Inhalation mask

Abstract

An inhalation mask (1) for an inhalation system (14), the inhalation mask (1) comprising a mask body (2) having a port (3) connectable to the inhalation system (14), and an opening (4) having a sealing lip (5). The sealing lip (5) is equipped to be joined to the face (9) such that the nose, mouth, or both are surrounded by the sealing lip (5). The sealing lip (5) comprises a storage area (6) and a remaining area (7) arranged adjacent to the storage area (6). In the sealed position, the storage area (6) exhibits one or more of being placed on the face, being compressed inside the inhalation mask (1), or being bent. The inhalation mask (1) comprises an identification part (8) that distinguishes the storage area (6) from the remaining area (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhalation mask for an inhalation system, an inhalation assembly, and the use of an inhalation mask.

Background Art

[0002] Inhalation masks are commonly used to connect an inhalation system, such as a chamber, spacer, MDI, or jet or mesh inhaler, to a user's face. The inhalation mask should provide a connection from the inhalation system through which the aerosol can flow to the user's respiratory system. Leakage between the inhalation mask and the face should be minimized.

[0003] Medical guidelines recommend the use of inhalation masks, especially for children's inhalation. The use of inhalation masks is particularly useful for people who have difficulty regulating their breathing. With many inhalation masks, the user can inhale the aerosol from the inhalation system through the mouth and nose.

[0004] The contact portion to the user's face is often designed from a flexible material formed as a lip. This combination of an easily deformable structure and a soft material allows the inhalation mask to conform flexibly to the geometric shape of the face, thus providing a high degree of sealing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Currently, many inhalation masks are being used in an inefficient manner. These result in insufficient sealing due to being pressed hard or soft against the face. Due to the flexible and conformable material properties, a very high pressing force can compress the lip very greatly. In a mask consisting of multiple components, the rigid components can come into direct contact with the patient's face, reducing the comfort and sealing of the fit. Insufficient pressing force can also result in a reduction in sealing.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative inhalation mask for improving the above-mentioned situation.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] This object is achieved by an inhalation mask for an inhalation system. The inhalation mask includes a mask body having a port connectable to the inhalation system, and an opening having a seal lip equipped to be joined to the face such that the nose, mouth, or both are surrounded by the seal lip. The seal lip includes a storage area and a remaining area disposed adjacent to the storage area. In the sealed position, the storage area exhibits in at least one section one or more of the states of being placed on the face, being compressed, or being bent inward of the inhalation mask. The inhalation mask is provided with an identification part for distinguishing the storage area from the remaining area.

[0008] By pressing the inhalation mask against the face, especially a child's face, the lip can be deformed and compressed. Thus, the visible part of the lip decreases. The distance required for the deformation of the lip is directly correlated with the applied force and the sealing performance. This is due to the geometric shape and material properties of the lip. The identification part indicates whether an appropriate pressure is applied. Therefore, this inhalation mask provides the user or caregiver with a tool useful for achieving an efficient connection between the face and the mask.

[0009] Visualization of the preferred mask position helps prevent caregivers, especially parents, from pressing the inhalation mask against the face, especially a child's face, with too much force, which would lead to a decrease in the wearing comfort of the mask and leakage. Thus, the adhesion and the success of the treatment can be improved. Moreover, the caregiver can gain a sense of security regarding the correct placement of the mask.

[0010] Improved wearing comfort can result in higher adhesion. A caregiver can find the strength or force necessary to press the mask against the face to achieve a tight fit that has high wearing comfort for the user or child, while at the same time meeting the seal required for high effectiveness of medical treatment.

[0011] Inhalation masks are particularly used for the treatment of respiratory symptoms or diseases that affect humans such as adults, children, toddlers, infants or newborns. Inhalation masks can also be used for the treatment of animals.

[0012] An inhalation mask includes a mask body shaped to receive the nose, mouth, or both of a user. The outer surface of the mask body is exposed to the surrounding environment. Inhalation masks are available in various specifications. For example, it doesn't matter whether there are valves, holes, and other openings. The contact portion to the user's face is often designed from a flexible material formed as a lip. Such contact portions are used in various inhalation systems such as jet nebulizers, membrane nebulizers, spacers, chambers, etc.

[0013] Inhalation masks differ in their materials and structures. Common structures are single - material structures or structures composed of multiple components. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and other materials are used in inhalation masks.

[0014] The inhalation system preferably includes an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator preferably includes a nebulizer, atomizer, humidifier, compressed air nebulizer, air atomizer, electronic nebulizer, ultrasonic nebulizer, electrohydrodynamic nebulizer, electrostatic nebulizer, membrane nebulizer, nebulizer with a vibrating membrane, electronic nebulizer with a vibrating membrane, mesh nebulizer, jet nebulizer, MDI, inhaler, powder atomizer, dry powder inhaler (DPI), or a combination thereof. The MDI includes a pressurized canister with a drug and a propellant.

[0015] The inhalation system may comprise a device for providing an aerosol. The device for supplying the aerosol preferably includes a spacer or a chamber. The device for providing the aerosol is preferably a device configured to be used with an MDI. The device for providing the aerosol preferably comprises a spacer or a chamber arranged to receive the aerosol supplied by the MDI so that the user can inhale the aerosol.

[0016] The spacer has no valve. The chamber or the holding chamber has an inhalation valve and preferably also an exhalation valve. An aerosol for therapeutic purposes is generated and delivered to a desired location within the body of a user or patient using an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol is a mixture of solid or liquid particles and a gas. The aerosol is preferably intended for application onto or into a part of the human or animal body such as the skin, body cavity, body opening, nose, paranasal sinuses, maxillary sinus, frontal sinus, sphenoid sinus, ethmoid sinus, pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs, main bronchi, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, joints or abdominal cavity.

[0017] The aerosol may be used to prevent, diagnose or treat human and animal diseases or to confer immunity against diseases. The aerosol is useful for the treatment of respiratory symptoms or diseases affecting adults, children, infants, neonates or newborns.

[0018] The seal lip preferably comprises a soft material such as an elastic material that returns to its original size and shape when the influencing force or force is removed. The elastic material may include silicone or an elastomer, particularly a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0019] The soft material may comprise a transparent material and an opaque material. One of these materials may be placed in the storage area and the other material in the remaining area. The seal lip has a storage area that deforms when the mask is properly pressed against the face. The storage area is configured to deform such that when properly pressed against the face, it is placed on the face, bent inwardly of the mask body, or compressed. Some or all of these may occur together. Such deformation acts such that the storage area of the seal lip becomes invisible or at least less visible from the outside of the mask. The mask may be formed at least partially of a transparent material. In one embodiment, the storage area is formed of a transparent material. When the mask is properly deformed, the transparent material becomes invisible. The storage area may still be visible through the transparent material when placed on the face or bent inwardly of the mask body, but at least it becomes more difficult to view.

[0020] The remaining area is disposed adjacent to the storage area and is part of the seal lip that contacts the external environment of the mask when the mask is properly used. This identification portion enables the storage area to be distinguished from the remaining area. This can be achieved in a plurality of ways. Preferably, the storage area and the remaining area are optically designed in different ways. In one embodiment, the storage area and the remaining area are designed to have different textures. In one embodiment, the storage area and the remaining area can be seen or felt by hand. The storage area and the remaining area may be distinguished by ribs, notches, grooves or lines.

[0021] The two areas may exhibit different roughnesses, or a gloss finish may be applied to one of the areas. Also, one of the areas may be colored. For example, the coloring may be provided only in some areas of the identification portion such that stripes or dots appear in the identification portion. Also, it is possible to provide different surface structures or textures. The storage area or the remaining area may be transparent.

[0022] Further embodiments of the identification part include one or more of the identification elements of grooves, recesses, protrusions, bubbles and embossments. The recesses, protrusions, bubbles and embossments may be circular or elliptical. The identification elements may be provided within a soft component. The identification elements visualize the necessary deformation of the mask. Identification elements of different sizes, adjusted by the size and distance to the boundary between the remaining area and the storage area, can provide the user with better information regarding the actual state and the state of good pressure for sealing. The identification part may include a row of circular bulges. The protrusions may be arranged parallel to the boundary between the remaining area and the storage area. The protrusions in the row closest to the boundary may have the largest diameter. The protrusions in the row farthest from the boundary may exhibit the smallest diameter, and the protrusions in the rows between these two rows exhibit a diameter with a dimension between the dimension of the protrusions in the closest row and the dimension of the protrusions in the farthest row. In this way, the user sees protrusions of different sizes that disappear with the increase in pressure as they are stored. Therefore, the user can more easily evaluate how much pressure should be applied when wearing the mask.

[0023] Of course, it is possible to combine several options. In one embodiment, the identification part includes two different materials. In one embodiment, the identification part includes one material of silicone and thermoplastic elastomer in the storage area and another material of polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, and polypropylene in the remaining area. In one embodiment, two materials with different surface textures are used for the identification part.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the identification part may include a first color for the storage area and a different color for the remaining area. The identification part may include markings or surface structures.

[0025] The markings or surface structures may be provided in the storage area or the remaining area. In one embodiment, the markings or surface structures are provided in both the storage area and the remaining area. It may be appropriate to provide different configurations of the markings or surface structures in different areas. In one embodiment, the markings or surface structures are arranged as patterns. The markings or surface structures may include different thicknesses of materials, different surface roughnesses, matte areas, glossy areas, polished areas, bubble portions, convex portions, raised portions, concave portions, colors, finishes, imprints, or scratches.

[0026] In one embodiment, the markings or surface structures include several elements. Some of the elements or features may be points, polygons, ellipses, circles, convex, or concave.

[0027] The markings or surface structures may be provided in the remaining area to at least some extent. The dimensions of the elements are correlated with the distance to the storage area. The dimensions of the elements arranged closer to the storage area may be larger than the dimensions of the elements arranged farther from the storage area. This can provide an indication regarding the remaining pressing force until a good seal is achieved.

[0028] The surface structure may include ribs, notches, or grooves. The ribs may be arranged between the storage area and the remaining area. In one embodiment, several ribs are provided in the remaining area. In one embodiment, the identification part becomes invisible from the outside of the mask body when the mask is pressed against the face in the correct way.

[0029] The identification part may be a color or marking arranged in the storage area. When the mask is pressed against the face in the correct way, the storage area having the identification part should be placed on the face, compressed inside the mask body, or bent, so that the storage area should be invisible or at least less visible.

[0030] One aspect of the present invention is an inhalation assembly comprising an inhalation mask and an inhalation system. The inhalation system may be a system configured to provide a drug, gas or aerosol. The inhalation system preferably includes a metered dose inhaler, a chamber, a spacer, a nebulizer, an atomizer, a jet nebulizer or a vibrating mesh nebulizer.

[0031] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for using an inhalation mask. The method includes pressing the inhalation mask against the face such that the nose, mouth, or both are surrounded by a seal lip, and adjusting the pressure by looking at an identification part such that the storage area is deformed so as not to be visible from the outside of the mask, or the remaining area remains visible while losing contact with the surrounding environment outside the mask, or comes into contact with the surrounding environment.

[0032] By gazing at the identification part, the caregiver may increase the pressure when confirming that the storage area is still visible. On the other hand, the user may decrease the pressure when confirming that the remaining area is not completely visible. It is possible to confirm it when the remaining area is in contact with the surrounding environment.

[0033] In one embodiment, the identification part preferably comprises a deformation indicator or a sealing indicator located on a flexible lip. The deformation indicator or the sealing indicator indicates the correct position by visualizing the deformation of the lip for the caregiver or the parent. The inhalation mask may comprise a flexible and deformable component for visualizing the deformation process. The required position is marked on the lip.

[0034] The sealing indicator can assist in visualizing the deformation process required to achieve a high level of sealing by means of a circumferential marking on the lip that disappears by compressing the lip, so that the caregiver or the parent can apply the mask with the correct force.

[0035] Embodiments of the identification part include color markings, symbols, knobs, recesses, grooves, or lines. The recess or knob may be realized as a bubble. Furthermore, it is proposed to use geometric shapes that can be pressed together to form a figure or contour defined in an exact position. For example, a surface texture such as an eroded structure can also be used as the identification part.

[0036] In one embodiment, the identification part includes a marking or surface structure that shows a symbol when the inhalation mask is correctly pressed against the face. This can be realized by structures or markings that are spaced apart from each other when the seal is not under stress. When stress is applied to the seal, the structures or markings can move closer to each other, and as a result, a symbol is created.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the seal lip curls towards the inside of the mask when pressure is applied, and the mask contacts the face. When the seal lip is engaged, first the storage area is engaged. As the mask is further pressed against the face, the remaining area also begins to be engaged. The storage area and the remaining area can be curled towards the inside of the mask when pressure is applied accordingly. Ideally, when the pressure is applied correctly, the storage area is fully engaged and the remaining area is not engaged at all.

[0038] In one embodiment, the degree of engagement correlates with the pressure used to press the mask against the face. The seal lip can be engaged more with a higher pressure and less with a lower pressure. The pressure required to engage the storage area may be less than the pressure required to engage the remaining area. The pressure may increase continuously with the movement in the direction of the face. In one embodiment, the remaining area is more rigid than the storage area. In this embodiment, when the remaining area begins to be engaged, the pressure increases rapidly.

[0039] The seal lip is preferably made of one material with no difference in material between the storage area and the remaining area. Part or all of the mask may be fluorinated. It is preferable that there is no coating.

[0040] In one embodiment, there is no additional material in a corrugated or wavy shape on the seal lip so that the deformable part can closely fit around the face, particularly around the nose.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0042] FIG. 1 shows an inhalation mask 1 having a mask body 2, a port 3 connectable to an inhalation system, an opening 4, and a circumferential seal lip 5 disposed at the opening 4. The circumferential seal lip 5 is for applying the mask to the user's face. This figure shows a storage area 6 and the remaining area 7.

[0043] When the mask 1 is pressed against the face with an appropriate force, the storage area 6 becomes invisible to the user. The storage area 6 is placed on or compressed against the face so as not to be visible from the outside. The remaining area 7 remains visible in this state.

[0044] The line between the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7 is an identification part 8 that enables the user to distinguish the storage area 6 from the remaining area 7. By doing so, the user can see whether the pressing force is appropriate or whether the user has to increase or decrease the pressing force. The user can optimize the pressing force to create a good seal between the mask 1 and the face.

[0045] Figure 1a shows an embodiment of the identification part 8 shown in Figure 1. Here, the identification part 8 is realized by a surface structure formed on the storage area 6. In this case, the surface structure shows a wavy shape. Figure 1b shows an embodiment of the identification part 8 shown in Figure 1. The identification part 8 is similarly realized by a surface structure formed in the storage area 6. In this embodiment, the surface structure shows the shape of bubbles.

[0046] Figure 1c shows the identification part 8 realized by the difference in color between the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7. Figure 1d shows the identification part 8 formed by a line, rib, groove or notch arranged between the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7.

[0047] There are more options available to enable the user to distinguish between the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7, such as different roughnesses or gloss finishes of the areas. Coloring can be provided only in some areas of the identification part 8, for example, such that stripes or dots appear in the areas of the identification part 8. It is also possible to provide different surface structures or textures. The storage area 6 or the remaining area 7 may be transparent. Of course, it is possible to combine several options.

[0048] Figure 2 shows an inhalation mask 1 similar to the mask shown in Figure 1, and the identification part 8 is arranged on the storage area 6 at a distance from the seal boundary 9. When the mask 1 is pressed against the face with an appropriate force, the identification part 8 can no longer be seen by the user. The identification part 8 is placed on or compressed by the face so as not to be visible from the outside. When the user places the mask 1 on the face and starts to increase the pressure, first, the storage area 6 without the identification part 8 disappears. Then, when the pressure is further increased, the area with the identification part 8 disappears. Therefore, the user can know that they are approaching the optimized pressure when the area with the identification part 8 starts to disappear. The user can know that the required pressure increase is very small. Therefore, from this point, the user can avoid causing discomfort to the patient by acting more carefully.

[0049] Figure 2a shows an embodiment of the identification part 8 shown in Figure 2. Here, the identification part 8 is realized by a surface structure formed on a section of the storage area 6 adjacent to the remaining area 7. In this case, the surface structure shows a wave shape.

[0050] Figure 2b shows an embodiment of the identification part 8 similar to the identification part 8 shown in Figure 2a. Here, the identification part 8 is realized by a surface structure showing bubbles. The bubbles cover a wide area around the contact area between the storage area and the remaining area. In this way, the transition area for the appropriate pressure is marked. The user can more easily adjust the pressure according to the transition area and avoid stress by trying to apply the ideal pressure.

[0051] Figure 2c shows an embodiment of the identification part 8 similar to the identification part 8 shown in Figure 2a and Figure 2b. Here, the identification part 8 is realized by the different colors of the identification part. Figure 2d shows the identification part 8 arranged in the same area as the identification part 8 shown in Figure 2a, Figure 2b, and Figure 2c. Here, the identification part 8 is realized by several lines or small ribs.

[0052] It is possible to provide the identification part 8 as shown in Fig. 2 in slightly different areas. The identification part 8 may be arranged in the remaining area 7 close to the storage area 6. In this way, a special structure or color is provided only in a part of the remaining area 7.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows an inhalation mask 1 similar to the mask shown in Figs. 1 and 2, in which the identification part 8 is arranged in the remaining area 7. When the mask 1 is pressed against the face with an appropriate force, the user can fully see the identification part 8. The unmarked storage area 6 is placed or compressed on the face so as not to be visible from the outside. When the user places the mask 1 on the face and starts to increase the pressure, the storage area 6 without the identification part 8 disappears.

[0054] Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c show embodiments of the identification part 8, such as a wavy or bubbly and colored surface structure. Fig. 4 shows an inhalation mask 1 similar to the mask shown in Fig. 1. The difference between the inhalation mask 1 shown in Fig. 1 and the inhalation mask 1 shown in Fig. 4 lies in the configuration of the circumferential seal lip 5. The seal lip 5 shown in Fig. 1 mainly has a flat contour, and the seal lip 5 shown in Fig. 4 shows a contour adapted to the face. The seal lip 5 provides a space for the nose and jowls. The seal lip 5 is thicker between the ears and around the nose and jowls, and thinner around the nose and jowls. Therefore, it provides a better sealing ability than the mask 1 shown in Fig. 1. The storage area 6 has the same thickness in all areas. The remaining area 7 is thinner around the nose and jowls than in other areas. It is possible to allocate the sealing material to the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7 in other ways. For example, the thickness of the remaining area 7 may be the same in all sections, and the thickness of the storage area 6 may be adapted to the contour of the face. It is also possible to adapt both areas to the contour of the face.

[0055] Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d show different embodiments of the identification part 8 as shown in Figures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. As shown in the description of Figures 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, there may be many options for marking the identification part 8. Waves and bubbles on the surface structure, coloring, and lines or ribs are merely examples.

[0056] Figure 5 shows an inhalation mask 1 such as the mask shown in Figure 3. The difference between the inhalation mask 1 shown in Figure 3 and the inhalation mask 1 shown in Figure 5 lies in the configuration of the circumferential seal lip 5. The seal lip 5 is formed in the same manner as the seal lip 5 shown in Figure 4. The identification part 8 is arranged in the remaining area 7 in the same manner as the mask 1 shown in Figure 3.

[0057] Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c show different embodiments of the identification part 8 that can be used with the mask 1 shown in Figure 5. These embodiments are equivalent to the embodiments described in Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c. These embodiments are examples. As described above, there can be many embodiments for the identification part 8.

[0058] Figure 6 shows a side view of a mask 1 such as the mask 1 shown in Figure 3, having an embodiment of the identification part 8 as shown in Figure 3a. The identification part 8 marks the remaining area 7. Adjacent to the identification part 8, there is a storage area 6. The identification part 8 is a marking for the visualization of the deformation locus or deformation path. The identification part 8 indicates to what extent the inhalation mask 1 has to be deformed to provide a good seal.

[0059] Figure 7 shows the mask 1 shown in Figure 6 being pressed against the face 9 at an optimized pressure. The mask is deformed and the storage area 6 is not visible. The mask is placed on or compressed against the face 9. In this state, the mask 1 shows a good sealing state and does not harm the patient. The user pressing the mask 1 on the face 9 obtains feedback regarding the pressing force. The user can adjust the pressure accordingly by seeing to what extent the material of the seal lip 5 should disappear.

[0060] Figure 8 shows a side view of the mask 1 similar to the mask 1 shown in FIG. 6. The difference between the two masks 1 is that FIG. 8 shows the seal lip 5 adapted to the contour of the face. The mask with the adapted contour is described in FIGS. 4 and 5. Embodiments of the identification part 8 are described using FIG. 5a.

[0061] Figure 9 shows the mask 1 shown in FIG. 8 pressed against the face 9 with optimized pressure. The difference from the situation shown in FIG. 7 is that the contour of the remaining area 7 is adapted to the face 9 in a better way.

[0062] Figure 10 shows a side view of the mask 1 similar to the mask 1 shown in FIG. 8. The difference from the mask 1 shown in FIG. 8 is that the identification part 8 is arranged in the storage area 6 instead of the remaining area 7. Another difference is that the identification part 8 is realized by a bubble shape instead of a wave shape.

[0063] Figure 11 shows the mask 1 shown in FIG. 10 pressed against the face 9 with optimized pressure. The identification part 8 on the storage area 6 can no longer be seen from the outside. Figure 12 shows an inhalation assembly 11 comprising a mask 1, a chamber 12, and a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) 13. When activated, the MDI 13 releases an aerosol into the chamber 12. The chamber 12 is attached to the mask 1 that can be applied to the patient's face so that the patient can inhale the aerosol.

[0064] Figure 13 shows an inhalation assembly 11 comprising a mask 1 and an inhalation system 14. The inhalation system 14 may include a nebulizer such as a jet nebulizer, a vibrating membrane nebulizer, or any other inhalation system 14. The inhalation system 14 is attached to the mask 1 that can be applied to the patient's face so that the patient can inhale a drug, gas, aerosol, or whatever the inhalation system 14 provides.

[0065] Figure 14 shows an inhalation assembly 11 that includes a mask 1 and a nebulizer 15. In this example, the nebulizer 15 is a jet nebulizer.

Description of Signs

[0066] 1 Mask 2 Mask body 3 Port 4 Opening 5 Seal lip 6 Storage area 7 Remaining area 8 Identification part 9 Face 11 Inhalation assembly 12 Chamber 13 MDI 14 Inhalation system 15 Nebulizer

Claims

1. An inhalation mask (1) for an inhalation system (14), comprising: a mask body (2) having a port (3) connectable to the inhalation system (14); an opening (4) having a sealing lip (5), the sealing lip (5) being equipped for joining to the face (9) such that the nose, mouth, or both are surrounded by the sealing lip (5), the sealing lip (5) comprising a storage area (6) and a remaining area (7) disposed adjacent to the storage area (6); in a sealed position, the storage area (6) exhibits one or more of being placed on the face, being compressed, or being bent inwardly of the inhalation mask (1) in at least one section; The inhalation mask (1) is provided with an identification part (8) that differentiates the storage area (6) from the remaining area (7).

2. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification part (8) comprises two different materials.

3. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the identification part (8) comprises a first color for the storage area (6) and a different color for the remaining area (7).

4. The inhalation mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the identification part (8) comprises a marking or a surface structure.

5. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the marking or the surface structure comprises several elements.

6. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the marking or the surface structure is provided at least to some extent on the remaining area (7), and the dimensions of the elements are related to the distance of the elements to the storage area (6).

7. The inhalation mask (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the surface structure comprises ribs, notches or grooves.

8. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the identification part (8) is not visible from the outside of the mask body (2) when the mask (1) is pressed against the face (9) in the correct manner.

9. An inhalation assembly (11) comprising the inhalation mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an inhalation system (14).

10. A method for using the inhalation mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: pressing the inhalation mask (1) against the face (9) such that the nose, mouth, or both are surrounded by the seal lip (5); adjusting the pressure by viewing the identification part (8) such that the storage area (6) becomes invisible from the outside of the inhalation mask (1) or loses contact with the surrounding environment outside the mask, and such that the remaining area (7) remains visible or in contact with the surrounding environment, and the storage area (6) is deformed.

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