mask

Abstract

To provide a mask having no risk of hands getting dirty during use, and also no risk of giving discomfort to a user since the entire mask gets wet with water.SOLUTION: A mask 1 includes a steam generator 3 storing inside a water bag 7 enclosing water, and a mask body 2 attached to a user's face, which includes the steam generator 3. The water bag 7 is opened and can flow out water by receiving pressing force, and the steam generator 3 is constituted so that steam can be generated by user's breathing in the state where water is flown out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask to be worn on the face, and more particularly to a mask having a humidifying function. [Background technology]

[0002] Masks have been widely used for a long time as a defense against fine dust particles such as pollen and yellow sand, and as a countermeasure against infections such as viruses and bacteria. Recently, the functions of masks have become more diverse, and various types of masks have been proposed.

[0003] For example, during sleep, the mouth is prone to dryness because food, drink, saliva, etc. are not swallowed. In addition, the air is generally dry in winter, and air conditioners are operated in offices all year round even outside of winter. Therefore, there are many environments where the air is prone to dryness even during the day, and the mouth is prone to dryness. In order to prevent the mouth from drying out, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mask with a humidifying function. The mask of Patent Document 1 houses a filter that holds water in a housing, so that the moisture in the filter turns into steam and is supplied to the mouth every time you breathe. This makes it possible to prevent the mouth from drying out.

[0004] The mask of Patent Document 1 can humidify the oral cavity well, but it is troublesome because the user needs to store the wet filter in the storage unit when using it, and since the filter contains not only water but also various chemicals such as moisturizers and preservatives, there is a problem that the user's hands will get dirty when touching it. In addition, there is a problem that the filter is easily moldy when stored before use due to the adsorption of preservatives to the filter.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a mask containing a water bag filled with water. When using the mask of Patent Document 2, the water bag is broken and opened by pressing the mask, and the water in the water bag wets the entire mask, so that the mask can be used as a wet mask. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-205926 A [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3178657 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The mask in Patent Document 2 is configured so that the mask itself becomes wet when the water bag is opened. Therefore, when the user wears the mask on his / her face, the wet mask touches the skin over a wide area of ​​the face, not just the mouth, which causes discomfort to the user.

[0008] The present invention has been made in response to the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mask that does not pose a risk of dirtying the hands when used, and does not pose a risk of the entire mask getting wet with water, causing discomfort to the user when worn. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to a mask having a humidifying function, which includes a steam generator that houses a water bag that contains water, and a mask body that is worn on a user's face and can be equipped with the steam generator, the water bag being able to open when subjected to a pressing force to allow water to flow out, and the steam generator being able to generate steam when the user breathes in a state where the water has flowed out.

[0010] In the mask of the present invention, preferably, the steam generating unit is formed using a main sheet that is water impermeable and has moisture permeability and air permeability.

[0011] In addition, in the mask of the present invention, preferably, the steam generator can be configured such that the inside and / or outside of the main sheet is reinforced with a moisture-permeable and breathable outer sheet and / or lining sheet.

[0012] In the mask of the present invention, preferably, the moisture permeability of the steam generator is 8000 g / m 2 / The period may be longer than or equal to 1 day.

[0013] In addition, the mask of the present invention can preferably be configured so that the viscosity of the water is 3000 mPa·s or more and 7000 mPa·s or less.

[0014] In addition, the mask of the present invention can preferably be configured such that the seal strength of the seal portion at the outer peripheral edge of the steam generator is 3N / 15mm width or more, and the seal strength of the seal portion of the steam generator is 1.24 or more times greater than the seal strength of the seal portion at the outer peripheral edge of the water bag.

[0015] In addition, the mask of the present invention can be preferably configured so that the seal strength of the seal portion of the steam generator is 30 N / 15 mm width or less. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the mask of the present invention, there is no risk of the hands getting dirty when using it, and it is possible to prevent the entire mask from getting wet with water, which causes discomfort to the user when wearing it. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mask of the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the mask of the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a steam generator. [Diagram 5] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method of using the mask of the present embodiment. [Figure 6]1 is a graph showing the relationship between the moisture permeability of a steam-generating body and the amount of steam generated from the steam-generating body per unit time (volatilization rate). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a mask of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] 1 to 3 show the appearance of a mask 1 of this embodiment. The mask 1 includes a mask body 2 that is worn on the user's face, and a steam generator 3 that can generate steam. The steam generator 3 is provided in the mask body 2. The mask 1 further includes a pair of ear bands 4 that are attached to the left and right sides of the mask body 2. Hereinafter, the direction connecting the pair of ear bands 4 (the left-right direction in Figs. 2 and 3) is referred to as the width direction, and the direction perpendicular to the width direction (the up-down direction in Figs. 1 and 2) is referred to as the up-down direction.

[0020] The mask body 2 is breathable and covers a part of the user's face (the area under the eyes, particularly the nose and mouth). The mask body 2 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a widthwise center line H (shown in FIG. 2). When the mask body 2 is folded in half along the widthwise center line H, the widthwise center line H has a shape that curves convexly in a direction away from the pair of ear straps 4. As a result, when the folded mask body 2 is unfolded and worn on the face, the mask body 2 has a three-dimensional shape, and a space is formed between the mouth / nostrils and the mask body 2 in the widthwise center of the mask body 2.

[0021] The upper and lower edges of the mask body 2 are inclined obliquely downward and upward, respectively, so that the top and bottom widths gradually narrow toward the outer sides (left and right sides) in the width direction. The left and right side edges of the mask body 2 are shaped to form recesses 20 that are curved concavely at the center in the vertical direction, and a pair of protrusions 21 are provided to sandwich the recesses 20 between them. Ear straps 4 are attached to connect the pair of protrusions 21.

[0022] The mask body 2 is composed of a first sheet 5 and a second sheet 6 overlapped on the first sheet 5, with the second sheet 6 disposed on the face side and the first sheet 5 disposed on the opposite side to the face. The two sheets 5, 6 are joined at the outer periphery except for the upper edge by a predetermined width using a known method such as heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc., and are joined from the upper edge to the lower edge by a predetermined width along a width center line H, to form the mask body 2. The mask body 2 is provided with a storage section 22 capable of storing a steam generator 3 between the two sheets 5, 6 by overlapping the two sheets 5, 6. In this embodiment, a pair of storage sections 22 on the left and right are provided in the mask body 2 with the width center line H between them.

[0023] The mask body 2 may be formed by joining a pair of symmetrical mask pieces at a width center line H. The mask pieces are composed of two sheets each having a size approximately half that of the first sheet 5 and the second sheet 6, and are formed by joining the outer peripheries of the two sheets, excluding the upper edges, at a predetermined width.

[0024] An opening 23 is formed at the upper edge of the mask body 2 by not joining the two sheets 5, 6, and the steam generator 3 can be inserted and removed from the storage section 22 through the opening 23. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right openings 23 are formed in the mask body 2, corresponding to the pair of left and right storage sections 22, with a width center line H therebetween.

[0025] The mask body 2 is formed with a joint 24 for holding the steam generator 3 in a predetermined position in the storage section 22. The joint 24 is formed by linearly joining the first sheet 5 and the second sheet 6 using a known method such as heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc. The joint 24 is formed of a substantially horizontal portion extending in the left-right direction along the lower edge of the steam generator 3 and a vertical portion extending in the up-down direction along a part of one of the left and right side edges, and the joint 24 restricts the steam generator 3 in the storage section 22 from moving downward or left-right.

[0026] The first sheet 5 is formed using a material that is breathable. The second sheet 6 is formed using a material that is breathable and moisture permeable. Moisture permeability is a property that allows steam (water molecules) to pass through. As the second sheet 6 has moisture permeability, steam generated from the steam generating unit 3 in the storage unit 22 passes through the second sheet 6 and is supplied to the user's face side. The moisture permeability of the second sheet 6 is not particularly limited as long as it allows the steam generated from the steam generating unit 3 to pass through. Note that a sheet that has breathability also usually has moisture permeability.

[0027] For the first sheet 5 and the second sheet 6, for example, sheet-like fibers such as woven fabric and nonwoven fabric can be used, and among them, nonwoven fabric can be preferably used. Examples of fiber materials for woven fabric and nonwoven fabric 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 them, polypropylene and polyethylene can be preferably exemplified from the viewpoint of productivity, polypropylene can be preferably exemplified from the viewpoint of shape retention of the mask body 2, and nylon can be preferably exemplified from the viewpoint of the feel of the mask body 2 on the skin of the user.

[0028] When nonwoven fabric is used for the first sheet 5 and the second sheet 6, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, thermalbond nonwoven fabric, or spunlace nonwoven fabric can be used. Among them, spunbond nonwoven fabric is preferably used from the viewpoint of shape retention of the mask body 2, and meltblown nonwoven fabric is preferably used from the viewpoint of the cut performance against pollen, viruses, etc. of the mask body 2. The first sheet 5 and the second sheet 6 can have a single layer structure or a laminated structure of two or more layers, and examples of the laminated structure include SS nonwoven fabric (two-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric) and SMS nonwoven fabric (three-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric).

[0029] For example, since it is preferable that the second sheet 6 on the face side has a good feel against the skin, a spunbond nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene can be preferably used, and since it is preferable that the first sheet 5 on the opposite side to the face has good shape retention, an air-through nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene can be preferably used.

[0030] In this embodiment, the mask body 2 is composed of two sheets 5 and 6, but it may have a laminated structure of three or more layers, for example by overlapping another sheet on the front side (opposite the face) of the first sheet 5.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4, the steam-generating body 3 houses a water bag 7 therein. The water bag 7 has a sealed bag shape and contains water inside. The material from which the water bag 7 is made is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that does not leak or seep out the enclosed water, and a conventionally known water-impermeable and air-impermeable (non-moisture-permeable) bag can be used. Note that water-impermeable includes poor water-permeability, which makes it difficult for water to pass through, and non-water-permeability, which does not allow water to pass through.

[0032] Only water may be enclosed in the water bag 7, but other components may be added to water as the main component. Examples of other components include polyols. The polyols are not particularly limited, but are preferably glycerin, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, 1,2 pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, etc., and more preferably glycerin in terms of safety. In addition to these, preservatives such as methylparaben and phenoxyethanol, moisturizing agents such as hyaluronate and betaine, plant extracts, water-soluble thickeners such as xanthan gum, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (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., may be appropriately added to the water as other components.

[0033] The amount of water enclosed in the water bag 7 is not particularly limited, but 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, and is, for example, preferably 2 g or more, and more preferably 4 g or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing deterioration in the usability of the mask 1 due to the weight of the water when the mask 1 is worn, the amount of water is, for example, preferably 7 g or less, and more preferably 5 g or less. If other ingredients are added to the water, the amount of water including the added other ingredients may be within the above-mentioned range.

[0034] The viscosity of the water sealed in the water bag 7 is not particularly limited, but if the viscosity of the water is too low, the water will flow out of the water bag 7 into the steam-generating body 3 with great force when the water bag 7 is opened, and depending on the seal strength of the seal portion 33 on the outer periphery of the steam-generating body 3 described below, the seal portion 33 may be damaged by the pressure of the water. On the other hand, if the viscosity of the water is too high, the water may not easily flow out of the water bag 7 into the steam-generating body 3 when the water bag 7 is opened. Therefore, the viscosity of the water is preferably 3000 mPa·s or more and 7000 mPa·s or less, and more preferably 4000 mPa·s or more and 6000 mPa·s or less at 25°C. When the viscosity of water is to be measured in the range of less than 1000 mPa·s, it is measured at 25°C and a rotation speed of 30 rpm using a rotor of SPINDLE No. M2 using a B-type viscometer (TV-10 model, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.). When measuring the range of 1000 mPa·s or more but less than 2500 mPa·s, measurements are made with a B-type viscometer (TV-10 model, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) using a SPINDLE No. M2 rotor at 25°C and a rotation speed of 12 rpm. When measuring the range of 2500 mPa·s or more but less than 10000 mPa·s, measurements are made with a SPINDLE No. M3 rotor at 25°C and a rotation speed of 12 rpm. When measuring the range of 10000 mPa·s or more but less than 20000 mPa·s, measurements are made with a SPINDLE No. M4 rotor at 25°C and a rotation speed of 12 rpm.

[0035] The water bag 7 is structured so that it can be opened by application of a pressing force, allowing the water sealed inside to flow out (inside the steam-generating body 3). Here, the pressing force refers to a force that can be applied to the steam-generating body 3 by a user holding the steam-generating body 3 housing the water bag 7 with one or both hands. As the above-mentioned structure, various conventionally known structures can be used, such as providing an easy-to-break line in the water bag 7 so that at least a part of the water bag 7 breaks when a pressing force is applied, or providing a part with weak sealing strength in the seal part 70 (shown in FIG. 4 ) on the outer periphery of the water bag 7 so that at least a part of the seal part 70 is broken by water pressure when a pressing force is applied.

[0036] The steam-generating body 3, which houses the water bag 7, is in the form of a sealed bag. The steam-generating body 3 is structured to suppress or prevent water from leaking out of the steam-generating body 3 when the water in the water bag 7 has flowed out, and to generate steam by the user's breathing.

[0037] For example, the steam generating unit 3 in this embodiment is formed using a main sheet 30 that is water impermeable and has moisture permeability and air permeability. The main sheet 30 is a sheet (including a film) that has a function of preventing the passage of water that has flowed into the steam generating unit 3, and also has a function of passing air caused by the user's breathing and steam generated by the evaporation of water in the steam generating unit 3 due to the user's breathing.

[0038] The main sheet 30 may be, for example, a liquid-impermeable resin film or a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric. The resin film used for the main sheet 30 may be a porous film having many fine holes, or a non-porous film, as long as liquid impermeability, moisture permeability, and breathability are obtained. When a porous film is used, the moisture permeability can be controlled by adjusting the size of the holes. Examples of the resin material of the porous film include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane. The resin film may be made of a fluorinated resin film or a polyurethane film. Examples of the resin material of the non-porous film include a urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer and a polyethylene-based thermoplastic elastomer. The above-mentioned resin film may be a conventionally known moisture-permeable waterproof sheet used for the back sheet of sanitary materials such as diapers and the base material of high-performance protective clothing.

[0039] The nonwoven fabric used for the main sheet 30 may be, for example, a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric such as an SMS nonwoven fabric, an SMMS nonwoven fabric (a four-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric), or an SMMMS nonwoven fabric (a five-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric), or a spunbond nonwoven fabric or point-bond nonwoven fabric laminated with a resin film. When a nonwoven fabric is used, the moisture permeability can be controlled by adjusting the mesh size.

[0040] The main sheet 30 may be made of the above-mentioned resin film or nonwoven fabric alone or in a laminate of two or more thereof.

[0041] The steam-generating unit 3 in this embodiment is formed using a moisture-permeable and breathable outer sheet 31 and inner sheet 32. The outer side (opposite the water bag 7) and inner side (the water bag 7 side) of the main sheet 30 are reinforced by the outer sheet 31 and the inner sheet 32, so that the water pressure resistance and strength of the steam-generating unit 3 can be improved.

[0042] The outer sheet 31 and the inner sheet 32 ​​can be made of sheet-like fibers such as woven fabric and nonwoven fabric, and among them, nonwoven fabric is preferably used. Examples of fiber materials for the woven fabric and nonwoven fabric 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 water flowing out of the water bag 7, and is preferably relatively hard and tear-resistant so that the main sheet 30 can withstand the pressure of the water when the water flows out of the water bag 7, and in this respect, polypropylene is preferably used 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 is preferably comfortable to the touch of the user, and in this respect, nylon is preferably used as the material.

[0043] When nonwoven fabrics are used for the front sheet 31 and the back sheet 32, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, thermal bond nonwoven fabric, or spunlace nonwoven fabric can be used. Among them, spunbond nonwoven fabric is preferably used for the back sheet 32 ​​from the viewpoint of water pressure resistance, and spunbond nonwoven fabric is preferably used for the front sheet 31 from the viewpoint of film strength.

[0044] The steam-generating unit 3 is formed into a bag shape by overlapping six sheets of the same shape and size, namely, two lining sheets 32, two main sheets 30 arranged on the outside of each lining sheet 32, and two outer sheets 31 arranged on the outside of each main sheet 30, and joining the outer periphery at a predetermined width using a known method such as heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc. Alternatively, the steam-generating unit 3 may be formed into a bag shape by preparing a laminated sheet in which the lining sheet 32, the main sheet 30, and the outer sheet 31 of the same shape and size are integrated in advance, overlapping the two laminated sheets, and joining the outer periphery at a predetermined width using a known method such as heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc.

[0045] The seal strength of the seal portion 33 on the outer periphery of the steam-generating body 3 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the seal strength is set so that the seal portion 33 is not broken by the pressure of the water when it flows out of the water bag 7, causing the water to leak out of the steam-generating body 3. For example, it is preferable that the seal strength of the seal portion 33 has a lower limit of 3 N / 15 mm width or more and an upper limit of 30 N / 15 mm width or less.

[0046] The seal strength of the seal portion 33 of the steam-generating body 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1.24 or more times the seal strength of the seal portion 70 on the outer periphery of the water bag 7. As a result, damage to the seal portion 33 of the steam-generating body 3 can be effectively prevented when water flows out of the water bag 7, and water can be prevented from leaking out of the steam-generating body 3, as will be described in detail later.

[0047] The seal strength of the seal parts 33, 70 of the steam-generating body 3 and the water bag 7 is measured as follows: First, at least three rectangular samples with a width (length in the direction in which the seal parts 33, 70 extend) of 15 mm and a length (length in the direction perpendicular to the width) of 50 mm are cut out from the steam-generating body 3 and the water bag 7 so as to include the joint parts 33, 70, respectively, and then the peel strength (N / 15 mm width) of the sheet on the front side (a laminated sheet if the front side is made up of multiple sheets) and the sheet on the back side (a laminated sheet if the front side is made up of multiple sheets) of each sample is measured using a tensile tester at a tensile speed of 300 mm / min and a gripping distance of 20 mm, and the seal strength is obtained by averaging each measured value.

[0048] The moisture permeability of the steam generating unit 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 8000 g / m 2 / day or more, and 10,000 g / m 2 / By setting the moisture permeability of the steam-generating body 3 within the above-mentioned range, the vaporization speed of the steam per unit area of ​​the steam-generating body 3, that is, the amount of water in the steam-generating body 3 evaporated and dispersed as steam from the steam-generating body 3 per unit time at 25°C (g / m 2 / h) can be made equal to or greater than the evaporation rate of the filter of a conventional mask that houses a water-holding filter in the housing (the conventional product is the "Nodo Nuru Nure Mask" manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), and a sufficient amount of vapor can be supplied to the user. The definition of moisture permeability (water vapor transmission rate) complies with JIS Z 0208.

[0049] The pair of ear straps 4 are for holding the mask body 2 on the user's face, and can be hooked on the left and right ears of the user. The ear straps 4 can be attached to the mask body 2 by known methods such as heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, and sewing. The material of the ear straps 4 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a stretchy string-like or strip-like material such as polyester. Note that, as a means for holding the mask body 2 on the user's face, various means other than the ear straps 4 may be used. For example, an adhesive layer may be provided on the left and right sides of the mask body 2, and the left and right sides of the mask body 2 may be attached to the user's face via the adhesive layer, or holes through which the ears can be inserted may be formed on the left and right sides of the mask body 2, and the left and right sides of the mask body 2 may be hooked on the left and right ears of the user via the holes.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, in the mask 1 of the present embodiment described above, with the steam generating unit 3 accommodated in the accommodation section 22 of the mask body 2, the user presses the steam generating unit 3 from above the mask body 2 with their hand, opening the water bag 7 in the steam generating unit 3 and causing water to flow from the water bag 7 into the steam generating unit 3. Then, when the user wears the mask 1 on their face and breathes, air passes through the steam generating unit 3, at which time the water in the steam generating unit 3 evaporates to generate steam, which is supplied to the user's oral cavity, satisfactorily humidifying the oral cavity and preventing it from drying out.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the steam-generating body 3 is formed using the water-impermeable main sheet 30, and therefore it is possible to prevent water flowing out from the water bag 7 from leaking out and wetting the mask body 2. Therefore, there is no risk of the user feeling uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1 on his or her face.

[0052] Furthermore, with the mask 1 of this embodiment, the user does not need to place a wet filter in the storage compartment as with conventional masks, and only needs to press the steam-generating unit 3, which saves time and effort and eliminates the risk of the user's hands getting dirty with water, etc. Furthermore, because the water is sealed in the water bag 7, it is possible to prevent mold from growing on the steam-generating unit 3 during storage of the mask 1 before use.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the steam generating body 3 is reinforced on the inside and outside of the main sheet 30 by the outer sheet 31 and the lining sheet 32, thereby improving the water pressure resistance and strength of the steam generating body 3.

[0054] In addition, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the moisture permeability of the steam generating element 3 is 8000 g / m 2 / day or more, a sufficient amount of steam can be supplied to the user's oral cavity.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the viscosity of the water in the water bag 7 is 3000 mPa·s or more and 7000 mPa·s or less, so that when the water bag 7 is opened, water does not flow out forcefully from the water bag 7 into the steam-generating body 3, preventing damage to the steam-generating body 3.

[0056] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0057] As a modified example, in the above embodiment, the mask body 2 is formed by overlapping at least two sheets 5, 6, and the steam generator 3 is housed between the two sheets 5, 6, thereby making it possible to equip the mask body 2 with the steam generator 3. However, the method for enabling the mask body 2 to be equipped with the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, and for example, a method may be adopted in which a pocket for housing the steam generator 3 is attached to the mask body 2, and the steam generator 3 is housed in the pocket.

[0058] As another modification, in the above embodiment, the mask body 2 has a three-dimensional structure that forms a large space between the nostrils and the mouth when worn on the face. However, the structure of the mask body 2 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a structure that is flat before use and stretches in the vertical direction by spreading one or more pleats when worn on the user's face (a structure that fits closer to the surface of the face than a three-dimensional structure).

[0059] As another variation, in the above embodiment, the steam-generating body 3 is formed using a main sheet 30 that is water-impermeable and at the same time moisture-permeable and breathable, and the water that flows out from the water bag 7 is trapped inside the steam-generating body 3. However, the steam-generating body 3 is not limited to a structure that traps water inside, and may be a structure that retains water in the steam-generating body 3 by absorbing (containing) water that flows out from the water bag 7, for example.

[0060] As an example of the steam-generating body 3 having the above-mentioned water-retaining structure, for example, a fiber material, a water-absorbent resin material, a sponge-like resin material, or the like formed into a sheet can be used for the main sheet 30. Examples of the sheet-like fiber include woven fabric and nonwoven fabric, and among these, nonwoven fabric is preferable. Examples of the fiber material for the woven fabric and nonwoven fabric 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 thereof.

[0061] Among them, a nonwoven fabric using pulp is preferably used for the main sheet 30. The manufacturing method is not particularly limited, but it can be manufactured by an airlaid method or the like. From the viewpoints of productivity, processability and durability, it is preferable to mix pulp, which is the main component, 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 / m to retain the water that flows out of the water bag 7. 2 It is preferable that the thickness is 300 g / m or more. 2 More preferably, it is 500 g / m or more. 2 On the other hand, if the basis weight of the main sheet 30 is too large, the steam generating unit 3 becomes hard, and there is a risk that the user may feel uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1. Therefore, the basis weight of the main sheet 30 is preferably 1500 g / m 2 It is preferable that the thickness is less than 1000 g / m 2 More preferably, it is 600 g / m or less. 2 It is even more preferable that:

[0062] Alternatively, a sheet-like fiber containing an absorbent resin, for example, a SAP sheet containing a super absorbent polymer (SAP), can be preferably used for the main sheet 30. The SAP sheet is a nonwoven fabric (for example, an airlaid nonwoven fabric) carrying SAP.

[0063] The steam-generating body 3 may have a single layer of the main sheet 30 or a multi-layer structure in which the main sheet 30 is combined 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 (corresponding to the outer sheet 31 and the inner sheet 32 ​​in the above embodiment) having air permeability and moisture permeability. The pair of nonwoven fabrics may be made of the same material or different materials. Examples of the material of these nonwoven fabrics include hydrophilic natural fibers, hydrophobic synthetic fibers, and blended fibers thereof. As natural fibers, rayon and cotton are preferable, and rayon is more preferable. The hydrophilic fibers have the advantage that the main sheet 30 can easily absorb moisture and can be manufactured easily. As synthetic fibers, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) are preferable, and polyethylene and polypropylene are preferable. The hydrophobic fibers have the advantage that they can prevent wetting and stickiness. Therefore, it is preferable that the nonwoven fabric on the outer side of the main sheet 30 (opposite the water bag 7) is made of synthetic fibers, and the nonwoven fabric on the inner side (the water bag 7 side) is made of natural fibers such as rayon. 2 More than 50g / m 2 It is preferable to do the following:

[0064] The steam-generating body 3 having the above-mentioned water-retaining structure may be made of the same material as the water-retaining filters used in conventional masks, or the same material as the absorbents used in body fluid absorbent articles that absorb body fluids such as vaginal discharge, menstrual blood, sweat, and urine.

[0065] In the mask 1 in which the mask body 2 is provided with the steam generator 3 having the above-mentioned water-retaining structure, when the water bag 7 in the steam generator 3 is opened and water flows out from the water bag 7 into the steam generator 3 during use, the steam generator 3 absorbs (absorbs) and retains the water, so that the water flowing out from the water bag 7 leaks out to the outside and the mask body 2 is prevented from getting wet. Therefore, there is no risk of the user feeling uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1 on his / her face. When the user wears the mask 1 on his / her face and breathes, air passes through the steam generator 3, and at this time, the water held by the steam generator 3 evaporates to generate steam, which is supplied to the user's oral cavity, and the oral cavity is well humidified to prevent the oral cavity from drying out. With the mask 1 of this modified example, the user does not need to store a wet filter in the storage unit when using it, as in the conventional product, and only needs to press the steam generator 3, so that it is not time-consuming and there is no risk of the user's hands getting dirty with water or the like. Furthermore, since the water is sealed in the water bag 7, it is possible to prevent the steam-generating body 3 from becoming moldy during storage before use. EXAMPLES

[0066] EXAMPLES Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0067] (1) Test 1 In Test 1, a test was conducted on the relationship between the moisture permeability of the steam-generating unit and the amount of steam generated from the steam-generating unit per unit time (volatilization rate).

[0068] Specifically, several kinds of bag-shaped steam-generating bodies, which are water-impermeable and have different moisture permeabilities and are formed using the above-mentioned liquid-impermeable resin film and / or nonwoven fabric, were prepared, and 4.5 g of water (including other components) shown in Table 1 below was enclosed in each steam-generating body. All of the steam-generating bodies were rectangular with a length of 5.5 cm and a width of 7 cm, and their outer periphery was joined by heat fusion to form a sealed portion, and the width of the sealed portion was 5 mm. The moisture permeability of each steam-generating body is as shown in Table 2 below. The moisture permeability was measured in accordance with JIS Z 0208. After the weight of each steam-generating body was measured first, it was left to stand for one hour in an environment with a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 55%, and the weight was measured after one hour had passed, and the weight change was measured. From the weight change obtained, the evaporation rate of steam for each steam-generating body was calculated. The results are shown in Table 2 and FIG. 6.

[0069] The comparative example is a filter used in a type of mask in which a conventional water-holding filter is housed in the housing, and is an airlaid nonwoven fabric (basis weight: 444 g / m2) made of pulp and heat-fusible fibers made to the same size and shape as the steam generator. 2 ) is covered on both sides with spunlace nonwoven fabric (weight: 28g / m 2 The filter was soaked in 4.5 g of water (including other ingredients) shown in Table 1 below.

[0070] [Table 1]

[0071] [Table 2]

[0072] According to Table 2 and FIG. 6, the moisture permeability of the steam generator is 8000g / m 2 / days or more, the vapor evaporation rate is expected to be equivalent to that of conventional products, and it was found that a sufficient amount of vapor can be supplied to the user.2 / It can be seen that when the temperature is increased for 30 days or more, the vapor evaporates faster than with conventional products, and a larger amount of vapor can be supplied to the user than with conventional products.

[0073] (2) Test 2 In test 2, we tested the relationship between the seal strength of the seal on the outer edge of the steam generator and the degree of water leakage from within the steam generator, as well as the relationship between the seal strength of the seal on the outer edge of the water bag and the degree of water leakage from within the steam generator.

[0074] Specifically, several types of bag-shaped steam generators with different sealing strengths at the seal part of the outer periphery were prepared. All steam generators were rectangular with a size of 5.5 cm in length and 7 cm in width, and their outer periphery was joined by heat fusion to form the seal part. A water bag containing 4.5 g of water with the same composition as in Test 1 was stored inside the steam generator. The water bag was rectangular with a size of 4 cm in length and 4 cm in width, and its outer periphery was joined by heat fusion to form the seal part. The seal strength of the seal part of the water bag was 2.51 N / 15 mm width. Each steam generator was evaluated for water leakage from the steam generator when it was sandwiched between two plastic plates and a pressure of 70 N was applied through the plates. The results are shown in Table 3. The seal part of the water bag was damaged by the action of the pressure, causing water to leak into the steam generator.

[0075] [Table 3]

[0076] Furthermore, with regard to the relationship between the seal strength of the steam generator's seal and that of the water bag's seal, the degree of water leakage from the steam generator was evaluated for combinations of steam generator and water bag having the seal strengths shown in Table 4 below. The results are shown in Table 4. In the water leakage evaluation, "○" indicates no water leakage and "△" indicates a small amount of water leakage.

[0077] [Table 4]

[0078] According to Tables 3 and 4, when the seal strength of the seal part of the steam generator is 3N / 15mm width or more and is 1.24 or more larger than the seal strength of the seal part of the water bag, damage to the seal part of the steam generator is effectively suppressed and water leakage from the steam generator can be prevented. In other words, damage to the seal part of the steam generator cannot be effectively suppressed simply by the seal strength of the seal part of the steam generator being larger than the seal strength of the seal part of the water bag, and it is necessary to make it a predetermined size or more. Note that even if the seal strength of the seal part of the steam generator is outside the above-mentioned range, the amount of water leaking from the steam generator was small and not enough to wet the entire mask.

[0079] In addition, table 3 It was confirmed that water leakage from the steam generator cannot be prevented simply by having a high seal strength at the seal part of the steam generator, and that if the seal strength is too high, water leakage from the steam generator will occur. It was also found that water leakage from the steam generator can be prevented when the seal strength of the seal part of the steam generator is 30N / 15mm width or less. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Mask 2 Mask body 3. Steam generator 7 Water bag 30 Mainsheet 31 Outer sheet 32 Lining sheet

Claims

1. A steam generator having a water bag therein for sealing water; a mask body that is fitted to a user's face and that can be equipped with the steam generator; The water bag is capable of being opened by receiving a pressing force to allow water to flow out, and when opened, the water bag extends in a sheet shape within the steam generating body, The mask is characterized in that the steam generator is formed using a main sheet that is water impermeable but has moisture permeability and air permeability, and is configured to generate steam by a user's breathing in a state in which the water has flowed out.

2. 2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the steam generator is reinforced on the inside and / or outside of the main sheet by a moisture-permeable and breathable outer sheet and / or lining sheet.

3. The moisture permeability of the steam generator is 8000 g / m ２ 3. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the mask has a wavelength of 100 nm or more.

4. A mask as described in claim 1, characterized in that the seal strength of the seal portion at the outer peripheral edge of the steam generator is 3 N / 15 mm width or more and 30 N / 15 mm width or less, and the seal strength of the seal portion of the steam generator is 1.24 or more times greater than the seal strength of the seal portion at the outer peripheral edge of the water bag.

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