Selectively accessible closed mouth mask

Abstract

The closed mouth mask includes a flexible sheet having an adhesive disposed on an underside thereof for adhering the mask to a wearer's face, and a port defined through a portion of the sheet, the port allowing access between the inside and outside of the wearer's mouth when the port is uncovered. A retention flange is disposed on the flexible sheet in adhesive relation to the port, and a seal selectively engages the retention flange to restrict access to the port when the seal and retention flange are engaged.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 302,741, filed January 25, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

[0002] [Technical field] The subject matter of this disclosure relates to closed-mouth masks, and more particularly to selectively accessible closed-mouth masks that are used over the wearer's mouth while sleeping to provide access to the wearer's mouth without removing the mask.

[0003] 〔background〕 Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affect nearly 20% of adults. Not only are they annoyances for individuals and their sleep partners, but these conditions can also have serious, even fatal, medical consequences.

[0004] Such difficulty in breathing can be caused by a number of different pressure points or resistances in the breathing process. These resistances include the nose, the soft palate, the back of the tongue, the epiglottis, etc. Any of these resistances can be the cause of snoring, and for some people having multiple resistances at the same time can cause difficulty in breathing.

[0005] There are many other contributing factors to snoring, including smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and ageing, all of which can negatively affect the overall muscle tone of the upper airway, leading to airway obstruction.

[0006] One approach to addressing snoring and OSA has been to seal the mouth so that the wearer breathes through the nose. This is typically achieved with a pressure-sensitive adhesive mask that seals over the wearer's lips and / or part of the face. Masks are primarily for one-time use; therefore, if the wearer wakes up in the night to get some fluids or to talk to someone, they often must remove the mask and reapply another one.

[0007] It would therefore be beneficial to provide an improvement that addresses the above-mentioned shortcomings, such as allowing the wearer to drink fluids or speak to someone without removing the mask. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this Summary is to introduce concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor should it be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] Provided herein is a selectively accessible mouth mask that allows a wearer to ingest fluids or converse without removing the mask. According to various embodiments, the mouth mask comprises a flexible sheet having an adhesive on a back facing surface configured to adhere the mask to a wearer's face. The flexible sheet further comprises a port defined through a portion of the sheet, the port allowing access between the inside and outside of the wearer's mouth when the port is uncovered. The mouth mask also comprises a retention flange disposed on the flexible sheet adjacent the port. The mouth mask further comprises a seal selectively engaged with the retention flange, limiting access to the port when the seal and the retention flange are engaged.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments, the retention flange is disposed on a portion of the front facing surface of the flexible sheet.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments, the retention flange and the seal are magnetically attracted to allow for selective engagement. According to further embodiments, the seal that is magnetically attracted to the retention flange includes a magnet assembly comprising a plurality of magnets mounted within the seal. In additional embodiments, each of the magnets has a portion that magnetically engages with the retention flange, and each of the plurality of magnets is arranged such that it has a polarity opposite to that of the magnets mounted within and adjacent to the seal. According to further embodiments, the retention flange that is magnetically attracted to the seal includes a magnet assembly comprising a plurality of magnets mounted within the retention flange. In additional embodiments, each of the magnets has a portion that magnetically engages with the seal, and each of the plurality of magnets is arranged such that it has a polarity opposite to that of the magnets mounted within and adjacent to the retention flange.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, the seal includes a magnet assembly and the retention flange includes a ferrous ring.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments, the seal includes a ferrous material and the retention flange includes a magnet assembly.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments, the seal and the retention flange include attractive magnet assemblies.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments, the seal and the retention flange are selectively operably coupled.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments, the seal and the retention flange are selectively operably coupled with a hook-and-loop fastener assembly.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments, the seal includes an enclosure defining a passage in fluid communication with the port.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments, the seal comprises a one-way valve, or a valve that restricts flowthrough in one direction more than flowthrough in the other direction.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments, the seal includes an insert received within the passageway to restrict access through the passageway and the port.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, the insert carries a mesh or filter material.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the seal includes a tab for the wearer to selectively disengage the seal from the retention flange.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the mouth-closed mask comprises a flexible sheet having a front side and an opposing back side with an adhesive on the back side. The flexible sheet further comprises a looped fabric portion of a hook-and-loop fastener assembly disposed on the front side. The flexible sheet further comprises a port defined through a portion of the sheet, the port allowing access between the inside and outside of the patient's mouth when the port is uncovered. The mouth-closed mask further comprises a seal comprising a hooked fabric portion of the hook-and-loop fastener assembly. The hooked fabric portion of the seal selectively engages the looped fabric portion such that the seal covers the port to limit access from the port.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments, the seal includes an enclosure defining a passage in fluid communication with the port.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments, the seal comprises a one-way valve, or a valve that restricts flow in one direction more than flow in the other direction.

[0025] According to one or more embodiments, the seal includes an insert received within the passageway to restrict access through the passageway and the port.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments, the hook-shaped fabric portion of the seal completely covers the port, preventing access therethrough.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of a closed-mouth mask for treating snoring and sleep apnea according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a closed-mouth mask for treating snoring and sleep apnea according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a closed-mouth mask for treating snoring and sleep apnea according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a side view of the closed-mouth mask with the seal selectively released according to the embodiment of FIG.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a side view of a closed-mouth mask with the seal disengaged to allow a wearer wearing the mask to drink a beverage through a straw, according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a top perspective exploded view of a mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, where the enclosure is transparent to show the separate magnet therein, and the seal includes an enclosure having a valve and a tab.

[0033] FIG. 7A is a side view of a mouth mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the mask having a washer-shaped ferrous assembly retaining flange and a washer-shaped magnet assembly bottom of a magnetically attractive enclosure.

[0034] FIG. 7B is a side view of a mouth mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the mask having a magnetically attractive washer-shaped magnet assembly retaining flange and a washer-shaped ferrous assembly bottom.

[0035] FIG. 7C is a side view of a mouth mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, in which the enclosure having a washer-shaped retaining flange and a washer-shaped bottom are both magnet assemblies and have a magnetic attraction.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a side view of a mouth-closed mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the mask having a hook-and-loop portion attached to the front surface of a flexible sheet and a hook-and-loop portion as a seal that selectively engages the loop portion to restrict access to a port.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a side view of a mouth mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the mask having a washer-shaped hook-and-loop portion affixed to a flexible sheet and a sealing enclosure.

[0038] Detailed Description In the following, technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are clearly and comprehensively illustrated in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments illustrated below are only some of the embodiments, and are not all of the embodiments of the present invention. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated and illustrated in the drawings of this specification can be arranged and designed according to various configurations. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the following drawings is not intended to limit the claimed scope of the present invention, but only represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments that can be obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] The description of various embodiments of the present invention is presented for illustrative purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein have been selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements to the technology found in the market, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0040] The corresponding structures, materials, operations, and equivalents of all means or functional elements and steps in the following claims are intended to include any structures, materials, or operations for performing a function in combination with other claimed elements, if expressly claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed form. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments have been selected and described in order to best explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention in various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular use contemplated.

[0041] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the Detailed Description. Although the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure and describes the best mode contemplated, the present teachings can be implemented in many ways, regardless of how detailed the above appears in the text. The details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, but the details of the system are still encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As mentioned above, a specific term used in describing a particular feature or aspect of the disclosure should not be construed as implying that the term is redefined herein to be limited to any particular characteristic, feature, or aspect of the disclosure with which the term is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless such terms are expressly defined in the Detailed Description section of the embodiments above. Thus, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of carrying out or implementing the disclosure under the scope of the claims.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the subject matter disclosed herein pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the subject matter disclosed herein, representative methods, devices, and materials are described herein.

[0043] Following long-standing patent law practice, the terms "a," "an," and "the" mean "one or more" when used in this specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to "an apparatus" includes a plurality of such apparatus, and so forth.

[0044] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, conditions and the like used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the word "about." Accordingly, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and appended claims, unless indicated to the contrary, are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0045] As used herein, the term "about" when referring to values ​​or amounts of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and / or percentages, can encompass variations that are appropriate in the disclosed solutions and methods, i.e., in some embodiments, + / - 20% from the particular amount, in some embodiments, + / - 10% from the particular amount, in some embodiments, + / - 5% from the particular amount, in some embodiments, + / - 1% from the particular amount, in some embodiments, + / - 0.5% from the particular amount, and in some embodiments, + / - 0.1% from the particular amount.

[0046] Various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure are directed to a face-mounted mouth-closure mask assembly 10 (hereafter identified as a "mask") that may allow access to the wearer's mouth through a port 16 without removing the mask 10 itself. An adhesive 14 is used to attach the mask 10, and due to the properties of most adhesives 14, removal of the mask generally reduces the quality of the adhesive and its ability to adhere securely to the face around the wearer's mouth. In fact, removal of most mouth-closure masks generally requires re-fitting of another new mask.

[0047] Various embodiments, including those shown in the accompanying figures, are directed to a mask 10 that functions as a sleep aid by helping to alleviate breathing problems associated with sleep, such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In various embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the mask 10 includes a flexible sheet 12 having a front side and an opposing back side. The back side has an adhesive 14 thereon. In such embodiments, the adhesive 14 is provided to adhere the mask 10 to a wearer's face. In embodiments, the adhesive 14 is pressure sensitive and generally has sufficient "tack" to adhere to the wearer while allowing the wearer to painlessly remove the mask 10 when they are finished using it, thereby making the mask 10 disposable and for one-time use only. In various embodiments, the sheet can be made of any suitable material, including, by way of non-limiting examples, cloth, woven and nonwoven fabrics, paper, gauze, and polymers such as polypropylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polyester. Moreover, it is envisioned that in certain embodiments, the mask 10 may be configured for more than one-time donning and removal, such as by changing the adhesive 14. Indeed, in a variation of the multiple-use embodiment, the mask 10 also includes a removably attached protector for covering the adhesive 14, or a case for allowing the mask 10 to be stored. In at least one embodiment, the mask 10 includes another new layer of adhesive that the wearer applies to the sheet 12. The new layer of adhesive covers the previously used adhesive 14 and includes new, unused adhesive for securing the mask 10 (which would include the sheet 12 and the new adhesive layer) to the wearer.

[0048] In a further embodiment, as identified in Figures 1 and 3, the mask 10 includes a port 16 defined through a portion of the sheet 12 to allow access between the outside and inside of the wearer's mouth when the mask 10 is worn. In an embodiment, the port 16 is a circular cutout, i.e., a hole. However, it is envisioned that any desired or suitable shape may be employed for the port 16. As shown in Figure 5, the port 16 is configured to allow access between the inside and outside of the wearer's mouth when the port 16 is uncovered, allowing the wearer to talk and / or drink without removing the mask 10. In certain embodiments, the mask 10 may include a retention flange 20 carried by the flexible sheet 12 around the port 16, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6. The retention flange 20 is described in more detail below.

[0049] In various embodiments, the seal 22 is configured to selectively engage with the retaining flange 20, thereby restricting access to the port 16 when the seal and the retaining flange are engaged. Thus, the seal 22 restricts the passage of air or liquid. In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-6, the seal 22 is a cylindrical enclosure. However, it is envisioned that any desired or suitable configuration shape may be employed. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figures 1-4, 6, and 7, the retaining flange 20 and the seal 22 are magnetically attracted to allow for selective engagement. Thus, the seal 22 can be selectively engaged with the mask 10 to prevent access between the inside and outside of the wearer's mouth while the wearer is sleeping. Additionally, the seal 22 can be selectively detached from the mask 10 to allow access between the inside and outside of the wearer's mouth without removing the mask 10. As shown in Figure 5, the selective engagement of the seal 22 eliminates the need for the wearer to remove the mask 10 to drink liquids or speak through a straw.

[0050] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the seal 22 includes a magnet assembly having a plurality of separate magnets 24 mounted therein, and the retention flange 20 includes a material (such as a ferrous metal) that has a magnetic attraction. Indeed, in one embodiment, the seal 22 may include eight separate magnets 24, as shown in FIG. 6. Additionally, in embodiments, the separate magnets 24 may have portions (such as their ends) that are configured to engage with the retention flange 20. In certain embodiments, the polarity of the ends of the separate magnets 24 that are configured to enable magnetic attraction and engagement has an opposite polarity to the polarity of the ends of adjacent or adjacent separate magnets. The magnet assembly of the seal 22 may thereby be more securely secured to the magnetically attractive retention flange 20.

[0051] Although a particular number and configuration of separate magnets are described above and in the figures, it is envisioned that any desired or suitable number or configuration may be used. Indeed, in certain embodiments, one or both of the seal 22 and the retaining flange may be a magnet assembly having a single magnet in the shape of a closed disk, such as a washer as shown in Figures 7A-7C. Additionally, while the above provides an embodiment in which the seal 22 includes a magnet assembly and the retaining flange 20 includes a ferrous assembly (as shown in Figure 7A), in other embodiments, the retaining flange 20 may be a magnet assembly and the seal 22 may be a ferrous assembly, as shown in Figure 7B. Additionally, in other embodiments, both the retaining flange 20 and the seal 22 may include an attractive magnet assembly, as shown in Figure 7C. Indeed, in at least one embodiment, both the retaining flange 20 and the seal 22 may include magnets in the shape of a closed disk washer that attract each other, as shown in Figure 7C.

[0052] In other embodiments, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the retention flange 20 and the seal 22 may be operatively coupled via other fastening options, such as a hook-and-loop fastener assembly. Indeed, in at least one embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the retention flange 20 may have a loop-type fabric portion of a hook-and-loop fastener assembly and the seal 22 may have a hook-and-loop fastener assembly fabric portion disposed on a portion thereof and configured to engage the loop-type fabric portion of the flange. Furthermore, in other embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the front side of the sheet 12 may have a loop-type fabric portion of a hook-and-loop fastener assembly disposed thereon and the seal 22 itself may include a hook-and-loop fastener assembly fabric portion shaped and sized to cover and limit access to the port 16. In additional embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the seal 22 may further include a tab 36 to allow the wearer to more easily grasp and remove the seal 22.

[0053] In various embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 6, the seal 22 includes an enclosure 28 that defines a passageway 30 in fluid communication with the port 16. In additional embodiments, as shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, the passageway 30 may include a valve 26, such as a one-way valve or other valve that restricts outflow in one direction more than outflow in the other direction or restricts air flow generally.

[0054] In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the seal 22 further includes an insert 32 received within the passage 30 to restrict access through the passage 30 and the port 16. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the insert 32 is configured for an interference fit and may include a tapered shape or the like to provide an interference fit. In further embodiments, the insert 32 includes a valve 26 or filter assembly integrated therein. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a mesh 34 may be placed within the passage 30 before the insert 32 is interference fit within the passage 30.

[0055] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the seal 22 is selectively disengaged from the mask 10 to allow the wearer to drink through a straw, after which the seal 22 is selectively re-engaged to the mask 10 to re-establish the desired functionality of the mask 10 once donning is complete.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the mask 10 comprises a flexible sheet 12 having a front side and an opposing back side. In embodiments, the front side includes a loop-type fabric portion of a hook-and-loop fastener assembly.

[0057] The opposing back side has an adhesive 14 disposed thereon.

[0058] Although the embodiments have been described in connection with the preferred embodiment of the various figures, it should be understood that other similar embodiments may be used, or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments to perform the same function without departing from there. Thus, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

[0059] Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for illustrative purposes. Thus, all embodiments within the drawings and these descriptions are not made according to such illustrative dimensions. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Thus, all embodiments within the drawings and these descriptions are not made according to the drawings' apparent scale with respect to the drawings' relative dimensions. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the drawings' apparent relative scale.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the subject matter disclosed herein, representative methods, devices, and materials are described here.

[0061] Following long-standing patent law practice, the terms "a," "an," and "the" when used herein, including the claims, refer to "one or more." Thus, for example, a reference to "a device" can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth.

[0062] The description of various embodiments of the present invention is presented for illustrative purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used in this specification are selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications or technical improvements to technologies found in the market, or to enable other skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a closed-mouth mask for treating snoring and sleep apnea according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a closed-mouth mask for treating snoring and sleep apnea according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a closed-mouth mask for treating snoring and sleep apnea according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the mouth mask with the seal selectively released according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a closed-mouth mask with the seal disengaged to allow a wearer wearing the mask to drink a beverage through a straw, according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top perspective exploded view of a mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, where the enclosure is transparent to show the separate magnet therein, and the seal includes an enclosure having a valve and a tab. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a mouth mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the mask having a washer-shaped ferrous assembly retaining flange and a washer-shaped magnet assembly bottom of a magnetically attractive enclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a side view of a mouth mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the mask having a magnetically attractive washer-shaped magnet assembly retaining flange and a washer-shaped ferrous assembly bottom. [Figure 7C] FIG. 1 is a side view of a mouth mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, in which the enclosure having a washer-shaped retaining flange and a washer-shaped bottom are both magnet assemblies and have a magnetic attraction. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side view of a mouth-closed mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the mask having a hook-and-loop portion attached to a front surface of a flexible sheet and a hook-and-loop portion as a seal that selectively engages the loop portion to restrict access to a port. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of a mouth mask according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the mask having a washer-shaped hook-and-loop portion affixed to a flexible sheet and a sealing enclosure.

Claims

1. a flexible sheet having an adhesive disposed on its underside for adhering the mask to the wearer's face; a port defined through a portion of the sheet, the port allowing access between the inside and the outside of the wearer's mouth when the port is uncovered; and a retention flange disposed on the flexible sheet adjacent the port; a seal selectively engaging said retention flange, said seal restricting access to said port when said seal and said retention flange are engaged.

2. The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the retention flange is disposed on a portion of a front side of the flexible sheet.

3. The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the retention flange and the seal are magnetically attracted to permit selective engagement.

4. the seal includes a magnet assembly; the magnet assembly comprises a plurality of magnets mounted within the seal; Each of the magnets is a portion that magnetically engages the retention flange; The mask assembly of claim 3 , arranged to have a polarity opposite to that of a magnet mounted within and adjacent to the seal.

5. the retention flange includes a magnet assembly; The mask assembly of claim 3 , wherein the magnet assembly has a portion that magnetically engages the seal.

6. The mask assembly of claim 3 , wherein the seal includes a magnet assembly and the retention flange includes a ferrous material.

7. The mask assembly of claim 3 , wherein the seal comprises a ferrous material and the retention flange comprises a magnet assembly.

8. The mask assembly of claim 3 , wherein the seal and the retention flange include an attractive magnet assembly.

9. The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the seal and the retention flange are selectively operably coupled.

10. The mask assembly of claim 9, wherein the seal and the retention flange are selectively operably coupled by a hook-and-loop fastener assembly.

11. The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the seal comprises an enclosure defining a passage in fluid communication with the port.

12. 12. The mask assembly of claim 11, wherein the seal further comprises one of a one-way valve and a valve that restricts outflow in one direction more than outflow in the other direction.

13. The mask assembly of claim 11, wherein the seal further comprises an insert received within the passageway to limit access through the passageway and the port.

14. The mask assembly of claim 11, wherein the insert carries a mesh or filter material.

15. The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the seal includes a tab for a wearer to selectively disengage the seal from the retention flange.

16. a flexible sheet having a front side and an opposing back side; an adhesive material disposed on the back surface of the flexible sheet; a loop-type fabric portion of a hook-and-loop fastener assembly, the loop-type fabric portion being disposed on the front surface of the flexible sheet; a port defined through a portion of the sheet, the port allowing access between the inside and outside of the wearer's mouth when uncovered; and 1. A mouth-closed mask assembly comprising: a seal comprising a hook-shaped fabric portion of a hook-and-loop fastener assembly, the hook-shaped fabric portion of the seal selectively engaging with the loop-shaped fabric portion such that the seal covers the port to limit access from the port.

17. The mask assembly of claim 16, wherein the seal comprises an enclosure defining a passage in fluid communication with the port.

18. 18. The mask assembly of claim 17, wherein the seal further comprises one of a one-way valve and a valve that restricts outflow in one direction more than outflow in the other direction.

19. 18. The mask assembly of claim 17, wherein the seal further comprises an insert received within the passageway to restrict flow through the passageway and the port.

20. 18. The mask assembly of claim 17, wherein the hook-shaped fabric portion of the sheet completely covers the port, preventing access therethrough.

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