Comfortable sleep induction device

Abstract

To provide a comfortable sleep induction device that can bring users into a comfortable sleep state. [Solution] The comfortable sleep induction device 1 used during sleep includes a main body 2 that is attached to the user's face so as to cover at least the mouth, and a steam generator 3 that holds a liquid mainly composed of water, the steam generator 3 being equipped on the main body 2 and the heating element 4 being equipped on the main body 2 to heat the liquid held by the steam generator 3, and the steam generated by the evaporation of the water content of the liquid is supplied to the user's mouth.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleep induction device that provides a comfortable sleep state to the user, and more particularly to a sleep induction device of the type that emits steam. [Background technology]

[0002] During sleep, the mouth and throat tend to dry out because there is no swallowing of food, drink, or saliva. Furthermore, the air is dry in winter, and even outside of winter, the use of air conditioners dries out the air, making the mouth and throat prone to dryness. This dryness can lead to thirst, discomfort, or pain in the mouth and throat, disrupting comfortable sleep.

[0003] Traditionally, a common measure against dryness is to increase the humidity of the entire room using a humidifier. However, using a humidifier for extended periods can lead to excessive humidity, causing problems such as condensation on windows and dampness in furniture and bedding. Another conventional measure against dryness is to wear a mask while sleeping (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Wearing a mask allows the vapor in the user's exhaled breath to circulate within the mask, creating a locally humidified environment inside the mask, thus suppressing dryness of the mouth and throat. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-010377 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, simply wearing a mask is not sufficient to provide users with a comfortable sleep state, as it does not supply a large amount of steam to the mouth and throat, nor does it raise the temperature of the steam.

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a comfortable sleep induction device that can bring a comfortable sleep state to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a comfortable sleep induction device used during sleep. The comfortable sleep induction device of the present invention comprises a main body that is attached to the user's face so as to cover at least the mouth, and a vapor generator that holds a liquid mainly composed of water, the vapor generator being equipped on the main body, and a heating element being equipped on the main body for heating the liquid held by the vapor generator, and is characterized in that it supplies vapor generated by the evaporation of the water content of the liquid to the user's mouth.

[0008] Preferably, the comfortable sleep induction device of the present invention can be configured such that the vapor generator houses a water bag containing the liquid inside, the water bag can be opened by pressure to release the liquid, and the vapor generator retains the liquid by releasing it from the water bag.

[0009] Furthermore, in the comfortable sleep induction device of the present invention, the vapor generator is preferably formed using a main sheet that is impermeable to water, yet permeable to moisture and breathable, and is capable of holding the liquid that has leaked out of the water bag inside, while allowing vapor generated by the evaporation of the water content of the liquid to pass through.

[0010] Furthermore, in the comfortable sleep induction device of the present invention, the steam generator can preferably be configured to be breathable and capable of absorbing the liquid that flows out of the water bag.

[0011] Also, in the comfortable sleep inducer of the present invention, preferably, the main body is composed of a laminate of at least three sheets including a first sheet, a second sheet, and a third sheet. A first storage portion is formed between the first sheet and the second sheet, and a second storage portion is formed between the second sheet and the third sheet. The vapor generator and the heating element are separately stored in the first storage portion and the second storage portion, and can be configured to be characterized in this way.

[0012] Also, in the comfortable sleep inducer of the present invention, preferably, the vapor generator and the heating element are equipped on the main body so as to be positioned in the order of the vapor generator and the heating element from the face side of the user. It can be configured to be characterized in this way.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the comfortable sleep inducer of the present invention, a comfortable sleep state can be brought to the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a rear view of the comfortable sleep inducer. [Figure 2] FIG. shows a plan view of the comfortable sleep inducer. [Figure 3] FIG. shows a front view of the comfortable sleep inducer. [Figure 4] (A) shows the state where the comfortable sleep inducer is folded in half with the width center line as the fold, and (B) is a view in which a part of (A) is broken. [Figure 5] (A) shows a front view of the vapor generator, and (B) is an A - A cross - sectional view of (A). [Figure 6] (A) shows a front view of the heating element, and (B) is an A - A cross - sectional view of (A). [Figure 7] FIGS. 7(A) to (C) show modified examples of the shape of the lower part of the article equipped on the main body. [Figure 8] FIGS. 8(A) to (C) show modified examples of the shape of the upper part of the article equipped on the main body. [Figure 9]Figure 9 illustrates how to use the sleep-inducing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Explanation of the overall configuration of the comfortable sleep induction device. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the comfortable sleep induction device of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figures 1 to 4 show the external appearance of the comfortable sleep induction device 1 of this embodiment. The comfortable sleep induction device 1 includes a mask-type main body 2 worn on the user's face, a steam generator 3 that supplies steam to the user's mouth and throat, a heating element 4 that heats the water-containing liquid contained in the steam generator 3, and a pair of ear loops 5 that are placed over the user's left and right ears to hold the main body 1 on the face. The pair of ear loops 5 are provided at the left and right ends of the main body 2.

[0016] The comfortable sleep inducer 1 of this embodiment has a humidifying function, and a steam generator 3 containing water-containing liquid and a heating element 4 capable of generating heat are equipped on the main body 2. When the comfortable sleep inducer 1 is worn, the water content in the liquid of the steam generator 3 is turned into steam by the heating of the heating element 4 and supplied to the user's mouth and throat, thereby suppressing dryness of the mouth and throat.

[0017] In this disclosure, the "left-right" direction refers to the direction relative to the user wearing the comfort sleep induction device 1. The direction perpendicular to the left-right direction (vertical direction in Figures 1 and 3) is defined as the up-down direction. The length in the left-right direction is defined as the width, and the length in the up-down direction is defined as the height.

[0018] Product Description As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the main body 2 is sized to cover at least the mouth of the user's face. In this embodiment, the main body 2 is sized to cover the area below the eyes, particularly the nose and mouth. The main body 2 has a bilaterally symmetrical shape with respect to a width center line H located in the center in the left-right direction. When the main body 2 is folded in half along the width center line H (see Figure 4), the width center line H curves convexly in the direction away from the pair of ear hooks 5. As a result, when the folded main body 2 is unfolded and worn on the face, the main body 2 takes on a three-dimensional shape, and a space is formed between the mouth and nostrils and the main body 2 in the central part of the main body 2 in the left-right direction.

[0019] The upper and lower edges of the main body 2 are inclined diagonally downward and diagonally upward, respectively, so that the vertical width gradually narrows from the center outwards (left and right sides) in the left-right direction. The left and right side edges of the main body 2 have a shape in which the central part in the vertical direction forms a concave recess 20, and a pair of protrusions 21 are provided so as to sandwich the recess 20 between them. The ear hooks 5 are attached so as to connect this pair of protrusions 21.

[0020] The main body 2 is composed of a laminate of three sheets 6 to 8. The first sheet 6 is placed on the outermost side, furthest from the user's face, the third sheet 8 is placed on the innermost side, facing the user's face, and the second sheet 7 is placed in the middle between the first sheet 6 and the third sheet 8. In other words, the sheets are positioned in the order of first sheet 6, second sheet 7, and third sheet 8, furthest from the user's face. The three sheets 6 to 8 are joined at a predetermined width along their outer edges, except for the upper edge or a portion of the upper edge, using known methods such as adhesive bonding, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, or sewing, and are also joined along the width center line H from the upper edge to the lower edge at a predetermined width, thereby forming the main body 2.

[0021] In the main body 2, three sheets 6 to 8 are stacked on top of each other to form bag-shaped storage sections 22 and 23 capable of accommodating flat-shaped articles between two adjacent sheets. Specifically, the first storage section 22 is formed between the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7, and the second storage section 23 is formed between the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right first storage sections 22 and a pair of left and right second storage sections 23 are formed in the main body 2 with the width center line H in between.

[0022] The second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 are formed to the same shape and size, and their outlines form the outline of the main body 2. In contrast, the outermost first sheet 6 is formed to the same shape and size as the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8, except for a portion. The first sheet 6 follows the upper edges of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 in a portion of its upper edge's width center line H, but in the remaining portion it does not follow the upper edges of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8, but slopes downward at a steeper angle than those upper edges, and is located approximately in the center of the height direction of the left and right side edges of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8, thus differing in shape from the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8.

[0023] The second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 are not joined to each other in a portion of their upper edges from the width center line H, and a second opening 25 is formed in this unjoined portion. The second storage section 23 allows articles to be loaded into the main body 2 from the second opening 25, and articles are loaded into and out of the second storage section 23 in the vertical direction through the second opening 25. In order to store articles in the second storage section 23, it is necessary to widen the second opening 25 and open the second storage section 23, and the user can widen the second opening 25 by rubbing the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 together with their fingers to separate their upper edges.

[0024] The first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7 have their upper edges not joined to each other, so a first opening 24 is formed at the non-joined portion. The first storage section 22 allows other articles to be loaded into the main body 2 to be inserted into and removed from the first opening 24. Because the upper edge of the first sheet 6 is steeply sloped downwards, articles are inserted into and removed from the first storage section 22 through the first opening 24 in an oblique vertical direction relative to the vertical direction. In order to store articles in the first storage section 22, it is necessary to widen the first opening 24 and open the first storage section 22. The user can widen the first opening 24 by using their fingers to rub the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7 together to separate their upper edges. In this embodiment, the upper edge of the first sheet 6 does not follow the upper edge of the second sheet 7 and is steeper and sloped downwards than the upper edge of the second sheet 7, so it is easy for the user to hook their fingers onto the upper edge of the first sheet 6. Therefore, the user may widen the first opening 24 by hooking their fingers onto the upper edge of the first sheet 6 and separating it from the upper edge of the second sheet 7.

[0025] In this embodiment, a pair of left and right first openings 24 are formed in the main body 2 corresponding to a pair of left and right first storage sections 22, with the width center line H in between, and a pair of left and right second openings 25 are formed in the main body 2 corresponding to a pair of left and right second storage sections 23, with the width center line H in between.

[0026] The first housing section 22 houses the heating element 4. On the other hand, the second housing section 23 houses the steam generator 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the steam generator 3 and the heating element 4 are housed in separate housing sections 22 and 23 of the main body 2, and are mounted on the main body 2 so that the steam generator 3 and the heating element 4 are positioned in that order from the user's face side. When the comfortable sleep induction device 1 is worn, the steam generator 3 is positioned close to the user's face so that the steam emitted from the steam generator 3 can be effectively supplied to the user's mouth and throat. Furthermore, since the heating element 4 is mounted on the main body 2 such that the steam generator 3 is interposed between it and the user's face, the heating element 4 does not directly touch the user's face when the comfortable sleep induction device 1 is worn, so the user does not get burned or feel uncomfortable by the heating element 4.

[0027] The main body 2 is provided with a joint 26 for holding the steam generator 3 and heating element 4 in the housing sections 22 and 23 in predetermined positions. The joint 26 is formed by linearly joining three sheets 6 to 8 using known methods such as adhesive bonding, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, or sewing. The joint 26 is not particularly limited, but it consists of a first portion 26A extending in the left-right direction and a second portion 26B extending in the up-down direction at the outer end of the first portion 26A (the side furthest from the width center line H). The first portion 26A has a curved shape (e.g., an arc shape) that curves downward convexly, except for a portion from the end on the second portion 26B side. The portion of the first portion 26A from the end on the second portion 26B side and the second portion 26B are in a straight line, and together they form an L shape. This joint 26 restricts the steam generator 3 and heat-generating element 4 housed in the housing sections 22 and 23 from moving from their initial positions within the housing sections 22 and 23, or from changing their initial orientation.

[0028] The three sheets 6-8 are made of a breathable material, and the main body 2 as a whole is breathable. The third sheet 8 is made of a moisture-permeable material so that the steam emitted from the steam generator 3 in the second containment section 23 can pass through the third sheet 8 and be supplied to the user's mouth and throat. The moisture permeability of the third sheet 8 is not particularly limited; it is sufficient that the steam emitted from the steam generator 3 can pass through the third sheet 8. Generally, breathable sheets also have moisture permeability.

[0029] The three sheets 6-8 can be made of sheet-like fibers, such as woven or nonwoven fabrics, although this is not particularly limited. Among these, nonwoven fabrics are preferred. The fiber materials for the woven and nonwoven fabrics are not particularly limited, but examples include natural fibers such as paper and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and nylon; and mixed fibers thereof. Among these, polypropylene and polyethylene are preferred from the viewpoint of productivity, polypropylene is preferred from the viewpoint of shape retention of the main body 2, and nylon is preferred from the viewpoint of the feel of the main body 2 against the user's skin.

[0030] When nonwoven fabric is used for the three sheets 6-8, there are no particular limitations, but for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, thermal bond nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, etc. can be used. Among these, spunbond nonwoven fabric can be preferably used from the viewpoint of maintaining the shape of the main body 2, from the viewpoint of the feel of the main body 2 against the user's skin, and from the viewpoint of the cutting performance of the main body 2 against pollen, viruses, etc., meltblown nonwoven fabric can be preferably used. Each of the three sheets 6-8 can have a single-layer structure or a laminated structure of two or more layers.

[0031] Of the three sheets 6 to 8, the outermost first sheet 6 has an average surface friction coefficient (MIU) of 0.14 or higher on the side facing the first housing portion 22 (the side facing the adjacent second sheet 7), although this is not particularly limited, and preferably 0.15 or higher. The average surface friction coefficient of the first sheet 6 on the side opposite to the side facing the first housing portion 22 is also not particularly limited, but is 0.14 or higher, and preferably 0.15 or higher.

[0032] The innermost third sheet 8 is not particularly limited, but the average surface friction coefficient of the side facing the second housing portion 23 (the side facing the adjacent second sheet 7) is 0.14 or higher, preferably 0.15 or higher. The average surface friction coefficient of the side of the third sheet 8 opposite to the side facing the second housing portion 23 is not particularly limited, but is 0.14 or higher, preferably 0.15 or higher.

[0033] The intermediate second sheet 7 is not particularly limited, but the average surface friction coefficient of the side facing the first housing portion 22 (the side facing the adjacent first sheet 6) is less than 0.14, preferably 0.13 or less, and more preferably 0.12 or less. The average surface friction coefficient of the side of the second sheet 7 facing the second housing portion 23 (the side facing the adjacent third sheet 8) is not particularly limited, but is less than 0.14, preferably 0.13 or less, and more preferably 0.12 or less.

[0034] In other words, for the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7 that form the first housing section 21, it is preferable that the average surface friction coefficient of the opposing surfaces is set to 0.14 or higher on the first sheet 6 side and less than 0.14 on the second sheet 7 side. Furthermore, it is preferable that the average surface friction coefficient of the first sheet 6 is also 0.14 or higher on the surface opposite to the surface facing the second sheet 7. Also, for the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 that form the second housing section 22, it is preferable that the average surface friction coefficient of the opposing surfaces is set to less than 0.14 on the second sheet 7 side and 0.14 or higher on the third sheet 8 side. Furthermore, it is preferable that the average surface friction coefficient of the third sheet 8 is also 0.14 or higher on the surface opposite to the surface facing the second sheet 7.

[0035] The average surface friction coefficient is an indicator of the texture of a sheet; the smaller the value, the smoother and more comfortable the surface feels, while the larger the value, the rougher and more resistant the surface feels.

[0036] Here, when sheets with a high average surface friction coefficient are rubbed together, the two sheets intertwine and do not easily slide because the opposing surfaces of the two sheets are uneven, and the two sheets do not easily separate even when rubbed together. In contrast, according to the findings of the present inventor, for the two sheets 6,7 and 7,8 to be rubbed together, by setting the average surface friction coefficient of the two opposing surfaces of each sheet to 0.14 or higher, and the average surface friction coefficient of the other surface to less than 0.14, the two sheets 6,7 and 7,8 can easily slide apart when rubbed together. Therefore, the openings 24 and 25 for inserting articles into the storage portions 22 and 23 formed between the two adjacent sheets 6,7 and 7,8 can be easily widened.

[0037] Furthermore, when rubbing sheets with a low average surface friction coefficient together, the surfaces on which the user's fingers touch (the surfaces opposite each other) are smooth, making it difficult to separate the two sheets if the user's fingers are dry, as they tend to slip. In contrast, with the two sheets 6,7 and 7,8 being rubbed together, both sides of one of the sheets 6,8 have an average surface friction coefficient of 0.14 or higher. This makes it difficult for the user's fingers to slip against one of the sheets 6,8 when rubbing the two sheets 6,7 and 7,8 together to widen the openings 24,25. Therefore, the two sheets 6,7 and 7,8 can be reliably rubbed together and shifted apart.

[0038] Note that the average surface friction coefficient is for when the sheets are dry, and refers to the average surface friction coefficient of each sheet 6-8 when they are in a dry state before steam is generated in the main unit 2 (before use).

[0039] The average surface friction coefficient can be measured by the following method. Specifically, 6 to 8 test pieces are prepared for each sheet, and the average surface friction coefficient of each test piece is measured using a surface friction coefficient measuring instrument (KES-FB4-AUTO-A) manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd. The size of the test piece is 30 mm in length and 270 mm in width, and the measurement conditions are a standard friction element (fingerprint type) and a friction load of 25 gf / cm². 2 The measurement sensitivity is set to L (high sensitivity 100g / V). Other conditions such as friction distance and friction speed are as specified in the instrument specifications (friction distance 30mm, analysis distance 20mm, sample movement speed 1mm / sec). The average surface friction coefficient is the average value of the friction coefficient of the test specimen surface measured over an analysis distance of 20mm.

[0040] In order to satisfy the above-mentioned average surface friction coefficient and for each of the main body 2 to perform its respective function, the outermost first sheet 6 can preferably be made of air-through nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of moisturizing, the intermediate second sheet 7 can preferably be made of spunbond nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of shape retention, and the innermost third sheet 8 can preferably be made of spunbond nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of skin feel and wetness.

[0041] In this embodiment, the main body 2 is composed of three sheets 6 to 8, but it may also be a structure in which one or more sheets are laminated together.

[0042] Description of the overall structure of the steam generator Next, as shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the steam generator 3 is a sealed, thin, flattened bag-like structure containing a water bag 9. The water bag 9 can be opened, for example, by applying pressure, allowing the liquid to flow out. The steam generator 3 holds the liquid that has flowed out of the water bag 9 and can generate steam through the evaporation of the water content of the liquid it holds. The steam generated in the steam generator 3 is supplied to the user's mouth and throat by permeating through the third sheet 8 of the main body 2. In this embodiment, the steam generator 3 is capable of holding the liquid that has flowed out of the water bag 9, and the steam generated by the evaporation of the water content of the liquid held inside can permeate to the outside.

[0043] Water bag explanation The water bag 9 is a sealed bag containing a liquid primarily composed of water. The material used to form the water bag 9 is not particularly limited as long as it prevents the enclosed liquid, such as water, from leaking or seeping out. Conventionally known impermeable and non-permeable (non-breathable) bags can be used. Note that impermeability includes both low water permeability (where water does not easily pass through) and non-permeable (where water does not pass through at all).

[0044] The liquid sealed inside the water bag 9 may be water only, but it is preferable to have water as the main component (for example, 50% or more by weight) with other components added. Examples of other components include polyols. While not particularly limited, examples of polyols include glycerin, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, etc., and more preferably glycerin is given for safety reasons. In addition to these, preservatives such as methylparaben and phenoxyethanol; humectants such as hyaluronic acid and betaine; plant extracts; water-soluble thickeners such as xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), agar, guar gum, and carrageenan; fragrances such as eucalyptus and mint; and surfactants that solubilize fragrances (nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, anionic surfactants), etc., can be appropriately added to the water as other components.

[0045] The amount of liquid sealed in the water bag 9 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably an amount that can supply a sufficient amount of steam to the user for a long period of time, such as during sleep. For example, it is preferably 2g or more, and more preferably 4g or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of preventing the comfort of using the comfort sleep inducer 1 from being reduced by the weight of the liquid when wearing the comfort sleep inducer 1, the amount of liquid is preferably 7g or less, and more preferably 5g or less.

[0046] The viscosity of the liquid sealed in the water bag 9 is not particularly limited, but according to the findings of the present inventors, as the viscosity of the liquid increases, the amount of steam that is generated by the evaporation of water content in the liquid within the steam generator 3 and permeates through the steam generator 3 (permeation rate) tends to increase. Therefore, the higher the viscosity of the liquid, the more steam can be supplied to the user, so the viscosity at 25°C is preferably 40 mPa·s or higher, more preferably 1000 mPa·s or higher, and even more preferably 1500 mPa·s or higher. On the other hand, if the viscosity of the liquid is too high, it may become difficult for the liquid to flow out of the water bag 9 into the steam generator 3 when the water bag 9 is opened, and the amount of steam permeation tends to decrease when the viscosity of the liquid exceeds a certain peak, so the viscosity of the liquid is preferably 4000 mPa·s or less, and more preferably 2500 mPa·s or less.

[0047] By setting the viscosity of the liquid to between 40 mPa·s and 4000 mPa·s, further between 1000 mPa·s and 2500 mPa·s, and further between 1500 mPa·s and 2000 mPa·s, the amount of vapor that permeates through the vapor generator 3 per unit time, that is, the amount (g / h) per unit time at 25°C that is released from the vapor generator 3 as vapor due to evaporation of the water content of the liquid inside the vapor generator 3, can be sufficiently increased, making it possible to make the user feel a large amount of vapor when wearing the comfortable sleep induction device 1.

[0048] When measuring the viscosity of a liquid in the range of less than 1000 mPa·s, it is measured using a Type B viscometer (TV-10 model, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with a SPINDLE No. M2 rotor at a rotation speed of 30 rpm at 25°C. When measuring the viscosity in the range of 1000 mPa·s or more and less than 2500 mPa·s, it is measured using a Type B viscometer (TV-10 model, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with a SPINDLE No. M2 rotor at a rotation speed of 12 rpm at 25°C. When measuring the viscosity in the range of 2500 mPa·s or more and less than 10000 mPa·s, it is measured using a SPINDLE No. M3 rotor at a rotation speed of 12 rpm at 25°C. When measuring the viscosity in the range of 10000 mPa·s or more and less than 20000 mPa·s, it is measured using a SPINDLE No. M4 rotor at a rotation speed of 12 rpm at 25°C.

[0049] The water bag 9 is designed to open when subjected to pressure, allowing the liquid sealed inside to flow out to the outside (into the steam generator 3). Here, pressure refers to a force sufficient to apply pressure to the steam generator 3 while the user holds the steam generator 3 containing the water bag 9 between one or both hands. Various conventionally known structures can be used for the above-mentioned structure, such as providing an easily breakable line in the water bag 9 so that at least a part of the water bag 9 ruptures when subjected to pressure, or providing a part of the seal portion 90 (shown in Figure 5(B)) on the outer edge of the water bag 9 so that at least a part of the seal portion 90 is damaged by the liquid pressure when subjected to pressure.

[0050] Detailed description of the steam generator The external shape of the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably symmetrical and can be various shapes such as square, rectangular, circular, or elliptical. The size of the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, but the horizontal length can be 55 mm or more and 80 mm or less, and the vertical length can be 55 mm or more and 80 mm or less.

[0051] Preferably, the steam generator 3 is formed so that its lower end tapers in the direction in which it is inserted into the second housing section 23 of the main body 2 via the second opening 25, that is, in the state where it is housed in the second housing section 23. In this embodiment, the steam generator 3 is inserted vertically into the second housing section 23 via the second opening 25, with the vertical direction shown in Figure 5(A) as the up and down direction, so its lower edge 33 side is on the lower side in the direction of insertion. Therefore, the ends 33A connected to the left and right side edges 34, 35 of the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3 are arc-shaped, and as a result, the lower part of the steam generator 3 has a tapered shape. The tip of the lower part of the steam generator 3, that is, the part between the ends 33A of the lower edge of the steam generator 3, is a horizontal straight line. The arc shape of the ends 33A of the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3 described above is a significantly curved shape with a radius of curvature of 18 mm or more, and is different from a shape that is simply slightly rounded by chamfering the corners.

[0052] To make the lower part of the steam generator 3 tapered, the example shown in Figure 5(A) is not the only way to achieve this. For example, as shown in Figures 7(A) and 7(B), the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3 may be inclined in a straight line at both ends 33A or at one end 33A, so that the lower part of the steam generator 3 protrudes downwards, creating a trapezoidal shape.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(C), the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3 may be tapered overall, including the tip, to create a tapered lower section of the steam generator 3. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 7(C), the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3 may be made V-shaped, creating a triangular shape with the lower section of the steam generator 3 protruding downwards. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7(B), instead of only one end portion 33A of the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3 being inclined in a straight line, the entire lower edge 33 may be inclined in a straight line to create a triangular shape with the lower section of the steam generator 3 protruding downwards. Alternatively, the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3 may be made arc-shaped or elliptical arc-shaped, creating a semicircular or semi-elliptical shape with the lower section of the steam generator 3 protruding downwards. If the lower section of the steam generator 3 is made triangular with the lower section protruding downwards, for example, as shown in Figure 7(C), the tip of the lower section of the steam generator 3 may be chamfered to give it a slightly rounded shape, or, although not shown in the illustration, the tip may not be chamfered.

[0054] The tapered lower part of the steam generator 3 makes it easier to insert the steam generator 3 into the second housing section 23 of the main body 2 from below, as the lower part of the steam generator 3 is less likely to get caught on the main body 2. To facilitate insertion of the steam generator 3 into the second housing section 23, it is preferable that the tip of the lower part of the steam generator 3 is smooth and without sharp corners, as shown in Figures 5 and 7(C). The left and right side edges 33 and 34 of the steam generator 3 connect the upper edge 36 and the lower edge 33 without creating any right angles or sharp angles pointing downwards in between.

[0055] The steam generator 3 is inserted into and removed from the second housing section 23 of the main body 2 along the vertical direction. When housed in the second housing section 23, the steam generator 3 is oriented vertically with its lower edge 33 pointing almost directly downwards, and as shown in Figure 4(A), the axis P1, which forms the axis of the symmetrical shape, is oriented vertically. At this time, the joint section 26 of the main body 2 has a curved shape (for example, an arc shape) in which the first part 26A curves downwards. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lower part of the steam generator 3 curves and tapers towards the end, making it easy to fit into the first part 26A of the joint section 26, and making it easy to set the steam generator 3 vertically inside the second housing section 23 when it is housed there. In addition, the steam generator 3 housed in the second housing section 23 is positioned between the center line H of the width of the main body 2 and the second part 26B of the joint section 26, so it is restricted from moving from its initial set position.

[0056] When housed in the second housing section 23 of the main body 2, the upper part of the steam generator 3, which is on the upper side, preferably has at least one corner of 90° or less. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5(A), the left and right side edges 34 and 35 hang down from both ends of the upper edge 36 of the steam generator 3, so that the upper part of the steam generator 3 has a rectangular shape, and the corners 37 and 38 at the left and right corners of the upper part of the steam generator 3 are at right angles.

[0057] The upper part of the steam generator 3 may have at least one corner of 90° or less, as the left and right corners 37 and 38 are acute angles, as shown in Figures 8(A) and (B). For example, in Figure 8(A), the upper edge of the steam generator 3 extends horizontally in the left-right direction, and the left and right side edges 34 and 35 extend inward from both ends of the upper edge 36 of the steam generator 3, so that the left and right corners 37 and 38 of the upper part of the steam generator 3 are acute angles. For example, in Figure 8(B), the upper edge 36 connecting the left and right side edges 34 and 35 of the steam generator 3, which are parallel to each other, forms a V-shape, arc shape, elliptical arc shape, etc., which protrudes downward, so that the left and right corners 37 and 38 of the upper part of the steam generator 3 are acute angles.

[0058] The upper part of the steam generator 3 does not necessarily have to have both right angles or acute angles at the left and right corners 37 and 38. As shown in Figure 8(C), if one corner 38 is a right angle (or acute angle), the other corner 37 may be obtuse. Also, although not shown in the illustration, one corner of the upper part of the steam generator 3 may be a right angle and the other corner may be acute.

[0059] The upper part of the steam generator 3 does not necessarily have to have corners 37 and 38 at the left and right corners that are 90° or less. For example, as shown in Figure 8(D), the upper edge 36 of the steam generator 3 may have a V-shape that protrudes upward, so that the upper edge 36 of the steam generator 3 has corners 39 that are 90° or less.

[0060] By having at least one corner 37-39 of 90° or less on the upper part of the steam generator 3, for example in Figure 4, after the steam generator 3 is housed in the second housing section 23 of the main body 2, the upper corners 37 and 38 of the steam generator 3 catch on the main body 2, making it difficult for the steam generator 3 to come out of the second housing section 23. Note that the corners 37-39 of 90° or less on the upper part of the steam generator 3 do not necessarily have to be pointed at the tip; they may be chamfered and slightly rounded.

[0061] The steam generator 3 is designed to suppress or prevent liquid from leaking out of the steam generator 3 when liquid has leaked out of the water bag 9, and to allow steam generated by the evaporation of water content in the liquid due to heating from the heating element 4 to permeate to the outside. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5(B), the steam generator 3 is formed using a main sheet 30 that is impermeable to water, yet permeable to moisture and breathable. The main sheet 30 is a sheet (including a film) that has the function of preventing the permeation of liquid that has leaked into the steam generator 3, and the function of allowing steam generated by the evaporation of water content in the liquid within the steam generator 3 to permeate to the outside.

[0062] For the main sheet 30, for example, a liquid-impermeable resin film or a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric can be used. The resin film used for the main sheet 30 may be a porous film having many fine pores or a non-porous film, as long as liquid impermeability, moisture permeability, and breathability are achieved. When a porous film is used, moisture permeability can be controlled by adjusting the size of the pores. Examples of resin materials for porous films include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane. The resin film may also consist of a fluororesin film or a polyurethane film. Examples of resin materials for non-porous films include urethane-based thermoplastic elastomers and polyethylene-based thermoplastic elastomers. The above-mentioned resin films can be conventionally known moisture-permeable waterproof sheets used as back sheets for sanitary materials such as diapers or as base materials for high-performance protective clothing.

[0063] The nonwoven fabric used for the main sheet 30 can be liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabrics such as SMS nonwoven fabric, SMMS nonwoven fabric (a four-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric), or SMMMS nonwoven fabric (a five-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric). In addition, nonwoven fabrics laminated with a resin film, such as spunbond nonwoven fabric or pointbond nonwoven fabric, can also be used. When using nonwoven fabric, moisture permeability can be controlled by adjusting the mesh size.

[0064] The main sheet 30 may use the aforementioned resin film or nonwoven fabric alone, or it may be made by laminating two or more of these materials together.

[0065] In this embodiment, the steam generator 3 is further formed using a moisture-permeable and breathable outer sheet 31 and a backing sheet 32. The outer side (opposite side to the water bag 9) and inner side (towards the water bag 9) of the main sheet 30 are reinforced with the outer sheet 31 and the backing sheet 32, thereby improving the water pressure resistance and strength of the steam generator 3.

[0066] The outer sheet 31 and the inner sheet 32 ​​can be made of sheet-like fibers such as woven fabrics or nonwoven fabrics, with nonwoven fabrics being preferred. Examples of woven and nonwoven fabric fiber materials include natural fibers such as paper and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and nylon; and mixed fibers thereof. The inner sheet 32 ​​is a sheet that comes into contact with the liquid flowing out of the water bag 9, and it is preferable that it be relatively hard and tear-resistant so that the main sheet 30 can withstand the water pressure when water flows out of the water bag 9. In this respect, polypropylene is preferred as the material. On the other hand, the outer sheet 31 is a sheet that protects the main sheet 30 from the outside and forms the exterior of the steam generator 3, and it is preferable that it has a good feel to the user's skin. In this respect, nylon is preferred as the material.

[0067] When nonwoven fabrics are used for the outer sheet 31 and the backing sheet 32, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, thermal bond nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, etc., can be used. Among these, spunbond nonwoven fabric can be preferably used for the backing sheet 32 ​​from the viewpoint of water pressure resistance, and spunbond nonwoven fabric can be preferably used for the outer sheet 31 from the viewpoint of strength.

[0068] The steam generator 3 is formed into a bag shape by overlapping a total of six sheets of the same shape and size: two lining sheets 32, two main sheets 30 placed outside each of the lining sheets 32, and two outer sheets 31 placed outside each of the main sheets 30, and joining the outer edges at a predetermined width using known methods such as adhesive bonding, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, or sewing. Alternatively, a laminated sheet in which the lining sheets 32, main sheets 30, and outer sheets 31 of the same shape and size are integrated may be prepared in advance, and the steam generator 3 may be formed into a bag shape by overlapping two laminated sheets and joining the outer edges at a predetermined width using known methods such as adhesive bonding, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, or sewing.

[0069] The width of the sealing portion 39 on the outer edge of the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, but is between 1 mm and 10 mm. The sealing strength of the sealing portion 39 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the sealing strength is set so that the sealing portion 39 is not damaged by the pressure of the liquid when the liquid flows out of the water bag 9, and the liquid does not leak out of the steam generator 3. For example, it is preferable that the sealing strength of the sealing portion 39 has a lower limit of 3 N / 15 mm width or more and an upper limit of 30 N / 15 mm width or less.

[0070] The steam generator 3 has moisture permeability, allowing steam generated inside to pass through to the outside. While the moisture permeability of the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, according to the findings of the present inventor, as the moisture permeability of the steam generator 3 increases, the amount of steam (permeation rate) that passes through the steam generator 3 due to the evaporation of moisture content in the liquid inside the steam generator 3 tends to increase. Therefore, the higher the moisture permeability of the steam generator 3, the more steam can be supplied to the user. 2 It is preferable that it be 8500g / m² or more. 2 It is more preferable that it be 10,000 g / m² or more. 2 It is even more preferable that the humidity is 2 days or more. The definition of moisture permeability (water vapor transmission rate) conforms to JIS Z 0208.

[0071] The moisture permeability of vapor generator 3 is 7000 g / m². 2 • More than 8500g / m² 2 • More than 10,000 g / m² 2 By setting it to 'day' or more, the amount of vapor that permeates through the vapor generator 3 per unit time, that is, the amount (g / h) per unit time at 25°C that is released from the vapor generator 3 as vapor due to the evaporation of water content in the liquid inside the vapor generator 3, can be made sufficiently large, making it possible to make the user feel a large amount of vapor when wearing the comfortable sleep inducer 1.

[0072] The amount of vapor that permeates the vapor generator 3 per unit time is determined based on the moisture permeability of the vapor generator 3 and the viscosity of the liquid evaporating within the vapor generator 3. By appropriately setting the moisture permeability of the vapor generator 3 and the viscosity of the liquid within a predetermined range, the amount of vapor that permeates the vapor generator 3 can be set to 0.5 g / h or more, preferably 0.6 g / h or more, and more preferably 0.7 g / h or more, although this is not particularly limited. Conventionally, masks with humidifying functions (for example, "Nodonu-ru Wet Mask" manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) are known, and these humidifying masks have a filter that holds liquid housed in a containment section, and the moisture contained in the filter is supplied to the mouth and throat as vapor when the user breathes. Compared to the amount of vapor per unit time emitted from the filter of conventional humidifying masks, the comfortable sleep induction device 1 of this embodiment can emit 1.5 times, and even more than 2 times, a large amount of vapor from the vapor generator 3 and supply it to the user's mouth and throat. The amount of vapor that permeates through the vapor generator 3 is not particularly limited, but if it is too large, the user's face may become wet with vapor when wearing the comfort sleep inducer 1, which may cause discomfort to the user. Therefore, it is preferable to keep it at 1.05 g / h or less, and more preferably at 0.8 g / h or less.

[0073] Explanation of the overall structure of the heating element Next, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6, the heating element 4 is a sealed, thin, flattened bag-like structure containing a heat-generating material 40. The heating element 4 generates heat spontaneously from the heat-generating material 40, and this heat is transferred to the steam generator 3, thereby promoting the evaporation of water from the liquid in the steam generator 3.

[0074] Explanation of heat-generating materials In this embodiment, the heat-generating material 40 enclosed inside the heat-generating element 4 is a heat-generating composition that generates heat upon contact with oxygen in the air. The heat-generating composition can be any composition that generates heat upon contact with oxygen, and may include, for example, an oxidizable metal, an oxidation accelerator, a water-retaining agent, water-soluble salts, and water.

[0075] The oxidizable metal powder is not particularly limited as long as it is a metal powder that generates heat when oxidized, and examples include iron powder, zinc powder, aluminum powder, magnesium powder, copper powder, etc., with iron powder being preferred. Furthermore, the iron powder is not particularly limited, but examples include reduced iron powder, cast iron powder, atomized iron powder, electrolytic iron powder, etc. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0076] Oxidation accelerators are used to promote the supply of oxygen to the metal powder to be oxidized by incorporating air (oxygen). While not particularly limited, examples of oxidation accelerators include activated carbon, coal, charcoal, bamboo charcoal, graphite, carbon black, graphite, acetylene black, and coffee grounds charcoal, with activated carbon, carbon black, bamboo charcoal, charcoal, and coffee grounds charcoal being preferred. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0077] The water-retaining agent is not particularly limited, but examples include porous materials and water-absorbing resins. More specifically, examples of water-retaining agents include natural or synthetic inorganic materials such as vermiculite, perlite, calcium silicate, aluminum silicate, kaolin, talc, smectite, mica, bentonite, calcium carbonate, silica gel, alumina, zeolite, silicon dioxide, and diatomaceous earth; natural or synthetic organic materials such as pulp, wood flour (sawdust), cotton, polyacrylate resins, polysulfonate resins, maleate anhydride resins, polyacrylamide resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, polyethylene oxide resins, polyaspartate resins, polyglutamate resins, polyalginate resins, starches, and celluloses. Preferably, examples of water-retaining agents include vermiculite, perlite, silica gel, diatomaceous earth, aluminum oxide, wood flour (sawdust), and polyacrylate resins. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0078] Water-soluble salts are not particularly limited, but examples include chloride and sulfide salts of alkali metals such as sodium and potassium, chloride and sulfide salts of alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium, and chloride and sulfide salts of metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, zinc, nickel, silver, and barium. Preferably, examples of water-soluble salts include sodium chloride and potassium chloride. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0079] The water is not particularly limited, but examples include distilled water, tap water, deionized water, pure water, ultrapure water, and industrial water. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0080] The heat-generating material 40 may further contain any other components as needed. As the heat-generating material 40 described above, a known heat-generating composition that has been conventionally used in disposable hand warmers can be used. In addition, the heat-generating material 40 may be a material other than a heat-generating composition that generates heat upon contact with air, for example, a material that generates heat when irradiated with microwaves in a microwave oven or the like (for example, ceramic powder such as ferrite) may be used.

[0081] Detailed description of the heating element The external shape of the heating element 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably symmetrical and can be various shapes such as square, rectangular, circular, or elliptical. The size of the heating element 4 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the size of at least the heating portion is the same as or smaller than the size of the steam generator 3. In other words, the heating element 4 is sized so that its heating portion is covered by the steam generator 3, and in a plan view, the outline of the heating portion of the heating element 4 fits inside the outline of the steam generator 3, and it is preferable that the heating portion of the heating element 4 does not protrude beyond the periphery of the steam generator 3. The heating portion of the heating element 4 is the portion in which the heating material 40 is enclosed, that is, the portion excluding the seal portion 49 where the outer edges of the outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42, which will be described later, are joined together. Since the heating portion of the heating element 4 is the portion that heats the steam generator 3, it is preferable that it is close to the same size as the steam generator 3, and preferably 50% to 100% of the size (plan view area) of the steam generator 3. The heating portion of the heating element 4 may be slightly larger than the steam generator 3.

[0082] It is preferable that the heating element 4, like the steam generator 3, is formed so that the lower part, which is the lower side when inserted into the first housing section 22 of the main body 2 via the first opening 24, tapers towards the bottom. In this embodiment, the heating element 4 is inserted into the first housing section 22 via the first opening 24 in an oblique direction, with the vertical direction shown in Figure 6(A) being obliquely vertical, so that its lower edge 43 side is the lower side in the direction of insertion. Therefore, the lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 is arc-shaped (or elliptical arc-shaped), and as a result, the lower part of the heating element 4 protrudes downward, giving it a semicircular (semi-elliptical) shape, thus giving the lower part of the heating element 4 a tapered shape.

[0083] Furthermore, in order to make the lower part of the heating element 4 tapered, the example shown in Figure 6(A) is not the only option. For example, as shown in Figure 7(C), the lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 may be V-shaped, resulting in a triangular shape where the lower part of the heating element 4 protrudes downwards. Also, the lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 does not have to be tapered overall; it may be tapered only in parts. For example, as shown in Figure 7(A) or the shape of the steam generator 3 in Figure 5(A), the ends 43A connected to the left and right side edges 44,45 of the lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 may be made into an arc shape or a straight line with an inclined slope, and the part between the ends 33A (the tip of the lower part of the heating element 4) may be made into a horizontal straight line, thereby giving the lower part of the heating element 4 a tapered shape.

[0084] The tapered lower end of the heating element 4 makes it easier to insert the heating element 4 into the first housing section 22 of the main body 2 from below, as the lower end of the heating element 4 is less likely to catch on the main body 2. To facilitate insertion of the heating element 4 into the first housing section 22, it is preferable that the tip of the lower end of the heating element 4 is smooth and without sharp corners, as shown in Figures 6 and 7(C). The left and right side edges 43 and 44 of the heating element 4 connect the upper edge 46 and the lower edge 43 without creating any right angles or sharp angles pointing downwards in between.

[0085] The heating element 4 is inserted into and removed from the first housing section 22 of the main body 2 along an oblique vertical direction. When housed in the first housing section 22, the heating element 4 is inclined such that its lower edge 43 points diagonally downward (towards the lower end of the center line H of the width of the main body 2). As shown in Figure 4(A), the axis P2, which is the axis of left-right symmetry, is oriented diagonally upward and downward rather than in the vertical direction. In other words, the axis P2 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to tilt toward the ear-hook portion 5 at the left-right end of the main body 2. At this time, the joint portion 26 of the main body 2 has a curved shape (for example, an arc shape) in which the first portion 26A curves downward convexly. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, when housing the heating element 4 in the first housing section 22, it becomes easier to insert the heating element 4 into the first housing section 22 all the way in diagonally downward. Furthermore, because the lower part of the heating element 4 curves and tapers, a portion of the lower part of the heating element 4 fits into the first portion 26A of the joint 26, and the heating element 4, which is housed in the first housing 22 in an inclined state, is prevented from changing its initial set position. In addition, the heating element 4, which is housed in the first housing 22 in an inclined state, is supported from below by the side edge (recess 20) of the main body 2 and / or the second portion 26B of the joint 26, thus preventing it from changing its initial set position.

[0086] Similar to the steam generator 3, the upper part of the heating element 4, which is located diagonally upward when housed in the first housing section 22 of the main body 2, preferably has at least one corner of 90° or less. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6(A), the left and right side edges 44, 45 hang down from both ends of the upper edge 46 of the heating element 4, so that the upper part of the heating element 4 has a rectangular shape, and the corners 47, 48 at the left and right corners of the upper part of the heating element 4 are at right angles.

[0087] The upper part of the heating element 4 may have at least one corner of 90° or less, as the left and right corners 47, 48 are acute angles, as shown in Figures 8(A) and (B). For example, in Figure 8(A), the upper edge of the heating element 4 extends horizontally in the left-right direction, and the left and right side edges 44, 45 extend inward from both ends of the upper edge 46 of the heating element 4, so that the left and right corners 47, 48 of the upper part of the heating element 4 are acute angles. For example, in Figure 8(B), the upper edge 46 connecting the left and right side edges 44, 45 of the heating element 4, which are parallel to each other, forms a V-shape, arc shape, elliptical arc shape, etc., which protrudes downward, so that the left and right corners 47, 48 of the upper part of the heating element 4 are acute angles.

[0088] The upper part of the heating element 4 does not need to have both right angles or acute angles at its left and right corners 47 and 48. As shown in Figure 8(C), if one corner 48 is a right angle (or acute angle), the other corner 47 may be obtuse. Although not shown in the illustration, the upper part of the heating element 4 may have one right angle at one corner and an acute angle at the other.

[0089] The upper part of the heating element 4 does not necessarily have to have corners 47 and 48 at the left and right corners that are 90° or less. For example, as shown in Figure 8(D), the upper edge 46 of the heating element 4 may have a V-shape that protrudes upward, so that the upper edge 46 of the heating element 4 has corners 49 that are 90° or less.

[0090] Furthermore, the corners 47-49 at the top of the heating element 4, which are 90° or less, do not necessarily have to be pointed; they may be chamfered and slightly rounded. By having at least one corner 47-49 at the top of the heating element 4, for example in Figure 4, after the heating element 4 is housed in the first housing section 22 of the main body 2, the corners 47 and 48 at the top of the heating element 4 catch on the main body 2, making it difficult for the heating element 4 to come out of the first housing section 22.

[0091] The heating element 4 is composed of an outer sheet 41 and an inner sheet 42, which form the main front and back surfaces. The outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42, which are the same shape and size, are stacked on top of each other and joined at a predetermined width along their outer edges. Examples of methods for joining the outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 include adhesive bonding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, and suturing. The thickness of the outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 is not particularly limited as long as they can be used as a heating element 4. The heating element 4 is housed in the first housing section 22 of the main body 2 such that the outer sheet 41 faces the outermost first sheet 6 of the main body 2.

[0092] The outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 are not particularly limited, but can be made of resin film, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, or other sheet-like fibers. Among these, it is preferable to use a resin film, considering the strength of the heating element 4 and the durability of the heating material 40 against heat generation. The resin used in the resin film is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, but among these, polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer are preferred examples. These resins may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0093] The outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 may be made of a laminate formed by laminating a breathable woven or nonwoven fabric onto a resin film. In this case, the resin film is placed on the inside, which faces the heat-generating material 40, and the woven or nonwoven fabric is placed on the outside. Alternatively, the outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 may be made of woven or nonwoven fabric without using a resin film.

[0094] Examples of woven and nonwoven fabric fiber materials include natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk, and paper; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as nylon, vinylon, polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polybutylene terephthalate; and mixed fibers of these fibers. These fiber materials may be used individually or in combination of two or more types. The basis weight of the woven or nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited as long as it prevents the heat-generating material 40 from leaking out of the heat-generating element 4.

[0095] The outer sheet 41 is breathable. The resin film used for the breathable outer sheet 41 has micropores in at least a portion of it to ensure breathability. The size of these micropores is not particularly limited, and the shape and number of the micropores are also not particularly limited, as long as air can pass through while preventing the heat-generating material 40 from passing through and leaking out of the heating element 4. Resin films having micropores are conventionally known, and examples include resin films with a large number of perforations and porous films. The micropores may be present throughout the resin film or may be densely concentrated in a part of it. Since the outer sheet 41 faces the outermost first sheet 6 of the main body 2 when the heating element 4 is housed in the first housing section 22 of the main body 2, the breathability of the outer sheet 41 allows the heating element 4 to efficiently take in air and generate heat effectively with the heat-generating material 40.

[0096] When the heating element 4 is housed in the first housing section 22 of the main body 2, the inner sheet 42 facing the second sheet 7 in the middle of the main body 2 may be breathable or non-breathable, but it is preferable that it be non-breathable.

[0097] The inner sheet 42 is not particularly limited, but at least the average surface friction coefficient of the outer surface of the main body 2 facing the second sheet 7 (the first main surface of the heating element 4) is less than 0.14, preferably 0.13 or less, and more preferably 0.12 or less. When the average surface friction coefficient of the inner sheet 42 is small, when the heating element 4, which is an article equipped in the main body 2, is housed in the first housing section 22, the outer surface of the inner sheet 42 (the first main surface of the heating element 4) is smooth and dry, so even if the inner sheet 42 of the heating element 4 comes into contact with and rubs against the second sheet 7 that constitutes the first housing section 22, the heating element 4 slides easily, allowing the heating element 4 to be easily inserted to the back of the first housing section 22. In this embodiment, the average surface friction coefficient of the side of the second sheet 7 of the main body 2 facing the first housing section 22 is also less than 0.14, and the second sheet 7 is also smooth and dry, so the heating element 4 can be inserted to the back of the first housing section 22 even more easily.

[0098] Furthermore, by making the inner sheet 42 non-permeable, the average surface friction coefficient can be made significantly lower than 0.14. This is because, when a resin film is used for the non-permeable inner sheet 42, the resin film has few or no micropores, and when a nonwoven fabric is used, the nonwoven fabric is pressed to create a dense weave, resulting in a smoother surface compared to the case where the sheet is permeable.

[0099] On the other hand, with respect to the outer sheet 41, the average surface friction coefficient of the outer surface (second main surface of the heating element 4) facing the first sheet 6 of the main body 2 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.14 or higher, and more preferably 0.15 or higher. If the average surface friction coefficient of the outer sheet 41 is high, the outer surface (second main surface of the heating element 4) of the outer sheet 41 is uneven and not smooth, so when the outer sheet 41 of the heating element 4 comes into contact with and rubs against the first sheet 6 that constitutes the first housing section 22, the heating element 4 is less likely to slip, and the heating element 4 housed in the first housing section 22 is prevented from coming out of the first housing section 22. In this embodiment, the average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the first sheet 6 of the main body 2 facing the first housing section 22 is also 0.14 or higher, and the first sheet 6 is also uneven and not smooth, so the outer sheet 41 and the first sheet 6 intertwine and are less likely to move, making it even more difficult for the heating element 4 to come out of the first housing section 22.

[0100] Note that the average surface friction coefficient is for when the sheets are dry, and refers to the average surface friction coefficient of each sheet 41 and 42 when they are in a dry state before steam is generated in the main unit 2 (before use). The average surface friction coefficient can be measured in the same way as the average surface friction coefficient of each sheet 6 to 8 of the main unit 2.

[0101] The heating characteristics of the heating element 4 are not particularly limited, but the maximum temperature is preferably 30°C to 70°C, and more preferably 40°C to 55°C, from the viewpoint of efficiently evaporating the moisture content of the liquid in the steam generator 3 and maintaining a suitable temperature in the space between the user's face and the inside of the main body 2 while suppressing burns to the user. Furthermore, in order to continuously and sufficiently evaporate the moisture content of the liquid in the steam generator 3 and to continuously maintain a suitable temperature in the space between the user's face and the inside of the main body 2, the duration of heating when the heating temperature exceeds 40°C is preferably 30 minutes or more, and more preferably 80 minutes or more.

[0102] Explanation of the positional relationship between two items As shown in Figure 4, when the two articles equipped in the main body 2, namely the steam generator 3 and the heating element 4, are housed in the first housing section 22 and the second housing section 23 of the main body 2, it is preferable that a portion of each article protrudes around the other article, and that the centroid (center of gravity) of one of the articles is shifted towards the ear-hook portion 5 compared to the centroid (center of gravity) of the other article.

[0103] Specifically, firstly, the steam generator 3 in the second housing 23 and the heating element 4 in the first housing 22 do not completely overlap each other (neither completely covers the other), with a portion of the heating element 4 protruding around the steam generator 3, and a portion of the steam generator 3 protruding around the heating element 4. If the steam generator 3 in the second housing 23 and the heating element 4 in the first housing 22 completely overlapped, the main body 2 would become thicker and bulkier in the large area where the steam generator 3 and heating element 4 overlap, potentially causing a feeling of pressure on the face of the user wearing the mask 1. In contrast, because the steam generator 3 in the second housing 23 and the heating element 4 in the first housing 22 are misaligned and do not completely overlap, the area of ​​the main body 2 that would be thicker due to the overlapping of the steam generator 3 and heating element 4 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the feeling of pressure on the face of the user wearing the mask 1.

[0104] Furthermore, the centroid O1 of the steam generator 3 in the second housing 23 and the centroid O2 of the heating element 4 in the first housing 22 are not located on the same straight line parallel to each other in the vertical direction, but are misaligned in the horizontal direction, and in this embodiment the centroid O1 of the steam generator 3 is misaligned towards the ear loop 5 compared to the centroid O2 of the heating element 4. If the centroid O1 of the steam generator 3 in the second housing 23 and the centroid O2 of the heating element 4 in the first housing 22 are not misaligned in the horizontal direction, the centroids O1 and O2 of the two items (steam generator 3 and heating element 4) mounted on the main body 2 will be unevenly distributed, causing localized load on the main body 2, pulling on the ear loop 5, and potentially causing ear pain to the user wearing the mask 1. In contrast, the centroid O1 of the steam generator 3 in the second housing 23 and the centroid O2 of the heating element 4 in the first housing 22 are misaligned in the left-right direction, with one centroid being closer to the ear loop 5. This prevents the load of the item from being unevenly distributed on a part of the main body 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ear pain for the user wearing the mask 1.

[0105] In this embodiment, as described above, the steam generator 3 is housed in the first housing section 22 in a vertical orientation with its axis P1 facing up and down, while the heating element 4 is housed in the second housing section 23 in an oblique orientation with its axis P2 tilted from the up and down direction (axis P1). The steam generator 4 is offset circumferentially from the steam generator 3, and the positional relationship between the steam generator 3 in the second housing section 23 and the heating element 4 in the first housing section 22 is restricted by the joint 26 of the main body 2, etc., so that the initial set positions and orientations of the steam generator 3 in the second housing section 23 and the heating element 4 in the first housing section 22 do not change, thereby achieving the positional relationship between the steam generator 3 and the heating element 4 described above.

[0106] Explanation of the ear hooks Next, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the pair of ear loops 5 are for holding the main body 2 to the user's face and can be hooked onto the user's left and right ears. The ear loops 5 are string-like or band-like and can be attached to the main body 2 using known methods such as adhesive bonding, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, or sewing. The ear loops 5 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that they be made of an elastic material such as polyester. In addition, various other means besides the ear loops 5 may be used as means of holding the main body 2 to the user's face. For example, adhesive layers may be provided on the left and right ends of the main body 2 and the left and right ends of the main body 2 may be attached to the user's face via the adhesive layers, or holes may be formed in the left and right ends of the main body 2 for the ears to enter and the left and right ends of the main body 2 may be hooked onto the user's left and right ears via the holes.

[0107] How to use the comfortable sleep induction device As shown in Figure 9, the comfortable sleep induction device 1 of this embodiment has a steam generator 3 housed in the second housing section 23 of the main body 2 and a heating element 4 housed in the first housing section 22. When the user presses the steam generator 3 from above the main body 2 with their hand, the water bag 9 inside the steam generator 3 is opened, and liquid flows out from the water bag 9 into the steam generator 3. When the user puts the comfortable sleep induction device 1 on their face, the liquid inside the steam generator 3 is heated by the heating element 4, causing the water to evaporate efficiently, and the generated steam permeates the steam generator 3 and is supplied to the user's mouth and throat. This makes it possible to locally humidify the user's mouth and throat and prevent dryness of the mouth and throat.

[0108] The effects and benefits of sleep-inducing devices. As described above, the Comfortable Sleep Induction Device 1 of this embodiment heats the liquid in the steam generator 3 with the heating element 4 to evaporate the moisture, allowing for the efficient generation of a large amount of steam to be supplied to the user's mouth and throat. Furthermore, since the heating element 4 continuously heats the liquid in the steam generator 3, a large amount of steam can be generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat for a long period of time. Therefore, the user's mouth and throat can be kept well moisturized for a long period of time, which can suppress dryness of the mouth and throat, or discomfort or pain in the mouth and throat during sleep. Moreover, the heat from the heating element 4 warms the space between the user's face and the inside of the main unit 2, providing the user with a relaxing effect. As described above, by wearing the Comfortable Sleep Induction Device 1 when going to bed, it is possible to fall asleep smoothly and comfortably, inducing restful sleep.

[0109] Furthermore, with the comfortable sleep induction device 1 of this embodiment, the user only needs to place the steam generator 3 and heating element 4 into the storage compartments 22 and 23 of the main body 2 and press the steam generator 3 before attaching it to their face. This is convenient and reduces the possibility of the user's hands getting dirty with water, etc. In addition, since the liquid is sealed in the water bag 9, it is possible to prevent mold from growing on the steam generator 3 when storing the comfortable sleep induction device 1 before use.

[0110] Furthermore, in the comfortable sleep induction device 1 of this embodiment, since the steam generator 3 is formed using an impermeable main sheet 30, it is possible to suppress the leakage of liquid from the water bag 9 to the outside and wetting the main body 2. Therefore, there is no risk of causing discomfort to the user while wearing the comfortable sleep induction device 1 on their face.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the comfortable sleep induction device 1 of this embodiment, the amount of steam that permeates through the steam generator 3 is preferably 0.5 g / h or more, more preferably 0.6 g / h or more, and even more preferably 0.7 g / h or more. Therefore, it can effectively moisturize the user's mouth and throat by supplying a larger amount of steam than conventional products, and the user can feel a sufficient amount of steam, thus gaining a sense of satisfaction.

[0112] Moreover, according to the comfortable sleep inducer 1 of the present embodiment, the moisture permeability of the vapor generating body 3 is preferably 7000 g / m 2 ·day or more, preferably 8500 g / m 2 ·day or more, more preferably 10000 g / m 2 ·day or more, and / or the viscosity of the liquid in the water bag 9 is preferably 40 mPa·s or more and 4000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 1000 mPa·s or more and 2500 mPa·s or less, and still more preferably 1500 mPa·s or more and 2000 mPa·s or less. Therefore, the permeation amount of the vapor permeating through the vapor generating body 3 can be made sufficiently large.

[0113] Moreover, according to the comfortable sleep inducer 1 of the present embodiment, since the vapor generating body 3 is interposed between the heating element 4 and the user's face, the heating element 4 does not directly hit the user's face when the comfortable sleep inducer 1 is worn. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from getting burned or feeling uncomfortable on the face.

[0114] Explanation of variations As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0115] For example, in the above embodiment, the main body 2 is formed by overlapping at least three sheets 6 to 8, and the main body 2 has at least two accommodating portions 22 and 23 formed between two adjacent sheets, and the vapor generating body 3 and the heating element 4 are accommodated in separate accommodating portions 22 and 23 of the main body 2. For example, as a modification, the main body 2 may be accommodated together in the same accommodating portion. In this modification, the main body 2 is formed by overlapping two sheets, and the vapor generating body 3 and the heating element 4 can be accommodated together in the bag-shaped accommodating portion between the two sheets.

[0116] As another variation, a pocket (not shown) may be attached to the user's face side of the main body 2, and the steam generator 3 and heating element 4 may be housed together in the pocket, or only the steam generator 3 may be housed in the pocket and the heating element 4 may be attached to the side of the pocket facing the main body 2, for example, using an adhesive layer or the like.

[0117] In addition, in the above embodiment, the steam generator 3 is mounted on the main body 2 with its axis P1 facing vertically, while the heating element 4 is mounted on the main body 2 with its axis P2 tilted diagonally vertically. This offsets the steam generator 3 and the heating element 4 so that they do not completely overlap, and one of their centroids O1, O2 is shifted towards the ear-hook portion 5. For example, in another modification, the heating element 4 may also be mounted on the main body 2 with its axis P2 facing vertically, similar to the steam generator 3. The heating element 4 may then be offset vertically or horizontally relative to the steam generator 3, so that the steam generator 3 and the heating element 4 do not completely overlap, and one of their centroids O1, O2 is shifted towards the ear-hook portion 5. Alternatively, the steam generator 3 and the heating element 4 may be mounted on the main body 2 so that they completely overlap.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the main body 2 has a three-dimensional structure that forms a large space between it and the nostrils and mouth when worn on the user's face. However, the structure of the main body 2 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be flat before use and extended vertically by spreading one or more pleats, etc., when in use to be worn on the user's face (a structure that fits more closely to the surface of the face than a three-dimensional structure).

[0119] In addition, in the above embodiment, the steam generator 3 is formed using a main sheet 30 that is impermeable to water, yet permeable to moisture and breathable, and the liquid that flows out of the water bag 9 is trapped inside the steam generator 3. However, the steam generator 3 is not limited to a structure that traps liquid inside, and for example, it may be structured to retain liquid by absorbing the water that flows out of the water bag 9.

[0120] As an example of a vapor generator 3 having a structure that contains the above-mentioned liquid, the main sheet 30 can be made of, for example, a fibrous material, a water-absorbent resin material, a sponge-like resin material, etc., formed into a sheet shape. Examples of sheet-like fibers include woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics, with nonwoven fabrics being preferred. Examples of fibrous materials for woven and nonwoven fabrics include natural fibers such as pulp and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), acrylic, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride; and mixed fibers of these.

[0121] Among these, a nonwoven fabric made of pulp can preferably be used for the main sheet 30. The manufacturing method is not particularly limited, but it can be manufactured by the airlaid method, etc. From the viewpoint of productivity, processability and durability, it is preferable to blend the main component pulp with heat-fusible fibers such as polyethylene in a predetermined ratio. In this example, the main sheet 30 has a basis weight of 200 g / m² in order to retain the liquid that has leaked out of the water bag 9 by retaining moisture. 2 Preferably, it should be 300g / m² or more. 2 It is more preferable that the weight be greater than or equal to 500 g / m2, and even more preferable that it be 500 g / m2 or greater. On the other hand, if the weight of the main sheet 30 is too large, the steam generator 3 will become hard, which may cause discomfort to the user when wearing the comfort sleep inducer 1. Therefore, the weight of the main sheet 30 should be 1500 g / m2. 2 Preferably, it is 1000g / m² 2 It is more preferable that the following conditions apply: 600 g / m² 2 The following is even more preferable:

[0122] In addition, sheet-like fibers containing absorbent resins, such as SAP sheets containing superabsorbent polymers (SAP), can preferably be used as the main sheet 30. An SAP sheet is a nonwoven fabric (e.g., airlaid nonwoven fabric) on which SAP is supported.

[0123] The steam generator 3 can have a single layer main sheet 30 or a multi-layer structure combining the main sheet 30 with other sheets. From the viewpoint of durability and water retention, it is preferable to have a three-layer structure in which the main sheet 30 is sandwiched between a pair of nonwoven fabrics that are breathable and moisture permeable (corresponding to the outer sheet 31 and inner sheet 32 ​​in the above embodiment). The pair of nonwoven fabrics may be made of the same material or different materials. Examples of materials for these nonwoven fabrics include hydrophilic natural fibers, hydrophobic synthetic fibers, or blends thereof. As natural fibers, rayon and cotton are preferred, with rayon being more preferred. Making it hydrophilic has the advantage of making it easier for moisture to be absorbed by the main sheet 30, and thus easier to manufacture. As synthetic fibers, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) are preferred, with polyethylene and polypropylene being preferred. Making it hydrophobic has the advantage of preventing wetting and stickiness. Therefore, it is preferable to form the nonwoven fabric on the outside (opposite side of the water bag 9) of the main sheet 30 with synthetic fibers, and the nonwoven fabric on the inside (water bag 9 side) with natural fibers such as rayon. The pair of nonwoven fabrics may have a basis weight of, for example, 20 g / m². 2 More than 50g / m 2 The following is preferable:

[0124] As the vapor generator 3 having a structure that holds the above-mentioned liquid by absorbing water, for example, it can be made of the same material as the water-holding filter used in conventional masks with humidifying functions, or the same material as the absorbent material used in bodily fluid absorbent articles that absorb bodily fluids such as vaginal discharge, menstrual blood, sweat, and urine.

[0125] In the comfortable sleep induction device 1, the main body 2 is equipped with a vapor generator 3 that has a structure that holds the aforementioned liquid by absorbing water. When using the device, if the water bag 9 inside the vapor generator 3 is opened and the liquid flows out from the water bag 9 into the vapor generator 3, the vapor generator 3 absorbs (holds) the liquid, thus preventing the liquid that has flowed out of the water bag 9 from leaking out and wetting the main body 2. Therefore, there is no risk of causing discomfort to the user when wearing the comfortable sleep induction device 1 on their face. When the user wears the comfortable sleep induction device 1 on their face, the liquid held by the vapor generator 3 is heated by the heating element 4, causing the water to evaporate efficiently, and the steam generated by the user's breathing is supplied to the user's mouth. This makes it possible to locally humidify the user's mouth and throat and prevent dryness of the mouth and throat. With this modified version of the comfortable sleep induction device 1, the user does not need to place a wet filter in the storage compartment as with conventional products; they only need to press the steam generator 3. This reduces the effort required and minimizes the possibility of the user's hands getting dirty with water, etc. Furthermore, since the liquid is sealed in the water bag 9, it is possible to prevent mold from growing on the steam generator 3 when storing the comfortable sleep induction device 1 before use.

[0126] Furthermore, since the liquid held by the steam generator 3 is heated and evaporated by the heating element 4, a large amount of steam can be efficiently generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat. Moreover, since the heating element 4 can continuously heat the liquid held by the steam generator 3, a large amount of steam can be generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat for a long period of time, thereby suppressing dryness of the mouth and throat for an extended period.

[0127] Furthermore, the liquid held by the steam generator 3 is heated and evaporated by the heating element 4, so the space between the face and the inside of the main unit 2 becomes a comfortably warmed and humidified space. Therefore, the user wearing the comfort sleep inducer 1 can be given a relaxing effect, so for example, by wearing the comfort sleep inducer 1 when going to bed, one can fall asleep smoothly and comfortably, inducing restful sleep.

[0128] Furthermore, because the steam generator 3 is interposed between the heating element 4 and the user's face, the heating element 4 does not directly touch the user's face when the comfortable sleep induction device 1 is worn. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from getting burned or feeling uncomfortable.

[0129] In the above modified example, the steam generator 3 houses a water bag 9 containing liquid inside, and retains water for evaporation by absorbing the liquid that flows out of the water bag 9. However, the steam generator 3 may also retain liquid for evaporation by pre-absorbing liquid without the water bag 9. [Examples]

[0130] The following describes embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0131] First, we conducted tests on the relationship between the amount of vapor permeating through the vapor generator and the amount of vapor felt by a user wearing the sleep-inducing device. Specifically, we prepared several types of bag-shaped vapor generators with different water-impermeable and water-permeable properties, formed using the aforementioned liquid-impermeable resin film and / or nonwoven fabric, and sealed each vapor generator with 4.5 g of the liquid shown in Table 1 below. All vapor generators were rectangular in shape, measuring 55 mm in width and 78 mm in height, and their outer edges were joined by heat fusion to form a seal, with a width of 5 mm. The water-permeable properties of the vapor generators and the viscosity of the liquid sealed inside each test example are shown in Table 2 below. For each test example's vapor generator, we first measured its weight, then left it on a 40°C hot plate for 1 hour in an environment of 25°C and 55% humidity, and measured the weight change after 1 hour. From the obtained weight change, we calculated the amount of vapor permeating for each test example's vapor generator. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0132] Furthermore, the steam generators from each test example were housed in the second compartment of the main body, which has the structure shown in Figures 1 to 4. A disposable hand warmer (heating temperature: approximately 40°C) was housed in the first compartment of the main body. Six subjects wore these comfort sleep inducers for 60 minutes in an environment of 25°C and 55% humidity while the hand warmer was generating heat, and the humidifying effect of the comfort sleep inducers was evaluated by sensory evaluation. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) method was used for evaluation. Specifically, the left end of a 10cm line (0 points) was defined as "no humidifying effect felt," and the right end (10 points) was defined as "a very strong humidifying effect felt." Subjects were asked to indicate where on the line the amount of steam they felt while wearing each comfort sleep inducer fell. The evaluation results were summarized by averaging the scores of all subjects and rounding to the first decimal place. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0133] [Table 1]

[0134] [Table 2]

[0135] Table 2 shows that when the vapor permeation rate through the vapor generator is 0.5 g / h or more, a large amount of vapor is supplied to the user's mouth and throat, effectively humidifying them and allowing the user to feel sufficiently moisturized, thus leading to user satisfaction.

[0136] Next, we conducted tests on the relationship between the viscosity of the liquid inside the vapor generator and the amount of vapor that permeates through the vapor generator. Specifically, as in the test examples described above, we prepared several bag-shaped vapor generators that were impermeable to water and had the same moisture permeability, and sealed 4.5 g of liquid with different viscosities (components are shown in Table 1) inside each vapor generator. The moisture permeability of the vapor generators and the viscosity of the liquid sealed inside each vapor generator are shown in Table 3 below. For each test example, we first measured the weight, then left it to stand on a 40°C hot plate for 1 hour in an environment of 25°C and 55% humidity, and measured the weight after 1 hour to measure the weight change. From the obtained weight change, we calculated the amount of vapor that permeated each vapor generator. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0137] [Table 3]

[0138] Table 3 shows that as the viscosity of the liquid in the vapor generator increases, the amount of vapor permeating through the vapor generator increases. When the viscosity of the liquid exceeds 2000 mPa·s, the amount of vapor permeating through the vapor generator begins to decrease, and when the viscosity of the liquid exceeds 2500 mPa·s, the degree of decrease in permeation becomes greater. Therefore, it can be seen that by keeping the viscosity of the liquid below 2500 mPa·s, and even below 2000 mPa·s, the amount of vapor permeating through the vapor generator 3 can be increased. Furthermore, the moisture permeability of the vapor generator is 8500 g / m³. 2 It can be seen that if the viscosity of the liquid is 0.5 g / h or more, the amount of vapor that permeates the vapor generator can be 0.5 g / h or more, regardless of whether the viscosity of the liquid is high or low, and a large amount of vapor can be supplied to the user's mouth and throat.

[0139] Next, we conducted tests on the relationship between the water vapor permeability of a vapor generator and the amount of vapor that permeates through it. Specifically, as in the test examples described above, we prepared several bag-shaped vapor generators that were impermeable to water but had different water vapor permeability, and sealed 4.5 g of a liquid with the same viscosity (components are shown in Table 1) in each vapor generator. The water vapor permeability of each vapor generator and the viscosity of the liquid sealed in each vapor generator are shown in Table 4 below. For each test example, we first measured the weight, then left it to stand on a 40°C hot plate for 1 hour in an environment of 25°C and 55% humidity, and measured the weight after 1 hour to measure the weight change. From the obtained weight change, we calculated the amount of vapor that permeated through each vapor generator. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0140] [Table 4]

[0141] According to Table 4, as the moisture permeability of the vapor generator increases, the amount of vapor that permeates through the vapor generator increases, and the moisture permeability of the vapor generator reaches 8500 g / m³. 2 10,000g / m² compared to day 2 It can be seen that a duration of 1 day or more allows for a greater amount of steam to pass through the steam generator, thus supplying a larger quantity of steam to the user's mouth and throat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Comfortable Sleep Induction Device 2 Main unit 3. Steam generator 4. Heating element 6. The first sheet of the main unit 7. The second sheet of the main unit. 8. The third sheet of the main unit 22 The first storage section of the main body 23 Second storage compartment of the main body 30 Main Seats

Claims

[Claim 1] A comfortable sleep induction device used during sleep, The device is attached to the user's face so as to cover at least the mouth, A steam generator having a liquid mainly composed of water, comprising a steam generator equipped in the main body, The steam generator includes a heating element mounted in the main body for heating the liquid contained within the steam generator, A comfortable sleep induction device characterized by supplying vapor generated by the evaporation of water content in the aforementioned liquid to the user's mouth, wherein the vapor permeation rate through the vapor generator is 0.5 g / h or more and 1.05 g / h or less.

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