Agent for improving mucociliary transport function

Abstract

To provide a mucociliary transport function improvement tool which can easily humidify the respiratory tract, can be used in various situations such as sleeping, and can enhance a mucociliary transport function.SOLUTION: A mucociliary transport function improvement tool 1 comprises a body 2 which is worn on a user's face so as to cover at least the nose and / or the mouth, and a steam generator 3 which generates steam and is arranged closer to the user's face side than the body 2. This tool is used for improving the transport function of the mucociliary pili of the respiratory tract.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mucociliary transport function improving device used for improving mucociliary transport function in the airways, and relates to a steam-emitting mask-type mucociliary transport function improving device. [Background technology]

[0002] Mucociliary transport function is one of the defense mechanisms of the airway, and foreign substances (such as viruses) that enter the airway with inhaled air are captured by the outer mucus layer, and the movement of the cilia in the mucosa (ciliary movement) transports and eliminates the foreign substances together with the mucus, thereby preventing infection. It is known that the function of mucociliary transport function decreases with a decrease in relative humidity (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1), and when healthy individuals breathe in dry air, the mucociliary transport function decreases.

[0003] As a method for improving and maintaining normal mucociliary transport function in a low humidity environment, for example, there is a method of spraying physiological saline into the nasal cavity using a spray or an inhaler (such as a nebulizer). However, when using a spray, the user needs to spray multiple times until the required amount is sprayed, which is troublesome, and when a dry feeling occurs during sleep, for example, the user needs to get up and spray, which is troublesome. In addition, when using an inhaler, the user needs to wait in front of the inhaler for a certain period of time required for inhalation, so it cannot be used in various situations, such as while sleeping. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Eri Suzumura: Effect of saline nasal spray on mucociliary transport function of nasal mucosa: Otolaryngology Outlook 56(Supplement3): Otolaryngology Outlook Society: 2013:s181-s184 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mucociliary transport function improving device that can easily humidify the airways and can be used in various situations such as while sleeping, and can improve the mucociliary transport function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The mucociliary transport function improving device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a main body that is worn on the user's face so as to cover at least the nose and / or mouth, and a steam generator that emits steam and is positioned on the user's face side of the main body, and is used for improving the mucociliary transport function of the airways.

[0007] A preferred embodiment of the mucociliary transport function improving device of the present invention is characterized in that the steam-generating body is a water-containing body that retains water.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the mucociliary transport function improving device of the present invention is characterized in that the steam-generating body generates steam by being heated. The means for heating the steam-generating body is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the mucociliary transport function improving device further comprises a heating body for heating the steam-generating body, and that the steam-generating body generates steam by heating the moisture content of the steam-generating body during use by the heating body, and furthermore, it is preferable that the steam-generating body generates steam during use by heating the moisture content of the steam-generating body before use by an external heating device such as a microwave oven.

[0009] The mucociliary transport function improving device of the present invention may be configured in such a way that the steam generator generates steam by natural evaporation of water content without being heated.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the mucociliary transport function improving device of the present invention, the steam generator generates steam in an amount of 120 mg or more and 180,000 mg or less over a 30 minute period after steam generation. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the mucociliary transport function improving device of the present invention, the airways can be easily humidified and can be used in various situations such as while sleeping, thereby improving the mucociliary transport function. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a rear view of the mucociliary transport function improving device of the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mask of the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2A is a rear view of the storage section, and FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2A is a front view of the water-containing body, and FIG. 2B is a side view. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a state in which a user wears the mucociliary transport function improving device of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing the results of a test on the effect of a mucociliary transport function improving device on improving the mucociliary transport function of the airways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an actual embodiment of the mucociliary transport function improving device of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figures 1 to 3 and 6 show a mucociliary transport function improving device 1 of this embodiment. The mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is used by being worn on the face of a user (see Figure 6), and can improve the mucociliary transport function by humidifying the airway through the action of steam. The mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is at least composed of a main body 2 that is worn on the face of a user so as to cover at least the nose and / or mouth, and a steam generator 3 that emits steam.

[0014] The main body 2 in this embodiment has a mask shape and includes a covering part 5 that covers the area under the eyes of the user's face (particularly the nose and mouth) and a bag-shaped storage part 6 provided on the face side of the covering part 5. The steam generator 3 is stored in the storage part 6 of the main body 2.

[0015] The steam generator 3 contains water, and generates steam as this moisture evaporates. When the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is in use, the steam generator 3 is placed closer to the user's face than the main body 2, and the space between the main body 2 and the face inside is humidified by the steam generated from the steam generator 3. As a result, when the user breathes, humidified air is drawn from the nose and mouth into the airways (nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea), increasing the humidity in the airways.

[0016] The steam generator 3 may generate steam by natural evaporation of moisture, but it may be configured to generate steam by evaporation through heating. This allows the steam generator 3 to rapidly generate a large amount of steam into the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2, efficiently increasing the humidity in the space and satisfactorily humidifying the airway. In addition, the temperature of the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2 increases, so that warm air containing steam is drawn into the airway, increasing the temperature of the airway. This effectively improves the mucociliary transport function of the airway.

[0017] The steam generator 3 may be one in which the moisture-containing material is heated by an external heating device such as a microwave oven before use of the mucociliary transport function improving device 1, so that a large amount of steam is generated immediately after use begins and a large amount of steam is supplied to the airways in a concentrated manner in a short period of time, or one in which the moisture-containing material continues to receive heat during use, so that a large amount of steam is generated gradually after use begins and a large amount of steam is supplied to the airways in a sustained manner over a predetermined period of time. In the latter case, the steam generator 3 may be one in which the moisture-containing material is heated by heat generated by its own heat generation, or one in which the moisture-containing material is heated by a heat-generating body (such as a disposable warmer) that generates heat.

[0018] In this embodiment, the steam-generating unit 3 is configured so that the moisture content is heated by the heating element, and the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 further includes a heating element 4 for continuously heating the steam-generating unit 3 to generate steam. The heating element 4 is attached to the outer surface of the housing portion 6 of the main body 2 that houses the steam-generating unit 3.

[0019] Hereinafter, each of the constituent members constituting the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0020] First, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 6, the covering part 5 of the main body 2 has an upper edge 50 extending horizontally below the eyes of the face when the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is in use, a lower edge 51 extending horizontally below the lower jaw (or under the jaw), and left and right side edges 52, 53 connecting the upper edge 50 and the lower edge 51. The shape and size of the covering part 5 are not particularly limited, and may be any shape and size as long as, for example, the upper edge 50 crosses below the eyes and the left and right side edges 52, 53 run vertically across the cheeks to cover the nose, mouth, lower jaw, and part of the cheeks.

[0021] The covering part 5 can be flat when the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is not in use. The flat covering part is a three-dimensional covering part, specifically, a covering part in which one side edge of two mask pieces is joined by heat fusion or the like, and the two mask pieces are folded over by a folding part extending vertically in the center of the horizontal direction when not in use, and the two mask pieces do not become flat even when unfolded, and has a structure different from that of a three-dimensional covering part that forms a large space between the underside of the nose (nostrils) and the mouth when in use. The flat covering part 5 is closer to the surface of the face than the three-dimensional covering part when in use.

[0022] The covering part 5 can be a single layer structure or a laminated structure of two or more layers, and each layer can be composed of a breathable sheet such as a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric. Among them, nonwoven fabrics by the spunbond method, the melt-blown method, the thermal bond method, or the spunlace method can be preferably used, and more preferably, nonwoven fabrics by the spunbond method can be used from the viewpoint of touch and shape retention, and nonwoven fabrics by the melt-blown method can be used from the viewpoint of cutting performance against pollen, viruses, etc. In consideration of the above, a suitable layer structure of the covering part 5 can be, for example, an SMS layer (a three-layer structure of spunbond-meltblown-spunbond). In addition, an S layer (single layer of spunbond) or an SS layer (two-layer structure of spunbond-spunbond) can be preferably used. When the covering part 5 has a laminated structure, the covering part 5 can be formed by joining the outer periphery of each layer of sheets at a predetermined width by a known method such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, or heat fusion.

[0023] As the fiber materials of the woven and nonwoven fabrics constituting each layer of the covering portion 5, known materials used in conventional masks can be used, for example, natural fibers such as paper and cotton, semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate, and synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and nylon. Among them, polypropylene and polyethylene are preferably used from the viewpoint of productivity, polypropylene can be used from the viewpoint of shape retention, and nylon can be used from the viewpoint of texture.

[0024] The covering part 5 can have a structure that is stretchable in the vertical direction. For example, the covering part 5 is provided with at least one pleat 54 formed by at least two folds extending in the horizontal direction, and the covering part 5 can be stretched in the vertical direction by expanding the pleat 54. This allows the size of the covering part 5 to be freely adjusted according to the size of the user's face. In addition, by expanding the pleat 54, the covering part 5 is deformed to be convex outward in the vertical direction, giving it a three-dimensional appearance, and a space can be secured between the face inside the main body 2 when the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is used.

[0025] The left and right side edges 52, 53 of the covering part 5 can be fitted with ear hooks 7 as a means for holding the covering part 5 on the face of the user. The ear hooks 7 are in the form of a string or a band, and can be attached to the covering part 5 by a known method such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, or heat fusion. The material of the ear hooks 7 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a stretchable material such as polyester. Note that various means other than the ear hooks 7 may be used as a means for holding the covering part 5.

[0026] A linear nosepiece 8 made of, for example, a plastic resin such as polyethylene or a biodegradable resin can be provided at a position inside the upper edge 50 of the covering part 5. The nosepiece 8 prevents a gap from being formed between the covering part 5 and the nose when the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is in use, allowing the covering part 5 to fit the face. The nosepiece 8 can be built into the covering part 5, for example, and fixed in a predetermined position by joining the sheets of each layer constituting the covering part 5 at the upper and lower positions by, for example, ultrasonic welding.

[0027] Next, the storage section 6 of the main body 2 will be described. As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the storage section 6 has a first layer 60 on the face side and a second layer 61 on the cover section 5 side, and the first layer 60 is joined to the second layer 61 except for the upper edge of the outer periphery. As a result, the storage section 6 is formed in a bag shape with an opening formed at the top and capable of inserting and holding the steam-generating unit 3 between the first layer 60 and the second layer 61. The upper edge of the first layer 60 may be located at the same height as the upper edge of the second layer 61, but by positioning the upper edge of the first layer 60 lower than the upper edge of the second layer 61, the steam-generating unit 3 can be easily inserted into the storage section 6 from the upper opening.

[0028] The storage section 6 can be attached to the covering section 5 by joining the second layer 61 on the covering section 5 side to the face side surface of the covering section 5 by a known method such as sewing, ultrasonic welding, or heat fusion. In this case, by joining only the upper edge of the second layer 61 to the face side surface of the covering section 5, it is possible to prevent the storage section 6 from being an obstacle when the pleats 54 are expanded to expand the covering section 5 in the vertical direction, and since the storage section 6 is not restrained by the covering section 5 during use, the weight of the steam-generating unit 3 in the storage section 6 makes it easier to bring the steam-generating unit 3 close to the user's face. Therefore, steam generated from the steam-generating unit 3 can be efficiently supplied to the airways from the nose and mouth.

[0029] The storage section 6 can be attached to the cover section 5 at a position lower than the upper edge 50 of the cover section 5. Since the upper edge 50 of the cover section 5 extends horizontally below the eyes of the user's face during use, when the storage section 6 is attached to the upper edge 50 of the cover section 5, the nose is covered by the steam generator 3 in the storage section 6. When the nose is covered by the steam generator 3, breathing through the nose becomes difficult, and the steam generator 3 may hit the nose and cause discomfort to the user. In response to this, the storage section 6 is attached to a position shifted downward by a predetermined height (for example, 15 mm to 30 mm) from the upper edge 50 of the cover section 5 so that the storage section 6 is positioned under the user's nose during use, which makes it easier for the user to breathe during use and improves the feeling of use. The storage section 6 may be attached to the cover section 5 at the upper edge 50 of the cover section 5. It's fine.

[0030] The size of the storage section 6 need only be large enough to accommodate the steam generating element 3 inside and to allow the heating element 4 to be attached to the outer surface, and for example, the horizontal length can be between 50 mm and 150 mm, and the vertical length can be between 30 mm and 80 mm.

[0031] The lower edge of the storage section 6 protrudes downward beyond the lower edge 51 of the covering section 5 when the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is unused. Since the covering section 5 is vertically extendable due to the pleats 54, the lower edge of the storage section 6 can be covered by the lower edge 51 of the covering section 5 by vertically extending the covering section 5 when the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is in use, and the storage section 6 can be entirely hidden within the covering section 5 without being exposed. Note that the lower edge of the storage section 6 does not have to protrude downward beyond the lower edge 51 of the covering section 5 when the storage section 6 is unused.

[0032] The first layer 60 on the face side of the storage section 6 can be constructed using a moisture-permeable sheet. Moisture permeability is a property that allows steam (water molecules) to pass through. As the moisture-permeable sheet, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, etc. can be used, and among them, nonwoven fabric can be preferably used. As the nonwoven fabric, for example, nonwoven fabric by the spunbond method, thermal bond method, spunlace method, etc. can be used, but from the viewpoint of touch, nonwoven fabric by the thermal bond method and spunlace method can be more preferably used, and nonwoven fabric by the spunlace method can be particularly preferably used. As the fiber material of the woven fabric and nonwoven fabric constituting the first layer 60, known materials can be used, and for example, natural fibers such as paper and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and nylon can be used. Among them, polypropylene and polyethylene can be preferably used from the viewpoint of flexibility and productivity. Note that, it is preferable that the first layer 60 is made of two sheets superimposed from the viewpoint of flexibility.

[0033] The second layer 61 on the cover side of the storage section 6 can be constructed using a moisture-impermeable sheet. The moisture-impermeable property is not limited to a property of completely blocking steam (water molecules), but also includes a property of slightly passing steam (water molecules). As the moisture-impermeable sheet, a sheet obtained by laminating a moisture-impermeable resin film on the moisture-permeable sheet used in the first layer 60 described above can be used. The resin used in the resin film constituting the second layer 61 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and among them, polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer are preferable. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0034] The moisture permeability of the first layer 60 is, for example, 1000 g / m 2 / 24h or more is preferable, and 2000g / m 2 / 24h or more is more preferable, and 3000g / m 2 / 24h or more. This allows the steam generated from the steam-generating unit 3 in the storage section 6 to be efficiently released to the face side of the user through the first layer 60. On the other hand, the moisture impermeability of the second layer 61 is, for example, 350g / m 2 / 24h or less is preferable, and 300g / m 2 / 24h or less is more preferable. As a result, the moisture-impermeable second layer 61 acts as a barrier, preventing the steam generated from the steam-generating unit 3 in the storage unit 6 from being released to the side opposite the face of the user. As a result, the steam generated from the steam-generating unit 3 in the storage unit 6 is released only to the face side of the user, so that the steam can be efficiently supplied to the airway. The second layer 61 may be moisture-permeable.

[0035] Next, the steam generating unit 3 will be described. As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the steam generating unit 3 can be rectangular in plan view, but the shape is not particularly limited. Since the steam generating unit 3 is placed near the mouth of the user during use, the size of the steam generating unit 3 is preferably, for example, 4 cm to 14 cm in the horizontal direction and 2 cm to 7 cm in the vertical direction, and more preferably, 7 cm to 11 cm in the horizontal direction and 3 cm to 6 cm in the vertical direction. In terms of area, it is, for example, 8 cm 2 More than 98cm 2 Preferably less than 25cm 2 More than 50cm 2 It is more preferable that:

[0036] The steam-generating body 3 may have a ventilation hole 30 formed therein so as not to prevent the user from breathing through the mouth during use. The shape and number of the ventilation hole 30 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the ventilation hole 30 is a notch extending in the vertical direction at the center position in the horizontal direction of the steam-generating body 3. This makes it easier to bend the steam-generating body 3 along the ventilation hole 30 at the center position in the horizontal direction. In order to impregnate the steam-generating body 3 with a large amount of moisture, it is necessary to increase the basis weight of the steam-generating body 3 as described below. However, if the basis weight is increased, the steam-generating body 3 becomes hard, and it becomes difficult for the steam-generating body 3 to conform to the facial shape of the user's mouth during use, which may cause discomfort to the user. However, since the ventilation hole 30 makes it easier for the steam-generating body 3 to bend at the center position in the horizontal direction, the steam-generating body 3 deforms to conform to the facial shape of the user's mouth during use, which makes it less likely for the user to feel discomfort. Note that the steam-generating body 3 does not need to have a ventilation hole 30 formed therein.

[0037] The steam-generating body 3 can be composed of a water-retaining body capable of retaining water, such as an aggregate of fiber materials, such as paper, woven fabric, and nonwoven fabric. As the fiber material, hydrophilic fibers and blended fibers of hydrophilic fibers and synthetic fibers can be used, and examples of such fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, rayon, cotton, and pulp. Among these, pulp is preferable from the viewpoint of flexibility and water retention. The method for producing such a water-retaining body is not particularly limited, but it can be produced by an airlaid method, and it is preferable to blend pulp, which is the main component, with heat-fusible fibers, such as polyethylene, in a predetermined ratio from the viewpoints of productivity, processability, and durability.

[0038] When the hydrous body is formed of, for example, pulp, the ratio of pulp to heat-fusible fiber is 60:40 to 80:20. The hydrous body can have a single layer or multiple layer structure, but from the viewpoint of durability and water retention, it is preferable to have a three-layer structure in which the fiber material is sandwiched between a pair of nonwoven fabrics. In this case, the layer sandwiched between the pair of nonwoven fabrics is called the middle layer, and the layers consisting of the pair of nonwoven fabrics are called the two end layers. The nonwoven fabrics of the two end layers may be made of the same material or different materials. Examples of the material of these nonwoven fabrics include hydrophilic fibers, hydrophobic fibers, synthetic fibers, and blended fibers of hydrophilic fibers and synthetic fibers. Examples of hydrophilic fibers include rayon and cotton, and rayon is preferable. The hydrophilic fibers have the advantage that the pulp is more likely to absorb moisture during production, making production easier. Examples of hydrophobic fibers include polyesters such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene and polypropylene are preferable. The hydrophobic fibers have the advantage that wetting and stickiness can be prevented. Therefore, it is preferable that the surface facing the wearer is made of hydrophobic fibers, and the opposite surface is made of hydrophilic fibers such as rayon. 2 More than 50g / m 2 It is preferable to do the following:

[0039] The basis weight of the water-containing body is not particularly limited, but is preferably 500 g / m 2It is preferable that the thickness is 800 g / m or more. 2 It is more preferable that the basis weight is 1500 g / m or more. This allows the steam-generating body 3 to hold a large amount of water. On the other hand, if the basis weight is too large, the steam-generating body 3 becomes hard. 2 It is preferable that the thickness is less than 1000 g / m 2 It is more preferable that:

[0040] The water-containing body may be made of a porous body capable of being impregnated with water, in addition to the above-mentioned fibrous material.

[0041] Furthermore, the steam-generating body 3 may be any material that contains water, and may be made of an aqueous gel (a hydrous gel-like polymer) that contains a gelling agent and water.

[0042] The steam-generating body 3 may contain only water, but may also contain water as the main component and add polyol as another component to the water. Examples of polyols include glycerin, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, 1,2-pentanediol, and 1,2-hexanediol, and among them, glycerin is preferable 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, and anionic surfactants), etc., may be appropriately added. Before use, the steam generator 3 is preferably stored in a bag made of an impermeable aluminum laminate film, an aluminum-deposited PET film, a transparent (silica)-deposited PET film, or the like.

[0043] The steam-generating body 3 preferably contains a large amount of water so as to generate a large amount of steam and supply it to the airways. The water content of the steam-generating body 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 6 g or more including other components, more preferably 12 g or more, and even more preferably 18 g or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing deterioration in usability due to the weight of the steam-generating body 3 during use of the mucociliary transport function improving device 1, the water content of the steam-generating body 3 is preferably 30 g or less, and more preferably 24 g or less.

[0044] Next, the heat generating element 4 will be described. As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the heat generating element 4 includes a heat generating material 40 and a storage bag 41 in which the heat generating material 40 is enclosed. For example, a disposable adhesive warmer can be suitably used as this heat generating element 4. The heat generating element 4 is attached to the surface of the storage section 6 of the main body 2 on the cover section 5 side by using an adhesive layer (not shown) provided on one surface of the storage bag 41.

[0045] The heat generating material 40 may be a heat generating composition that generates heat upon contact with air. The heat generating composition may be any composition that generates heat upon contact with air, and may be, for example, a known composition that has been used in disposable hand warmers and contains an appropriate amount of oxidizable metal, activated carbon, water retention agent (wood flour, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, perlite, silica gel, alumina, water-absorbent resin, etc.), metal salt (table salt, etc.), and water. The oxidizable metal is a metal that generates heat from an oxidation reaction, and may be, for example, one or more powders or fibers selected from iron, aluminum, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. Among them, iron powder is preferable in terms of handling, safety, production cost, storage property, and stability. The iron powder may be, for example, one or more selected from reduced iron powder and atomized iron powder.

[0046] The heat generating material 40 may be a material other than one that generates heat upon contact with air. For example, a material that generates heat upon irradiation with microwaves in a microwave oven or the like (for example, ceramic powder such as ferrite) may be used.

[0047] The storage bag 41 has a front layer and a back layer whose outer periphery is joined all around, and has a space between the front layer and the back layer for enclosing the heat generating material 40. The front layer and the back layer can be formed by using two sheets, a first sheet 42 and a second sheet 43, which have the same shape, overlapping the two sheets 42, 43, and joining the outer periphery all around using a known adhesive or by thermal fusion. The portion of the storage bag 41 where the heat generating material 40 is enclosed becomes the heat generating portion 44 of the heat generating element 4.

[0048] The shape and size of the heating element 4 are not particularly limited, but may be a shape and size such that the heating portion 44 is covered by the steam generating element 3, and preferably, the steam generating element 3 and the heating portion 44 are approximately the same shape and size.

[0049] The material of the two sheets 42, 43 of the storage bag 41 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a resin film in consideration of strength and durability against heat generation of the heat generating material 40. The resin used for 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 copolymers, among which polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers are preferable. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0050] The two sheets 42, 43 of the storage bag 41 may be made of a laminate in which a resin film is laminated with a breathable woven or nonwoven fabric. In this case, the resin film is disposed on the inside, which is the heat generating material 40 side, and the woven or nonwoven fabric is disposed on the outside.

[0051] Examples of the fiber material for the woven or nonwoven fabric 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. Among these, from the viewpoint of providing a good feel to the skin, examples of the fiber material include nylon, polyester, and polypropylene, and more preferably nylon and polyester. These fiber materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The basis weight of the woven or nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited as long as it is a basis weight that can prevent the heat generating material 40 from leaking out of the storage bag 3, but it is preferable that the basis weight is 20 g / m 2 More than 70g / m 2 It is preferable that the temperature is about the same or less.

[0052] The thickness of the two sheets 42, 43 of storage bag 41 is not particularly limited, but a smaller thickness makes storage bag 41 softer, while a thickness that is too small reduces the strength of storage bag 41, so it is preferable that the thickness be approximately 0.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0053] Of the two sheets 42, 43 of the storage bag 41, the first sheet 42 on the covering portion 5 side is breathable, and the second sheet 43 on the opposite side that is attached to the storage portion 6 may be breathable or non-breathable, but it is preferable that it is non-breathable.

[0054] The resin film used for the breathable first sheet 42 is a porous resin film or a resin film with multiple perforations (not shown) formed with needles to ensure breathability, and air communicates between the inside and outside of the storage bag 41 through the multiple perforations and comes into contact with the heat generating material 40, causing the heat generating material 40 to generate heat. The holes may be formed over the entire area of ​​the resin film, or may be formed only in a part of the resin film. The size of the holes is not particularly limited as long as it is large enough to prevent the heat generating material 40 from leaking out of the storage bag 41. The outer shape and number of the holes are also not particularly limited, and the size, shape, and number of the holes are appropriately set in consideration of the temperature of the heat generating element 4 during use according to the air permeability of the storage bag 41. On the other hand, the resin film used for the non-breathable second sheet 43 is a non-breathable resin film that is neither porous nor has perforations (not shown) formed therein.

[0055] In addition, the non-breathability of storage bag 41 is not limited to the property of being completely airtight, but means that second sheet 43 of storage bag 41 does not have holes for allowing air to pass through (for example, the above-mentioned perforations formed in the resin film or pores originally formed in the material itself).For example, even if the resin film itself is slightly breathable, it is included in the non-breathability.

[0056] An adhesive layer (not shown) is provided on the surface of the non-breathable second sheet 43. This adhesive layer is formed by applying an acrylic adhesive, a urethane adhesive, a silicon adhesive, a rubber adhesive, rosin, or the like to the surface of the second sheet 43. The amount of adhesive applied is not particularly limited as long as it allows the heating element 4 to be continuously attached to the storage section 6 for a long period of time, such as during sleep. The adhesive layer is covered with a release sheet (not shown) until the heating element 4 is used. This release sheet can be formed by, for example, laminating paper, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, or the like alone or in combination, and subjecting the surface covering the adhesive layer to silicone processing.

[0057] The heat generating characteristics of the heating element 4 are not particularly limited, but the maximum temperature is preferably 30° C. or higher and 70° C. or lower, and more preferably 40° C. or higher and 55° C. or lower, from the viewpoints of efficiently evaporating the moisture in the steam-generating element 3, maintaining a suitable temperature in the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2, and preventing burns to the user when using the mucociliary transport function improving device 1. Furthermore, in order to continuously and sufficiently evaporate the moisture in the steam-generating element 3 and to continuously maintain a suitable temperature in the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2, the heat generation duration during which the heat generating temperature exceeds 40° C. is preferably 30 minutes or more, and more preferably 80 minutes or more.

[0058] In the above-described mucociliary transport function improving device 1, in order to effectively improve the mucociliary transport function by humidifying the airway, it is preferable that a large amount of steam is emitted from the steam generator 3 into the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2 within a predetermined time after the user starts using the mucociliary transport function improving device 1. Therefore, it is preferable that the steam generator 3 has a steam generating capacity such that the amount of steam generated over 30 minutes after steam generation is 120 mg or more and 180,000 mg or less. When the steam generator 3 has such a steam generating capacity, it is possible to satisfactorily humidify the airway of the user in a low humidity environment and effectively improve the mucociliary transport function.

[0059] Here, "the amount of steam generated over a 30-minute period after steam generation" refers to the total amount of steam emitted within 30 minutes after the steam-generating unit 3 is placed in a state in which it is capable of generating steam for the user. "The state in which the steam-generating unit 3 is capable of generating steam for the user" refers to a state in which the steam-generating unit 3 is provided with a means for quickly generating steam and the steam-generating unit 3 is attached to the mucociliary transport function improving device 1.

[0060] In the case where the steam generator 3 generates steam by heating the heating element 4, the term refers to a state where the steam generator 3 is provided in the mucociliary transport function improving device 1, the heating element 4 is in a state where it can generate heat (for example, in the case of a disposable warmer, it is taken out of the outer bag and kneaded several times), and the steam generator 3 of the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is provided in a position where it can be heated. In the case where the steam generator 3 generates steam by heating itself, the term refers to a state where the steam generator 3 is in a state where it can generate heat and is provided in the mucociliary transport function improving device 1. The steam generator 3 may be in a state where it can generate heat when provided in the mucociliary transport function improving device 1, or it may be provided in the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 immediately after being provided in a state where it can generate heat. In the case where the steam generator 3 generates steam by heating with an external heating device or the like, the term refers to a state where the steam generator 3 is heated under conditions determined for use in the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 and provided in the mucociliary transport function improving device 1. The steam generator 3 may be heated while attached to the mucociliary transport function improving device 1, or may be heated separately and then immediately attached to the mucociliary transport function improving device 1.

[0061] The amount of steam generated over 30 minutes after steam generation from the above-mentioned mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is measured by the following method. 3 The mucociliary transport function improving device 1 equipped with the steam generator 3 capable of generating steam is placed in a desiccator (length 14 cm × width 9.5 cm × height 4.0 cm) and the desiccator is sealed. Then, the air in the desiccator is sucked into a cooling chamber at a temperature of -40 ± 5 ° C for 30 minutes at a suction rate of 7 L / min using a pump, and the weight M1 of the water condensed by cooling the steam in the cooling chamber is measured. In addition, under the same conditions, the air in the desiccator is sucked into a cooling chamber at a temperature of -40 ± 5 ° C, and the weight M2 of the water condensed by cooling the steam in the cooling chamber is measured without the mucociliary transport function improving device 1. The weight M1 of the water measured with the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 minus the weight M2 of the water measured without the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is taken as the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 3.

[0062] Regarding the amount of steam generated over the above-mentioned 30 minutes after steam generation, the greater the amount of steam generated, the more effectively the mucociliary transport function of the user's airways can be improved, while too much steam generation increases the discomfort caused by the steam when the user wears the mucociliary transport function improving device 1. Therefore, the lower limit of the amount of steam generation is more preferably 500 mg or more, and the upper limit is more preferably 90,000 mg or less.

[0063] Moreover, the amount of steam generated by the steam generator 3 for 5 minutes after the generation of steam is preferably 20 mg or more and 30,000 mg or less, and more preferably 20 mg or more and 15,000 mg or less. When the steam generator 3 has such a steam generating ability, a sufficient amount of steam can be quickly supplied to the airways after the start of use of the mucociliary transport function improving device 1.

[0064] The amount of steam generated over a 5-minute period after steam generation refers to the total amount of steam emitted from the steam generating unit 3 until 5 minutes have elapsed since it is made ready to generate steam for the user. The measurement method is the same as the method for measuring the amount of steam generated over a 30-minute period after steam generation described above, except that the pump suction time is set to 5 minutes.

[0065] Furthermore, the amount of steam generated by the steam generator 3 for one minute after the generation of steam is preferably 4 mg to 6000 mg, more preferably 4 mg to 3000 mg. When the steam generator 3 has such steam generating ability, a sufficient amount of steam can be supplied to the airways immediately after the start of use of the mucociliary transport function improving device 1.

[0066] The amount of steam generated over one minute after steam generation refers to the total amount of steam emitted from the steam generating unit 3 until one minute has elapsed since it is made ready to generate steam for the user, and the measurement method is the same as the method for measuring the amount of steam generated over 30 minutes after steam generation described above, except that the suction time by the pump is set to one minute.

[0067] The amount of steam generated can be adjusted by the water content of the steam generating element 3 and the heat generating characteristics of the heating element 4.

[0068] In the above-described mucociliary transport function improving device 1, in order to improve the mucociliary transport function more effectively by humidifying the airway, it is preferable that the temperature of the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2 is maintained at 25°C or higher for at least 30 minutes, more preferably 80 minutes, after the start of use of the mucociliary transport function improving device 1. As a result, the airway inhales the warm air containing steam from the space, raising the temperature of the airway and improving the mucociliary transport function. In addition, the space becomes a comfortably heated and humidified space, which can provide a relaxing effect to the user, so that, for example, if the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is used at bedtime, the user can sleep comfortably. It is not necessary for the temperature of the space to reach 25°C or higher immediately after the start of use of the mucociliary transport function improving device 1, and there may be a period of temperature rise. The temperature of the space can be adjusted by the heat generating characteristics of the heating element 4.

[0069] The temperature of the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2 should be somewhat higher to make the user feel more comfortable. Therefore, it is more preferable to maintain the temperature of the space at 30°C or higher for at least 30 minutes after starting to use the mucociliary transport function improving device 1. However, if the temperature of the space is too high or if a relatively high temperature continues for a long period of time, the user may be burned. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing burns to the user, it is preferable that the maximum temperature of the space be 70°C or lower.

[0070] The temperature of the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2 is measured by the following method. Specifically, in an environment with a temperature of 10°C and a humidity of 25% to 40% RH, the user immediately uses the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 equipped with the steam generator 3 capable of generating steam, and simultaneously with use, a temperature sensor is inserted between the main body 2 and the user's face, and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is regarded as the temperature of the space.

[0071] According to the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 of the present embodiment described above, steam is generated from the steam generator 3 during use, and the steam humidifies the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2. Thus, the humidified air (air containing steam) is drawn into the airway by the user's breathing, increasing the humidity of the airway. Thus, the mucociliary transport function of the user's airway can be improved in a low humidity environment. Moreover, since the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 only needs to be attached to the user's face, there is no hassle in using it, and the mucociliary transport function of the airway can be easily improved, and it can be used in various situations, such as while sleeping.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 of this embodiment, the steam-generating body 3 is heated, so that a large amount of steam is emitted from the steam-generating body 3 within a predetermined time after the start of use, and the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2 is efficiently humidified. Therefore, the humidity in the user's airway is promptly and sufficiently increased, so that the mucociliary transport function of the user's airway can be effectively improved.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 of this embodiment, the steam-generating body 3 is heated, thereby warming the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2. This increases the temperature of the airway that has sucked in the air in that space, thereby making it possible to more effectively improve the mucociliary transport function of the user's airway.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 of this embodiment, the steam generating element 3 continues to be heated by the heating element 4, so that the space between the inside of the main body 2 and the face is maintained as a heated and humidified space for a long period of time after use begins, thereby providing the user with a sustained relaxing effect.

[0075] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0076] For example, the steam generator 3 can be configured to generate a large amount of steam by being heated by microwave irradiation, for example, in a microwave oven before use without using the heating element 4. In this case, the steam generator 3 may be stored in the storage section 6 of the main body 2 and then heated in a microwave oven, or the steam generator 3 may be heated in a microwave oven and then stored in the storage section 6 of the main body 2. When the user uses the mucociliary transport function improving device 1, the heated steam generator 3 is stored in the storage section 6 of the main body 2, so that the steam generator 3 generates a large amount of steam immediately thereafter, and the heat of the steam generator 3 warms the space between the face and the inside of the main body 2. The amount of steam generated can be adjusted by the heating temperature and water content of the steam generator 3. In order to generate the amount of steam for 30 minutes after steam generation to the above-mentioned predetermined amount, the steam generator 3 is preferably heated to 40° C. or higher. On the other hand, in order to prevent the steam generator 3 from being too hot when touched, the steam generator 3 is preferably heated to 95° C. or lower. The method of heating the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, and various other methods may be used.

[0077] The steam-generating unit 3 may be configured to generate a large amount of steam by a method other than heating. Furthermore, the steam-generating unit 3 may be configured to generate steam by natural evaporation of water content without any other means.

[0078] Since the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 does not have a heating element 4, when the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 is used while sleeping, etc., the absence of the heating element 4 makes it possible to reduce its weight, thereby improving the usability.

[0079] In the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 of the above embodiment, the covering part 5 has a structure that is vertically extensible by the pleats 54, but the means for making the covering part 5 vertically extensible is not limited to the pleats 54 and various other means can be used, for example, the covering part 5 may have a structure that is vertically extensible by forming gathers in the covering part 5. Note that the covering part 5 does not have to have a structure that is extensible.

[0080] Furthermore, in the mucociliary transport function improving device 1 of the above embodiment, the cover part 5 has a flat shape, but it may have a three-dimensional structure. EXAMPLES

[0081] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, although the mucociliary transport function improving device of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0082] A test was conducted to examine the effect of a mucociliary transport function improving device in improving the mucociliary transport function of the airways. A saccharin test was used in the test. The saccharin test involves placing saccharin granules (approximately 1 mm in diameter and weighing approximately 5 mg) of an artificial sweetener on the inner wall of the inferior turbinate (nasal septum) of a subject's nasal cavity, and measuring the time (saccharin time) from when the dissolved saccharin is transported by the mucociliary function until the subject senses a sweet taste in the pharynx. The shorter the saccharin time, the more active the ciliary activity is, and the better the mucociliary transport function is functioning.

[0083] The subjects were 16 healthy adults (9 men, 7 women). The subjects were asked to sit and rest for 15 minutes in a room with a room temperature of 20°C and humidity of 40%, and to measure the control value, they were asked to sit and rest for another 15 minutes without wearing the mucociliary transport function improving device, after which saccharin granules were placed in the nasal cavity and the saccharin time was measured.

[0084] Next, on a later day, the subject whose control value was measured was asked to rest in a sitting position for 15 minutes in a room with a room temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 40%, and this time, they were asked to rest in a sitting position for 15 minutes while wearing the mucociliary transport function improving device of Example 1.After that, the mucociliary transport function improving device was removed and saccharin granules were placed in the nasal cavity.The mucociliary transport function improving device was then immediately reattached and the saccharin time was measured.

[0085] Next, on a later day, the subject whose control value was measured was asked to rest in a sitting position for 15 minutes in a room with a room temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 40%, and this time, they were asked to rest in a sitting position for 15 minutes while wearing the mucociliary transport function improving device of Example 2, after which the mucociliary transport function improving device was removed and saccharin granules were placed in the nasal cavity, and the mucociliary transport function improving device was immediately reattached and the saccharin time was measured.

[0086] In addition, Example 1 is a mucociliary transport function improving device in which a steam generator is contained in the storage section of the main body and a heating element is attached to the outer surface of the cover section of the storage section, while Example 2 is a mucociliary transport function improving device in which a steam generator is simply contained in the storage section of the main body.

[0087] The steam generator is 55 mm long and 90 mm wide, and is made of airlaid nonwoven fabric (basis weight: 444 g / m2) made of pulp and heat-fusible fibers. 2 ) is covered on both sides with spunlace nonwoven fabric (weight: 28g / m 2 The steam-generating body contains water that contains the components shown in Table 1 below.

[0088] [Table 1]

[0089] The heating element is a disposable hand warmer measuring 55mm long and 90mm wide, which generates heat when it comes into contact with air. The maximum temperature of the heating element is 70°C, the heating time for the heating temperature to exceed 40°C is 80 minutes, and the time it takes for the heating temperature to exceed 40°C (rise time) is 3 minutes.

[0090] The main body has the shape shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, and the cover part has a structure in which two sheets of spunbond nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene are overlapped. The size of the cover part is 90 mm long x 175 mm wide, and the basis weight of the outer nonwoven fabric is 25 g / m 2 The weight of the inner nonwoven fabric is 19g / m 2The container of the main body is made of spunbond nonwoven fabric. The size of the container is 80 mm long x 120 mm wide.

[0091] For the mucociliary transport function improving devices of Example 1 and Example 2, the amount of steam generated over 30 minutes after steam generation was measured, and it was 500 mg in Example 1 and 150 mg in Example 2. The method for measuring the amount of steam generated was as described above. In addition, the temperature of the space between the face and the inside of the main body was measured, and it was 36°C in Example 1 and 28°C in Example 2.

[0092] The results of the saccharin test for each example are shown in Figure 7. The saccharin time (control value) of the comparative example was 15.533 ± 1.754 minutes (mean ± SE) on average, whereas the saccharin time of Example 1 was 9.717 ± 1.661 minutes on average, and the saccharin time of Example 2 was 11.414 ± 1.532 minutes on average. The saccharin times of both Examples 1 and 2 were significantly shorter than the saccharin time of the comparative example. Furthermore, between the saccharin time of Example 1 and that of Example 2, the saccharin time of Example 1 was shorter.

[0093] From the above results, it is found that the saccharin time was shorter when the mucociliary transport function improving devices of Examples 1 and 2 were used than when they were not used, and that the mucociliary transport function improving device of the present invention can effectively improve the mucociliary transport function of the user's airways. It is also found that the mucociliary transport function improving device can further effectively improve the mucociliary transport function of the user's airways by heating the steam generator to generate steam. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Mucociliary transport function improvement device 2 Main unit 3. Steam generator 4 Heating element

Claims

[Claim 1] A main body that is attached to a user's face so as to cover at least the nose and / or mouth; A steam generating body, which is made of a water-retaining body and is disposed closer to the face of the user than the main body; a heating element interposed between the main body and the steam generating element, the heating element heating the steam generating element to generate steam; a storage section for detachably holding the steam generating element on the face side of the heating element, The heat generating element has a heat generation duration of 80 minutes or more during which the heat generation temperature exceeds 40° C. or more, and the steam generating element generates steam in an amount of 500 mg or more for 30 minutes after steam generation, A device for improving mucociliary transport function, characterized in that it is used for improving the mucociliary transport function of the airways.

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