintain moisture retention for a long period of time. On the other hand, if the thickness of the fiber sheet 3 is greater than 600 μm, it will be difficult to handle and will take a long time to dry after the plaster slurry has been supported.

[0021] The size of the fiber sheet 3 is not limited to its shape (rectangular in FIG. 1) as long as it is large enough to cover the nose and mouth. When used in the form of a moisturizing mask 1, the fiber sheet 3 may have pleats to ensure a good fit to the face.

[0022] The inner and outer base fabrics 5a and 5b are usually the same size, and although there are no restrictions on their size as long as they can be worn to cover the nose and mouth, the length is preferably 50 to 150 mm and the width is 60 to 180 mm. The sizes of the inner and outer base fabrics 5a and 5b are slightly larger than the size of the fiber sheet 3.

[0023] From the viewpoint of productivity, it is preferable that the inner base fabric 5a and the outer base fabric 5b are made of the same material, and that they are formed from olefin-based resin fibers (particularly polyethylene fibers or polypropylene fibers). Considering strength and durability, a nonwoven fabric formed from polypropylene fibers is preferred.

[0024] The strips 7 can be made of elastic loops or flat, stretchable nonwoven fabric with ear loop openings. The looped strips 7 are fixed to the base fabric 5 by known methods such as heat fusion or adhesive. By looping the looped strips 7 over the ears, the mask 1 can be worn to cover the nose and mouth.

[0025] In the present invention, the fiber sheet 3 used as described above carries plaster particles 9, and the fiber sheet 3 is dyed with an alkali indicator 11.

[0026] The fiber sheet 3 carries plaster (plaster particles 9), which is a mixture (slurry) containing slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) powder and water, and can be supported by applying such a slurry to at least one surface of the sheet. In other words, plaster is a mixture of slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) and calcium carbonate, as slaked lime absorbs carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate, and as carbon dioxide in the air is further absorbed, carbonation progresses from the surface of the slaked lime particles, producing calcium carbonate.

[0027] The fiber sheet 3 is also dyed with an alkali indicator 11. The fiber sheet 3 carrying plaster particles 9 exhibits a color specific to the alkali indicator 11 due to the alkalinity exhibited by the plaster particles 9. For example, when a thymolphthalein solution is added to the fiber sheet 3, if the alkali activity of the plaster particles 9 is sufficiently expressed, the fiber sheet 3 exhibits a blue color. If the alkali activity of the plaster particles 9 is lost, the fiber sheet 3 discolors (whitens) and a discolored region 13 (see FIG. 4) is formed.

[0028] The above principle will be explained with reference to FIG. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the principle by which alkaline activity is exhibited in a fiber sheet. In Figure 3, a mask 1 is fixed to cover the nose and mouth, and plaster particles 9 are carried on a fiber sheet 3, which is dyed with an alkali indicator 11. Figure 3(A) shows the state when breathing in, and Figure 3(B) shows the state when breathing out.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3(A), when we breathe in, Ca(OH)2, the main component of the plaster particles 9, is converted into Ca 2+ and 2OH -The water is in a hydrated state, separated into two, and dissolved in the water in the plaster. As part of this water evaporates due to the inflow of outside air, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) from exhaled air dissolved in the water increases, carbonation progresses, and discoloration region 13 is formed. In addition, H2O is generated and released from the plaster particles 9, and flows into the body. The reaction at this time is expressed by the following formula, as shown in Figure 3(A): In the formula, (aq) represents the hydrated state, (g) represents the gas state, (s) represents the solid state, and (l) represents the liquid state. Ca 2+ (aq)+2OH - (aq) + CO2(g) → CaCO3(s)+H2O(l)

[0030] When exhaling, CO2 and H2O are expelled as exhaled air, as shown in Figure 3(B), and the CO2 in the exhaled air dissolves in the water in the plaster particles 9, and further carbonation progresses, forming discolored areas 13. In addition, H2O is generated and released from the plaster particles 9, and remains in the internal space of the mask 1, causing the humidity inside the mask to rise.

[0031] As described above, the mask 1 used in the method of the present invention has alkaline properties, and as described above, the discolored region 13 is formed, and this alkaline properties also give the mask antibacterial or antiviral properties. Furthermore, the mask 1 used in the method of the present invention has a moisture-releasing effect of H2O, and is also excellent in long-term moisturizing properties.

[0032] Next, a method for manufacturing the mask 1 will be described.

[0033] To support the plaster particles 9 on the fiber sheet 3, a dispersion liquid (plaster slurry) in which slaked lime particles are dispersed in water is used, and the fiber sheet 3 is impregnated with the dispersion by dipping or the like, followed by drying. The solids concentration of the plaster particles 9 (total solids content of slaked lime and calcium carbonate) in such a dispersion liquid is generally 5 to 60 mass %, particularly about 8 to 20 mass %. In the case of dipping, the plaster particles 9 are supported on both sides of the fiber sheet 3, but if it is desired to support the plaster particles 9 on only one side of the fiber sheet 3, this can be done by applying the plaster slurry to the surface of a substrate such as a glass plate, placing the fiber sheet 3 on the coated side of the substrate, and allowing it to be impregnated.

[0034] It is desirable that the plaster slurry used to support the plaster particles 9 contains a polymer emulsion dispersed therein as a binder to prevent the plaster particles 9 from falling off from the fiber sheet 3. Examples of such polymer emulsions include aqueous emulsions of polymers such as acrylic resin, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, and styrene / butadiene rubber.

[0035] The blending amount of polymer emulsion may be 20 to 550 parts solids of polymer emulsion per 100 parts slaked lime particles, but from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of plaster particles 9 supported and reducing production costs, it is preferable that the solids of the polymer emulsion be 30 to 400 parts. If the solids of the polymer emulsion is less than 20 parts per 100 parts slaked lime particles, the plaster particles 9 will tend to fall off from the fiber sheet 3. On the other hand, if the solids of the polymer emulsion is more than 550 parts per 100 parts slaked lime particles, the amount of plaster particles 9 supported will be too small, making it difficult to maintain a high humidity in the space between the nose and mouth and the moisture retention sheet 1.

[0036] The D50 particle size of the slaked lime particles used to prepare the plaster slurry, as measured by laser diffraction, is preferably in the range of 1 to 30 μm, particularly 2 to 20 μm. This average particle size range provides high alkaline activity and maintains a high moisture content when the sheet is held in place near the nose and mouth. If the particle size is too small, carbonation may proceed rapidly, resulting in the alkaline activity and moisture-releasing effect being lost in a short period of time. Furthermore, if the particle size is too large, the alkaline activity and moisture-releasing effect tend to decrease. Furthermore, the use of such plaster particles 9 allows the alkaline activity and moisture-releasing effect to be maintained for a longer period of time than when the sheet is impregnated with only an alkaline aqueous solution.

[0037] The amount of plaster particles 9 carried on one surface of the fiber sheet 3 is 2.5 to 14.0 g / m 2 It is preferable that the density is 3.0 to 10.0 g / m 2 More preferably, the range is 4.0 to 8.0 g / m 2 It is more preferable that the amount of plaster particles 9 carried on one surface of the fiber sheet 3 is in the range of 14.0 g / m 2 On the other hand, when the amount of plaster particles 9 carried on one surface of the fiber sheet 3 is 2.5 g / m 2 If the amount is less than this, the moisture releasing effect of the plaster particles 9 will be reduced.

[0038] Furthermore, the plaster slurry contains an alkali indicator 11 to visualize the alkali activity. When the alkali activity of the plaster particles 9 is lost, a discolored area is formed, allowing the loss of alkali activity to be visually confirmed. By immersing the fiber sheet 3, the dispersion liquid penetrates into the fiber sheet 3, and the entire fiber sheet 3 develops color due to the alkali indicator 11. As the aqueous solution penetrates, the plaster particles 9 are also dispersed throughout the fiber sheet 3.

[0039] Known indicators such as thymolphthalein solution, phenolphthalein solution, bromothymol blue solution, bromocresol green-methyl red solution, methyl red-methylene blue solution, neutral red-bromothymol blue solution, etc. can be used as this alkali indicator 11. It is preferable to use thymolphthalein solution because it has a blue color that is gentle on the eyes and gives a sense of cleanliness, and it is stable even when dried with hot air at high temperatures.

[0040] When using such an alkali indicator 11, it is preferable to mix a solution of the alkali indicator 11 dissolved in an alcohol solvent or the like with the plaster slurry.

[0041] The amount of alkali indicator 11 used may be such that when it is supported on the fiber sheet together with the plaster particles 9, the fiber sheet 3 is clearly visible as being colored in the color specific to the alkali indicator 11.

[0042] Drying after supporting the plaster particles 9 is carried out by directly applying hot air from a dryer or the like. The hot air is preferably applied perpendicularly to the surface of the plaster-treated fiber sheet 3. From the viewpoint of evaporating moisture, the temperature of the hot air is preferably 60 to 130°C, more preferably 90 to 120°C. The average speed of the hot air is preferably 12 to 25 m / s, more preferably 13 to 20 m / s. The drying time is preferably 1 to 7 minutes, more preferably 2 to 5 minutes.

[0043] Drying can be carried out by applying hot air to only one side of the plastered fiber sheet 3 or to both sides simultaneously.

[0044] Furthermore, by hot air drying, a highly colored area resulting from the color development of the alkali indicator 11 is formed on only one surface or both surfaces of the fiber sheet 3 after the plastering treatment.

[0045] To explain the process by which this high-coloring region is formed, when hot air is applied to only one side of the plaster-treated fiber sheet 3 for drying, the temperature rises from the side exposed to the hot air, causing the moisture in the fiber sheet 3 to evaporate from that side. Furthermore, as the moisture in the fiber sheet 3 moves, the color-producing components and dispersion solvent contained in the alkali indicator 11 also move toward the side exposed to the hot air. However, because the dispersion solvent and color-producing components have high boiling points and are difficult to evaporate, they remain on the surface of the fiber sheet 3 on the side exposed to the hot air. As a result, a high-coloring region is formed on the surface of the side exposed to the hot air. At the same time, the color-producing components are present in trace amounts in areas other than the surface of the fiber sheet 3 exposed to the hot air, resulting in the formation of low-coloring regions in those areas.

[0046] When drying is performed by simultaneously blowing hot air onto both sides of the plaster-treated fiber sheet 3, similarly to the above, highly colored areas are formed on the surface layers on both sides of the fiber sheet 3, and a less colored area is formed in the center.

[0047] Furthermore, the color of the alkali indicator 11 of the dried fiber sheet 3 is darker closer to the surface exposed to the hot air, and the color gradually becomes lighter with increasing distance from that surface, forming a gradation.

[0048] The bulk density of the high color-developing region is lower than that of the low color-developing region because the color-developing components derived from the dispersion solvent and alkali indicator 11 are concentrated therein, forming a porous region with a high resin content derived from these components. Also, the saturation of the high color-developing region is higher than that of the low color-developing region because the color-developing components derived from alkali indicator 11 are concentrated in the high color-developing region.

[0049] Here, the plaster particles 9 have a certain size and mass and are supported by the fiber sheet 3, so they do not move in conjunction with the evaporation of water during hot air drying, and remain dispersed throughout the fiber sheet 3 after drying.

[0050] The dried fiber sheet 3 thus obtained is sandwiched and joined between the inner base fabric 5a and the outer base fabric 5b as described above, and the strips 7 are also joined to produce the mask 1.

[0051] Next, a method for estimating a sense of restful sleep using Mask 1 will be described.

[0052] The mask 1 in Figure 1 is in its initial state before sleep, with the entire fiber sheet 3 dyed with an alkali indicator 11. When a person goes to sleep wearing the mask 1 including this fiber sheet 3, the carbon dioxide contained in the breath during sleep deactivates the alkali activity of the plaster particles 9, causing the fiber sheet 3 to discolor, and a discolored region 13 gradually forms in the area dyed with the alkali indicator 11. When the mask 1 is removed after a predetermined period of sleep, a discolored region 13 is formed in the fiber sheet 3, as shown in Figures 4 to 7. The examples in Figures 4 to 7 are examples viewed from the side of the mask 1 that comes into contact with the face after removal.

[0053] The respiratory state can be determined from the area, position or saturation of the discolored area 13 formed on the fiber sheet 3 after sleep.

[0054] The area of ​​the discolored region 13 formed on the fiber sheet 3 after sleep can reveal, for example, the normality and depth of breathing, and can be used to determine the breathing condition during sleep. The more normal and deep the breathing, the larger the area of ​​the discolored region 13.

[0055] From the position of the discolored area 13 formed on the fiber sheet 3 after sleep, it is possible to determine the breathing state during sleep, for example, whether breathing was mainly through the nose or mouth during sleep.

[0056] Breathing methods during sleep include nose breathing and mouth breathing. However, mouth breathing during sleep can cause the tongue to easily fall into the airway, narrowing the airway. In other words, mouth breathing during sleep can result in shallow breathing. Furthermore, mouth breathing during sleep can dry out the airway, causing a sore throat or increasing the risk of contracting a viral infection. Therefore, nose breathing is preferred as a breathing method during sleep.

[0057] Furthermore, the saturation of the discolored areas 13 formed on the fiber sheet 3 after sleep can reveal, for example, the normality and depth of breathing, and can be used to determine the breathing state during sleep. The more normal and deep the breathing, the greater the change in saturation of the discolored areas 13.

[0058] Furthermore, the length of sleep can be determined from the area of ​​the discolored region 13 formed on the fiber sheet 3 after sleep. In addition, the longer the sleep time, the longer the breathing time, and therefore the larger the area of ​​the discolored region 13.

[0059] By determining the breathing state or the sleep duration as described above, the sense of restfulness of sleep can be estimated. The sense of restfulness of sleep is closely related to the breathing state or the sleep duration.

[0060] There are two types of sleep states during sleep: REM sleep and non-REM sleep. REM sleep is a light sleep in which the body is at rest but the brain is close to being active. During REM sleep, breathing is said to be shallow. On the other hand, non-REM sleep is a deep sleep in which the body and brain are at rest. During non-REM sleep, breathing is said to be deep.

[0061] It is said that normal sleep involves four to five cycles of REM and non-REM sleep. It is also said that it is especially important to ensure a proper amount of time for the initial non-REM sleep. When you have a well-regulated sleep rhythm, your body relaxes during sleep and you wake up feeling refreshed. A well-regulated sleep rhythm ensures proper time for non-REM sleep, which means your breathing is normal and your breathing is deep enough during sleep. Having a well-regulated sleep rhythm also means you are getting enough sleep time to ensure the proper cycle of your sleep rhythm.

[0062] That is, if breathing is normal and deep and a sufficient amount of sleep is achieved, the quality of sleep will be good and the feeling of restful sleep will be high.

[0063] On the other hand, if the cycle of REM sleep and non-REM sleep does not occur as described above, for example, if the initial non-REM sleep time is short, it is not possible to fall into a deep sleep. If the sleep rhythm is irregular like this, the body will not be able to recover sufficiently during sleep, and will remain tired even after waking up. If the sleep rhythm is irregular, it is thought that the breathing state is poor and breathing during sleep becomes shallow. Furthermore, if the sleep rhythm is irregular, it means that the sleep time is also insufficient.

[0064] That is, if the breathing condition is poor, breathing is shallow, and the sleep time is insufficient, the quality of sleep will be poor and the feeling of restlessness will be low.

[0065] Furthermore, regarding sleep duration, the recommended sleep duration for an average adult male is approximately 6 to 8 hours. Furthermore, for the same sleep duration, the longer the breathing state is normal and the longer the duration of deep breathing, the greater the sense of restful sleep. Similarly, for the same breathing state, the longer the sleep duration, the greater the sense of restful sleep. As mentioned above, the longer the sleep duration, the longer the breathing time, and therefore the larger the area of ​​discolored region 13.

[0066] In this way, the breathing state during sleep can be determined from the area, position, or saturation of the discolored region 13 formed on the fiber sheet 3 after sleep. Similarly, the sleeping time can be determined from the area of ​​the discolored region 13 formed on the fiber sheet 3 after sleep. And the feeling of restfulness during sleep can be estimated from the breathing state during sleep or the sleeping time.

[0067] Specific methods for estimating the sense of restful sleep include visually observing the discolored area 13, measuring it with a color difference meter or ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, converting it into image data for analysis, and other known observation, measurement, and analysis methods. Among these, from the perspective of making a simple and highly accurate judgment, it is preferable to convert the surface of the mask 1 including the fiber sheet 3 on which the discolored area 13 is formed, which comes into contact with the face (the inner base fabric 5a side), into image data and analyze the image data.

[0068] For example, a smartphone or other device can be used to photograph the mask 1, including the fiber sheet 3 with the discolored region 13, from the inner base fabric 5a side and convert the photograph into image data. This image data is then sent to a server, where it is analyzed. By receiving feedback on the analysis results, the user can learn about their breathing condition, sleep duration, and the level of restful sleep estimated from these results.

[0069] 4 to 8 are schematic diagrams of the mask 1 as observed from the side that contacts the face after a person has slept for a predetermined period of time while wearing the mask 1 shown in Fig. 1. A method for estimating a sense of restful sleep will be specifically described using the examples of Figs. 4 to 8.

[0070] In the example shown in FIG. 4, two circular discoloration areas 13 are formed adjacent to each other at the upper center of the fiber sheet 3. From the position of the discoloration areas 13, it can be seen that the breathing method during sleep is nasal breathing, since the discoloration areas 13 are generated in areas where exhaled air is concentrated. From the area of ​​the discoloration areas 13, it can be seen that the two circles are approximately the same size and have a constant area, which indicates that nasal breathing is occurring smoothly and that there is no nasal congestion. It can also be seen that the patient is getting enough sleep. Furthermore, from the saturation of the discoloration areas 13, it can be seen that both discoloration areas 13 are sufficiently white, which indicates that deep breathing was occurring during sleep.

[0071] Therefore, when discolored area 13 as shown in Figure 4 is formed, it can be determined that the breathing state during sleep was mainly nasal breathing, which was smooth, deep, and normal. It can also be determined that the amount of sleep was sufficient. Therefore, it can be estimated that the quality of sleep was good and the feeling of restful sleep was high.

[0072] In the example shown in Figure 5, two circular discolored areas 13 are adjacent to each other in the upper center of the fiber sheet 3. The positions of the discolored areas 13 indicate that the patient was breathing through their nose during sleep. However, the area of ​​the discolored areas 13 indicates that the left circular area is smaller than the right circular area. This suggests that the left nostril is not clearing properly, causing a stuffy nose.

[0073] Therefore, when discolored area 13 as shown in Figure 5 is formed, it can be said that breathing during sleep was mainly through the nose, but the airflow through the left nostril was poor, breathing depth was shallow, and normal breathing was not possible. It can also be inferred that the quality of sleep was poor and the sense of restlessness was low.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 6, an oval discolored area 13 is formed in the lower center of the fiber sheet 3. The location and area of ​​the discolored area 13 indicate that the breathing method during sleep is mouth breathing. It is also possible that the person was unable to breathe through their nose for some reason, such as both nostrils being blocked.

[0075] Therefore, when discolored area 13 as shown in Figure 6 is formed, it can be determined that breathing during sleep is mouth breathing, breathing depth is shallow, and normal breathing is not possible. It can also be estimated that sleep quality is poor and the sense of restlessness is low.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 7, two circular discolored areas 13 are adjacent to each other at the top center of the fiber sheet 3. The position of the discolored areas 13 indicates that breathing was occurring through the nose during sleep. However, the saturation of the discolored areas 13 indicates that the discolored areas 13 are not completely white overall, indicating that the area is not receiving enough breath. In other words, it indicates that for some reason, breathing is becoming shallower and not deeper.

[0077] In other words, when discolored area 13 as shown in Figure 7 is formed, it can be said that breathing during sleep was mainly through the nose, but the depth of breathing was shallow and normal breathing was not possible. It is also estimated that the quality of sleep was poor and the sense of restlessness was low.

[0078] In the example shown in Figure 8, two circular discoloration areas 13 are formed adjacent to each other in the upper center of the fiber sheet 3. The area of ​​these discoloration areas 13 is larger than the circles in Figure 4. The area and position of the discoloration areas 13 and the size of the two circles are almost the same, but the area is larger than the circles in Figure 4, which indicates that the sleeping time is longer than in the example shown in Figure 4.

[0079] Therefore, when discolored area 13 as shown in Figure 8 is formed, it can be determined that the breathing state during sleep was mainly nasal breathing, which was smooth, deep, and normal. Furthermore, it can be determined that the sleeping time was longer than that in Figure 4. Therefore, it can be inferred that the quality of sleep was good and the feeling of sleep restfulness was higher. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1: Mask 3: Fiber sheet 5: Base fabric 7: Strip 9: Plaster particles 11: Alkaline indicator 13: Discolored area

Claims

1. A method for estimating sleep restfulness using a mask covering the nose and mouth, comprising a fibrous sheet loaded with plaster particles and stained with an alkaline indicator.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the breathing state during sleep is determined based on the area of ​​the discolored region formed on the fiber sheet after sleep, and the sense of restful sleep is estimated from the breathing state during sleep.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the breathing state during sleep is determined based on the position of a discolored area formed on the fiber sheet after sleep, and the sense of restful sleep is estimated from the breathing state during sleep.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the breathing state during sleep is determined based on the saturation of the discolored area formed on the fiber sheet after sleep, and the sense of restful sleep is estimated from the breathing state during sleep.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sleep time is determined based on the area of ​​the discolored region formed on the fiber sheet after sleep, and the sense of restfulness is estimated from the sleep time.

6. A mask that covers the nose and mouth and includes a fiber sheet carrying plaster particles and dyed with an alkaline indicator, thereby enabling estimation of a sense of restful sleep.

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