Respiratory protection

Abstract

A respiratory protector for use in a stoma of a laryngectomized or tracheotomized individual is provided. The respiratory protector comprises a housing (1) having at least one inlet (7) and at least one outlet (9). The respiratory protector further comprises a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) (3), the HME (3) being disposed within and surrounded by the housing (1). The respiratory protector further comprises a closure member (6) disposed at the distal open end of the housing (1) in a cross-section relative to a central axis of the housing (1) and distal to the HME (3). The closure member (6) is adapted to sealingly engage with the housing (1) in a closed position. The closure member (6) comprises at least one inlet (8), such that during use, airflow passes from the person's surroundings through the inlets (7, 8), through the HME (3), and through the at least one outlet (9) into the person's trachea.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of respiratory protectors for use on the stoma of a laryngectomized or tracheotomized individual, the respiratory protector comprising a heat and moisture exchanger (HME), the respiratory protector having a plurality of inlets and at least one outlet, such that, in use, air flows from around the individual through the inlets, through the HME to the outlet and into the individual's trachea. [Background technology]

[0002] A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the trachea through the front of the neck. This opening is called a tracheotomy. A tracheotomy tube can be placed between the tracheotomy tube and the trachea. A tracheotomy is performed when there is a dysfunction, such as as a result of injury or damage, with the nervous system or airway, that results in an inability to get enough air. A tracheotomy may also be performed when there is reduced lung capacity or the respiratory system needs treatment.

[0003] Laryngectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat cancer, in which the larynx and vocal cords are removed to create a tracheotomy. As a result of this operation, the trachea is no longer connected to the pharynx and is diverted to the tracheotomy. After this procedure, normal nasal function is not possible. In subjects with normal respiratory function, the mucous membranes of the nose and nasal cavity perform the important function of conditioning the inhaled air. A complex web of passages and a rich blood supply allow them to increase the temperature and humidity of the inhaled air and minimize the difference between these parameters and those at the surface of the lungs. Normally, some heat and moisture are also captured from the exhaled air before it is released into the atmosphere. The mucous membranes of the nasal cavity also serve to remove particulate matter, such as particles, pollutants, and microorganisms, from the inhaled air, carrying them out of the lungs with the help of cilia.

[0004] In a laryngectomized patient, virtually all inhaled air passes through the bronchi into the lungs, and the nose plays virtually no role in the inhalation process. Exhaled air passes through the tracheotomy, but if an artificial vocal cord is fitted, the tracheotomy can be closed and the exhaled air can be directed through the artificial vocal cord into the pharynx and mouth, allowing the patient to speak. The flow of exhaled air is preferably controlled by a tracheotomy valve. In such circumstances, the valve remains open during breathing, but can be closed to redirect the air flow, slightly increasing the flow rate of exhaled air.

[0005] In this regard, filter devices and respiratory protectors have been developed that allow the moistening of the inhaled air and the removal of small particles and bacterial substances in said inhaled air. This is similar to the function of the nose. However, the production of such devices presents several complex problems. Firstly, the users of such devices require a good moistening and removal effect while keeping the size of the device, i.e. the surface area, as small as possible. Secondly, the moistening and removal effect is required to have a large surface area and not to create a large resistance on the device. These criteria are contradictory, which the observant reader has already recognized.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes an artificial nose with a housing and a hydrophilic filtering disk, and further includes a cap that can be moved up and down to open and close a window in the housing. The artificial nose of Patent Document 1 needs to be actively moved from an open position to a closed position, and has very limited antibacterial effect.

[0007] Patent document 2 describes a respiratory protector for use on the stoma of a laryngectomized or tracheotomized person. The respiratory protector comprises a closure member that can be actuated to close the communication between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet. The closure member is a member of or attached to the flexible cover. Due to the elasticity of the flexible cover, the flexible cover can be pressed inwardly to conform in a closure manner with a closure surface, such as a closure rib. When the flexible cover is pressed against the closure rib, a closure effect is obtained. Although the respiratory protector described in Patent document 2 has many advantages, there may be situations in which lower breathing resistance and improved humidification of the HME are required. An example of such a situation is during exercise.

[0008] Patent Document 3 describes a respirator comprising a filter housing, a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is located upstream of the second opening. A replacement filter may be disposed within the filter housing, and a valve seat may extend around the first opening. A valve member may be disposed to engage the valve seat in a closed position. However, even if this respirator can obtain a good moisturizing effect as described above, sometimes a lower breathing resistance and improved humidification of the HME are required.

[0009] Therefore, an improved respiratory protector would be advantageous, in particular one that allows for good moisturizing effects in the space provided within the housing of the respiratory protector and can provide a small respiratory protector. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide a respiratory protector that provides low resistance to said respiratory protector so that it can be used comfortably, for example, during exercise. It would also be advantageous to provide a respiratory protector that offers the patient the possibility to close the respiratory protector with low force, such as during speech, and that can be easily moved from an open to a closed state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,487,382 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8,505,537 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 8,991,394 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above identified deficiencies and to provide an improved respirator of the kind mentioned. To this end, the respirator comprises a housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) surrounded by said housing. The respirator comprises a closure member disposed in a transverse plane relative to a central axis of the housing and distal to said HME. The closure member is adapted to closingly engage with the housing in a closed position, the closure member comprising at least one inlet.

[0012] Advantageous features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0013] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the invention, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a respiratory protector according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a respirator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a respirator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a respirator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a respirator according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The following description focuses on one embodiment of the present invention applicable to respiratory protectors, and in particular to respiratory protectors for use with a stoma of a laryngectomized or tracheotomized person, said stoma communicating with the trachea of ​​said person, but the invention is not limited to this application and is also applicable to other technical fields where it is desired to provide the possibility of moistening and closing off an air flow.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figures 1 and 2, a respiratory protector is provided. The respiratory protector is for use on the stoma of a laryngectomized or tracheotomized person. The respiratory protector comprises a housing 1 having at least one inlet 7 and at least one outlet 9. The at least one inlet 7 is located at the top of the housing 1, i.e., distal to the tracheal stoma, and the at least one outlet 9 is located at the bottom of the housing 1, i.e., proximal to the tracheal stoma. The respiratory protector further comprises a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) 3. The HME is disposed within and surrounded by the housing 1. The housing 1 surrounds the HME 3, thereby preventing the user's neck from coming into contact with the HME 3, and thus minimizing contamination of the HME 3 may be ensured.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the respirator further comprises a closure member 6. The closure member 6 is not an integral part of the housing 1 but is separate from the housing 1. The closure member 6 is therefore a separate closure member 6. The closure member 6 is arranged in a cross-section relative to the central axis of the housing 1. It is arranged at an opening in the housing 1, which opening is located at the distal end of said housing 1, i.e. the end furthest from the person's neck. The closure member 6 is arranged distal to the HME 3. The HME 3 is therefore arranged within the housing 1 immediately below the closure member 6.

[0018] The closure member 6 is adapted to closingly engage said housing 1 in a closed position such that communication between ambient air and the trachea can be blocked. As further shown in Figures 1 and 2, the closure member 6 comprises at least one inlet 8. The present disclosure thus provides a respiratory protector in which, in use, air flow passes from the ambient, through a stoma in which the respiratory protector is located or on, to the person's trachea. The air flow passes via said multiple inlets 7, 8 and closure member 6 of the housing 1, through the HME 3, through at least one outlet 9 of the housing 1, and into the person's trachea.

[0019] By providing at least one inlet 8 in the closure member 6, a greater air flow is achieved through the respiratory protector. As air may also flow into the respiratory protector through the at least one inlet 8, the humidification provided by the HME 3 is increased. As air may flow through more inlets, the respiratory protector is provided with a greater inlet surface area, which is better utilized for humidification, as the air flow also passes through the portion of the HME 3 provided under the closure member 6. Furthermore, the additional air flow path through the closure member 6 reduces the resistance to air flow through the respiratory protector, improving the overall function of the respiratory protector. Although a higher resistance to air flow through the respiratory protector is not normally a problem, during exercise, the higher resistance may be burdensome. The proposed respiratory protector is thus more tolerable to the user during heavy breathing. Thus, the disclosed respiratory protector may be advantageous for use during exercise and in situations where heavier breathing is expected.

[0020] The at least one inlet 8 is preferably arranged in the center of the closure member 6. This is because the central location of the at least one inlet 8 makes it easier to close the communication between the inlets 7, 8 and the at least one outlet 9 and makes it easier to operate the closure member 6 while simultaneously blocking the at least one inlet 8 in the closure member 6. Thus, the air flow between the surrounding air and the person's trachea is more intuitive and easier to stop. Furthermore, the central location of the at least one inlet 8 in the closure member 6 makes it easier for the user to apply the closing force at the correct position of the closure member 6.

[0021] In one embodiment, the at least one inlet 8 includes at least one dividing bar 4, as shown in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, the at least one inlet 8 includes multiple dividing bars 4, as shown in FIG. 4. Although FIG. 4 illustrates an inlet 8 with two dividing bars 4 crossing each other, a larger number of dividing bars 4 may be realized. Providing one or more dividing bars 4 at the inlet 8 prevents a user's fingers from touching and contaminating the HME 3 when the user is pressing the closure member 6 to close the respirator. Thus, the HME 3 may be mitigated from excessive contamination by fingers. The one or more dividing bars 4 also further prevent the HME 3 from protruding through the closure member 6, which may occur due to pretension between the closure member 6 and the HME 3.

[0022] In another embodiment, the respirator closure member 6 may include multiple inlets 8. This is shown in FIG. 5. The inlets 8 may be of any size and any number, limited only by the available area of ​​the closure member 6 and by the area suitable for finger coverage. The size and number of the inlets 8 may be selected in some embodiments with respect to the manufacture of the respirator. Thus, the closure member 6 according to the present disclosure may be easily adapted to typical manufacturing conditions. As will be appreciated, each of these multiple inlets 8 may include one or more dividing bars 4.

[0023] The closure member 6 may be secured to the respirator in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the closure member 6 is glued to the HME to secure the closure member 6 to the respirator. In another, more preferred embodiment, the closure member 6 is attached to the respirator by a protrusion extending from the closure valve 10 of the closure member 6. The protrusion extends radially from the closure valve 10 and engages at least one inlet 7 provided in the housing 1. The protrusion thus extends into the at least one inlet 7, thereby arresting distal axial movement of the closure member 6 and maintaining the closure member 6 in place.

[0024] As shown in each of Figs. 1-5, the closure member 6 further comprises an opening interface structure 5. The opening interface structure 5 laterally surrounds said at least one inlet 8 of the closure member 6. The opening interface structure 5 facilitates correct positioning of the fingers during closure of the respirator. Thus, a respirator having the opening interface structure 5 on the closure member 6 is easier to close because the fingers can feel where the at least one inlet 8 is located. Furthermore, the opening interface structure 5 may facilitate the user to apply a closing force at the correct position of the closure member 6. In one embodiment, the opening interface structure 5 is a guide rim extending upward from the closure member 6. In another embodiment, the opening interface structure 5 is a recess in the closure member 6.

[0025] The closure member 6 is preferably made of a hard, inflexible material that prevents the closure member 6 from deforming and instead allows the closure member 6 to react instantly to an applied force. This applied force can actuate the closure member 6 to close the communication between the at least one inlet 7 and the at least one outlet 9. Thus, it may be possible to close the respirator by applying a small force. Also, at least the top of the housing 1 is preferably also made of a hard, inflexible material that prevents the top of the housing 1 from deforming. This may protect the internal structure of the respirator and may further prevent unnecessary pressure from being applied to the HME 3.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 1 of the respirator further comprises a closure valve seat 2. The valve seat 2 surrounds the HME 3. To complement the closure valve seat 2, the closure member 6 is provided with a closure valve 10. The closure valve 10 extends from the closure member 6 in a proximal direction, i.e. towards the user. The closure valve 10 is arranged laterally of the closure member 6 and therefore extends from a lower outer area of ​​the closure member 6 down into the housing 1. The structure of the closure member 6 with the closure valve 10 is such that when the closure member 6 is pushed proximally, i.e. towards the user of the respirator, the closure valve 10 can be pushed inwards to close against the closure valve seat 2 of the housing 1. The closure valve 10 is thus adapted to seal against the closure valve seat 2. When the closure valve 10 seals against the closure valve seat 2, the communication between the at least one inlet 7 and the at least one outlet 9 is closed. Thus, the at least one inlet 7 is blocked or covered by the closing valve 10, resulting in a closing effect such that air cannot pass through the at least one inlet 7 towards the at least one outlet 9.

[0027] The closure member 6 is actuated by placing a finger over at least one inlet 8 provided in the closure member 6 and exerting a force in the proximal direction, i.e. towards the user. The force in the proximal direction then moves the closure valve 10 in the same proximal direction until it reaches the closure valve seat 2. At the same time, the finger exerting the force in the proximal direction covers the at least one inlet 8 provided in the closure member 6, thereby also closing the communication between the at least one inlet 8 and the at least one outlet 9. It may thus be possible to realize the closing action by actuating the closure member 6 with a finger, which simultaneously blocks or covers the at least one inlet 8 of the closure member 6. The closure of the respirator is activated by the user when he intends to speak.

[0028] The previously disclosed embodiments provide a respirator with a compact design. More compact designs may be advantageous as they are generally more acceptable to a larger user population. Furthermore, the proposed embodiments provide the possibility for the patient to close the respirator with a relatively low force, such as during speech. The disclosed respirator structure, with an externally accessible closure member 6, provides a clear and well-defined closure. The respirator structure provides a tactile confirmation of the closure state of the respirator, i.e., open or closed.

[0029] The material of the HME3 preferably has an open structure with the channels therein and the channels randomly oriented. The material may include paper, foamed plastic, stuffing made of different fibers, or a combination thereof. It may also be impregnated with a hygroscopic substance. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the holes or gaps in the material have no particular directionality, so that breathing air may easily pass through the material in many directions to achieve the intended deflection.

[0030] In one advantageous embodiment, the material of the HME 3 may be HME foam. In such an embodiment, the HME 3 may further act as a return spring for the closure member 6. The elasticity of the HME foam allows the closure member 6 to return to the open state of the respiratory protector when the pressure is removed. Thus, the user may press the closure member 6 to block or cover the at least one inlet 7 with said closure valve 10. The user may then switch the respiratory protector to a speaking mode / state when the user wants to speak, and simply release the pressure on the closure member 6 when the user wants to stop speaking and return the respiratory protector to a breathing mode / state.

[0031] In the above embodiment, a respiratory protector for use in a stoma of a laryngectomized or tracheotomized person has been described. The respiratory protector comprises a housing 1, a closure member 6, and an HME 3. The housing 1 comprises at least one inlet 7 and at least one outlet 9. The closure member 6 is arranged in a cross section relative to the central axis of the housing 1 and distal to the HME 3, and is adapted to closely engage with the housing 1 in a closed position. The closure member 6 comprises at least one inlet 8 such that, in use, an air flow passes from the person's surroundings through the inlets 7, 8 to the at least one outlet 9 and into the trachea of ​​the person. It will be clear to one skilled in the art, even if not specifically disclosed, that the inlets and outlets may be divided into increased amounts simply by dividing certain inlets and outlets already disclosed. The HME 3 is surrounded by the housing 1 such that, in use, the air flow passes through the HME 3 as it passes from the inlets 7, 8 to the outlet 9.

[0032] According to one aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for humidifying air during breathing through a stoma in a laryngectomized or tracheotomized individual. The method includes passing air from the surroundings through a respiratory protector into the trachea of ​​the individual. The respiratory protector includes a housing 1 with at least one inlet 7 and at least one outlet 9. The respiratory protector further includes an HME 3 and a closure member 6 with at least one inlet 8 provided therein. Air passes around the individual, through the multiple inlets 7, 8 to the at least one outlet 9, and into the trachea of ​​the individual. The method further includes humidifying the air as it passes through the HME 3.

[0033] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for closing a respiratory protector for use on a stoma of a laryngectomized or tracheotomized individual. The respiratory protector has a housing 1 having at least one inlet 7 and at least one outlet 9. The respiratory protector further comprises an HME 3. The respiratory protector further comprises a closure member 6 having at least one inlet 8 such that air flow during use passes from around the individual through the inlets 7, 8, through the HME 3 to the at least one outlet 9 and into the trachea of ​​the individual. The housing 1 of the respiratory protector is provided with a closure valve seat 2 surrounding the HME 3. The closure member 6 comprises a closure valve 10 adapted to seal against the closure valve seat 2. The method comprises closing the respiratory protector by pressing the closure member 6 against the housing 1 such that the closure valve 10 covers or blocks at least one inlet 7 provided in the housing 1. This occurs at the same time that an object, for example a finger, pressing the closure member 6 against the housing 1 covers or blocks at least one inlet 8 provided in the closure member 6 .

[0034] The elements and components of an embodiment of the invention may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way. Indeed, functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in multiple units or as part of other functional units. As such, the invention may be implemented in a single unit or may be physically and functionally distributed between different units.

[0035] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but rather that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, and other embodiments other than those specifically described above are possible within the scope of these appended claims.

[0036] In the claims, the term "comprises" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Furthermore, although individual features are included in different claims, they may possibly be combined to advantage, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. Furthermore, the singular does not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second" etc. do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way. The present disclosure includes the following aspects: Aspect 1 1. A respiratory protector for use on a stoma in a laryngectomized or tracheotomized individual, said respiratory protector comprising: a housing (1) having at least one inlet (7) and at least one outlet (9); a heat and moisture exchanger, HME (3), disposed within and surrounded by the housing (1); a closure member (6) disposed at a distal open end of the housing (1) in a transverse plane relative to a central axis of the housing (1) and distal to the HME (3), the closure member (6) adapted to closingly engage with the housing (1) in a closed position, the closure member (6) comprising at least one inlet (8) such that in use air flows from around the person through the inlets (7, 8), through the HME (3) and through the at least one outlet (9) into the trachea of ​​the person; Respiratory protection, including Aspect 2 2. The respiratory protector according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inlet (8) is located in the center of the closure member (6). Aspect 3 3. The respirator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one inlet (8) of the closure member (6) is provided with at least one dividing bar (4). Aspect 4 A respirator according to aspect 3, wherein the at least one inlet (8) of the closure member (6) is provided with a plurality of dividing bars (4). Aspect 5 A respirator according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the closure member (6) comprises a plurality of inlets (8). Aspect 6 A respirator according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the closure member (6) comprises an opening interface structure (5) laterally surrounding the at least one inlet (8). Aspect 7 A breathing protector according to aspect 6, wherein the opening interface structure (5) is a guide rim. Aspect 8 A respiratory protector according to aspect 6, wherein the opening interface structure (5) is a recess. Aspect 9: A respirator according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the closure member (6) is made of a non-flexible material. Aspect 10 A respiratory protector as described in any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the housing (1) comprises a shut-off valve seat (2) surrounding the HME (3), and the closing member (6) comprises a shut-off valve (10), and the shut-off valve (10) is adapted to seal against the shut-off valve seat (2). Aspect 11 A respirator as described in aspect 10, wherein the closure member (6) during activation is arranged to close communication between the at least one inlet (7) and the at least one outlet (9). Aspect 12 12. The respiratory protector of any one of aspects 1-11, wherein the HME (3) comprises an HME foam. Aspect 13 A respiratory protector as described in aspect 12, wherein the HME foam is configured to act as a return spring for the closure member (6). Aspect 14 1. A method for humidifying air during breathing through a stoma in a laryngectomized or tracheotomized individual, the method comprising: Passing air from the surroundings through a respiratory protector to the person's trachea, the respiratory protector comprising a housing (1) with at least one inlet (7) and at least one outlet (9), a closure member (6) with at least one inlet (8), and a heat and moisture exchanger, HME (3); humidifying the air as it passes through the HME (3); A method comprising: Aspect 15 1. A method of closing a respiratory protector for use on a stoma of a laryngectomized or tracheotomized individual, the respiratory protector comprising a housing (1) having at least one inlet (7) and at least one outlet (9), a heat and moisture exchanger, HME (3), and a closure member (6) having at least one inlet (8), such that in use air flows from around the individual through said inlets (7, 8), through the HME (3) and through the at least one outlet (9) into the trachea of ​​the individual, the housing (1) comprising a closure valve seat (2) surrounding the HME (3), the closure member (6) comprising a closure valve (10), the closure valve (10) adapted to seal against the closure valve seat (2), closing the respirator by pressing the closure member (6) against the housing (1), wherein the closing valve (10) blocks at least one inlet (7) in the housing (1) while an object pressing the closure member (6) against the housing (1) simultaneously blocks at least one inlet (8) in the closure member (6); A method comprising:

Claims

1. A respiratory protector for use on a stoma of a laryngectomized or tracheotomized individual, said respiratory protector comprising a housing (1), a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) (3), and a closure member (6), The housing (1) comprises at least one inlet (7) and at least one outlet (9), and a shutoff valve seat (2) surrounding the HME (3); The HME (3) is disposed within the housing (1) and is surrounded by the shutoff valve seat (2); The closing member (6) a distal open end of the housing (1), disposed in a transverse plane relative to a central axis of the housing (1) and distal to the HME (3); It has at least one inlet (8), and a shut-off valve (10) adapted to seal against said shut-off valve seat (2); The breathing protector is configured to transition from a breathing state to a speaking state when the closure member (6) is pressed towards the inside of the housing (1), In the breathing state, the air flow is from the surroundings of the person through an inlet (7) of the housing (1), through a gap between the shutoff valve seat (2) and the shutoff valve (10), through the HME (3), and through the at least one outlet (9); from around the person through an inlet (8) of the closure member (6), through the HME (3), and through the at least one outlet (9); configured to enter the person's trachea; and In the speaking state, by pressing an object against the closure member (6), The closure member (6) is pressed down into the housing (1) to seal the shutoff valve seat (2) and the shutoff valve (10) to close the communication between the at least one inlet (7) of the housing (1) and the at least one outlet (9) of the housing; a communication between at least one inlet (8) in the closure member (6) and at least one outlet (9) of the housing is configured to be closed by the object; Respiratory protection.

2. A respiratory protector as described in claim 1, wherein at least one inlet (8) of the closure member (6) is positioned in the center of the closure member (6).

3. The respirator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one inlet (8) of the closure member (6) is provided with at least one dividing bar (4).

4. The respiratory protector according to claim 3, wherein at least one inlet (8) of the closure member (6) is provided with a plurality of dividing bars (4).

5. A breathing protector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one inlet (8) of the closure member (6) is multiple.

6. The respiratory protector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the closure member (6) comprises an opening interface structure (5) laterally surrounding at least one inlet (8) of the closure member (6).

7. The respirator of claim 6, wherein the opening interface structure (5) is a guide rim.

8. The breathing protector according to claim 6, wherein the opening interface structure (5) is a recess.

9. A respiratory protector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the closure member (6) is made of a non-flexible material.

10. The respiratory protector of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the HME (3) comprises HME foam.

11. 11. The respiratory protector according to claim 10, wherein the HME foam is configured to act as a return spring for the closure member (6) so that the respiratory protector can return from the speaking state to the breathing state when pressure on the closure member is removed.

Images