Hydrogen suction device

Abstract

To provide a device for hydrogen gas supply to a living body around the nostrils that can be used in a non-contact manner during rest, sleep, or the like.SOLUTION: There is provided a pillow-type, easy-chair-type, or portable hydrogen inhalation device employing a re-circulation system which enables efficient hydrogen inhalation in a non-contact manner for extended periods during sleep, without discomfort, even when using an inexpensive and low-capacity hydrogen gas generator, with a configuration including: a hydrogen supply unit that supplies hydrogen in a non-contact manner to the head (in the vicinity of the nostrils); a gas collection dome that is disposed in the upper direction of the head or facial region to collect hydrogen that is not absorbed or utilized and has diffused into the atmosphere; and a re-circulation pump with adjustable flow rate for re-supplying the hydrogen collected in the gas collection dome to the head or nasal area in a non-contact manner. This method is more hygienic and effective than conventional nasal cannulae and suggests a possibility of being helpful to improve sleep quality and relieve stress.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-contact hydrogen gas inhalation device using a recirculation system that is placed around the nostrils on the head. [Background technology]

[0002] By inhaling hydrogen as a gas into the body or by ingesting hydrogen water, as shown in Figure 8, it is expected that hydrogen will inhibit the growth of cancer cells, have anti-inflammatory effects, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of cancer through its antioxidant effect, which attenuates active oxygen, as well as having anti-inflammatory effects and reducing the risk of cancer. Hydrogen generation and supply devices have been proposed for the purpose of prevention and treatment, but there are many unknowns, such as the dosage and administration method, and there is still room for improvement in the method of inhaling hydrogen gas.

[0003] Generally, hydrogen is administered at a rate of 100 ml / min to 600 ml / min for one to two hours per day. However, in cancer treatment, hydrogen may be administered at a rate of 1200 ml / min for three hours or more per day, and hydrogen generators for such a high capacity are extremely expensive. Unless an inexpensive, low-volume hydrogen generator (electrolysis method) is used, it will not be widely adopted as a preventive treatment. However, low-volume hydrogen generators require a long administration time, and since daytime administration is difficult for working people, there is a need for a method that can be administered comfortably while sleeping.

[0004] Furthermore, reactive oxygen species become more reactive when exposed to various external stimuli (such as ultraviolet light, radiation, air pollution, tobacco, drugs, and the ingestion of oxidized substances). It is also widely accepted that cell aging caused by reactive oxygen species progresses due to factors such as the weakening of antioxidant activity associated with aging (the free radical aging hypothesis).

[0005] As shown in Figure 9, excessive generation of reactive oxygen species has various adverse effects on the living body, such as dementia, progression of diabetic complications, stroke associated with arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, cancer and lifestyle-related diseases, atopy and autoimmune diseases, skin disorders such as age spots and wrinkles, and worsening of infectious diseases. In a super-aging society, preventing these diseases is extremely important. Hydrogen gas reacts with this reactive oxygen, particularly hydroxyl radicals (·OH), to produce water and eliminate the reactive oxygen. It also penetrates into cells, improving mitochondrial activity and immune cell activity. It is therefore believed that taking hydrogen gas into the body can prevent and treat various diseases, and it has come into widespread use over the past decade. Among these, although research on rats has reported sympathetic nervous system suppression and blood pressure lowering effects (Sugai K, et. al. Daily inhalation of hydrogen gas has a blood pressure-lowering effect in a rat model of hypertension. (Scientific Report 10(1):20173, Nov 26 2020 .)), and it has also been reported to be useful in recovering from sports fatigue (Shibayama Y, Dobashi S, Arisawa T, Fukuoka T, Koyama K. Impact of hydrogen-rich gas mixture inhalation through nasal cannula during post-exercise recovery period on subsequent oxidative stress, muscle damage, and exercise performance in men. Med Gas Res. (2020) 10:155-62. 10.4103 / 2045-9912.304222).

[0006] JP 2017-86839 A discloses a bed with tiny holes drilled into the entire body, including the pillow, from which hydrogen gas is released. The bed is configured so that hydrogen gas and oxyhydrogen gas are absorbed transdermally through the skin on the entire back of the person sleeping on the bed over a long period of time, delivering hydrogen to cells throughout the body.

[0007] Utility Model Registration No. 3213310 discloses a device that allows the entire body to be exposed to hydrogen gas and includes a mat for the user to inhale and absorb the hydrogen gas. It discloses that by inhaling and absorbing the hydrogen gas released in small amounts over a wide area of ​​the hydrogen mat over time, it is possible to obtain the same effect as inhaling and absorbing a large amount of hydrogen gas directly from a hydrogen gas generator or the like in a short period of time. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2022-166879 discloses clothing with high gas barrier performance, in which multiple outlets for releasing hydrogen gas are arranged within the clothing, allowing transdermal absorption at multiple sites.

[0008] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-205257 describes a hydrogen releaser that generates a hydrogen liquid containing hydrogen, spreads the hydrogen liquid flat, and uses at least one surface of the hydrogen liquid-filled layer where the hydrogen liquid is spread as a release surface, thereby releasing hydrogen gas from the release surface, thereby enabling efficient supply over a wide area. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-74482 discloses a hydrogen inhalation device equipped with outlet devices that release hydrogen and are installed on both sides of a pillow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-86839 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3213310 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-205257 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-166879 [Patent Document 5] Patent Publication No. 2021-74482 [Non-patent literature]

[0010] [Non-Patent Document 1] SaiLi et.al.Hydrogen gas in cancer treatment, Frontiers in Oncology;696,2019 [Non-patent document 2] Sugai K,et.al. Daily inhalation of hydrogen gas has a blood pressure-lowering effect in a rat model of hypertension.(Scientific Report 10(1):20173,Nov26 2020 .) [Non-patent document 3] Shibayama Y, Dobashi S, Arisawa T, Fukuoka T, Koyama K. Impact of hydrogen-rich gas mixture inhalation through nasal cannula during post-exercise recovery period on subsequent oxidative stress, muscle damage, and exercise performances in men. Med Gas Res. (2020) 10:155?62. 10.4103 / 2045-9912.304222 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] However, the conventional hydrogen gas administration methods require large equipment and have low hydrogen absorption efficiency, and have not yet been put to practical use. Because hydrogen is light, with the exception of inserting and attaching a hydrogen supply tube directly into the nostrils, most of the hydrogen will diffuse upwards in the room and be lost. Therefore, in order to efficiently supply hydrogen, a cannula that releases hydrogen is often inserted into the nostrils. However, while this method allows hydrogen to be taken in by inhalation, most of the hydrogen will diffuse into the air when exhaled, so it is not necessarily efficient. It also causes discomfort and a feeling of uncleanliness, is a great burden on the user, and is difficult to use while sleeping.

[0012] Furthermore, when hydrogen is released from the entire bed, it can come into contact with a wide area of ​​the human body, increasing the area of ​​transdermal absorption, but the amount of hydrogen that diffuses over a wide area and rises is lost, and if a large amount of hydrogen is generated, there is even more waste. In reality, the mechanism by which an effective amount of hydrogen is supplied to the user has not yet been clarified.

[0013] In view of the above, the present invention has a hydrogen supply unit that supplies hydrogen to the face having nostrils in the neck or to the neck area near the nostrils, an air collection dome that is positioned above the face to collect hydrogen dispersed in the atmosphere, and a recirculation unit that resupplies the hydrogen collected in the air collection dome to the area near the nostrils. This makes it possible to reuse hydrogen gas that has diffused upward from exhaled breath, thereby enabling hydrogen therapy without wasting hydrogen gas. Since no tubes are inserted directly into the nostrils, it is less uncomfortable and can be used hygienically. Furthermore, if used while sleeping, hydrogen gas can be inhaled for long periods of time. The hydrogen inhalation method of the present invention includes a range of activities such as removing active oxygen, preventing lifestyle habits, and providing good sleep and stress relief.

[0014] The air collection dome placed above the neck in this invention refers to a sheet made of a transparent or translucent material (such as Teflon (registered trademark)) that does not allow hydrogen to pass through, formed in a dome, radial, umbrella, or other shape that collects hydrogen in the center. The shape is not limited as long as it forms a part that collects the rising hydrogen gas, and the size is also not specified. If the distance from the head is short, an air collection part with a small area will suffice. As the distance from the head increases, the range over which the hydrogen gas diffuses becomes wider, and an air collection dome with a larger volume is required. Therefore, it is preferable to place the air collection dome close to the person, but since there is a possibility that it may cause a feeling of pressure during sleep and interfere with sleep, it is preferable that the transparent dome be adjustable so that it can be set to a height according to preference. In order to improve the efficiency of air collection, a transparent or semi-transparent air collection sheet (curtain-shaped) made of, for example, Teflon (registered trademark) may be attached along the edge of the open part of the air collection dome.

[0015] The hydrogen supply unit in the present invention is exemplified by a form in which a hydrogen gas emitting tube is inserted into a pillow (hydrogen pillow type) or a form in which the emitting end of the hydrogen gas emitting tube can be brought close to the nose (chair type), but if absorption is to be performed via a transdermal site other than the nose (hair roots, sweat glands, etc.), the end of the hydrogen emitting tube may be attached to a pillow, bed, futon, etc., and hydrogen gas released near the nostrils may be inhaled through the nostrils or absorbed transdermally into the head. Hydrogen gas that is not absorbed can be recirculated and hydrogen exposure can be repeated.

[0016] Various methods were devised depending on the purpose, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows four examples of hydrogen gas recirculation systems based on their principles and purposes. The principle is to expose the head and nostrils to hydrogen without direct contact. The remaining hydrogen that is not absorbed is extremely light and diffuses upward, but it is collected in an air collection dome at the top, sucked in by a silent electric pump (a miniature ultrasonic pump), and then sprayed back into the neck and nostrils.

[0017] Based on this principle, various examples can be given depending on the application, such as the hydrogen pillow-dome stand type shown in Figure 1(a), the hydrogen pillow-airflow forming stand type shown in Figure 1(b), the easy chair type shown in Figure 1(c), and the headphone cap type shown in Figure 1(d). FIG. 1 shows a principle diagram, and detailed diagrams are shown in FIG. 2 for FIG. 1(a), FIG. 2A for FIG. 1(b), FIG. 3 for FIG. 1(c), and FIG. 4 for FIG. 1(d). In FIG. 1, a denotes an air collection dome, b denotes a Teflon (registered trademark) curtain, c denotes a hydrogen gas supply pipe, d denotes a recirculation hydrogen gas supply pipe, and e denotes an air pump. The difference between Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b) is that in Figure 1(a), hydrogen gas is sprayed near the nostrils, and any remaining hydrogen gas that is not absorbed is collected in air collection dome a and circulated, whereas in Figure 1(b), the hydrogen gas coming out from the neck side of the pillow is drawn by the suction force of air pump a to form an airflow from the neck to the nostrils toward the ceiling; both Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show a configuration that eliminates the waste of hydrogen gas due to recirculation. The advantages are: (1) The nasal cannula method allows hydrogen gas to be inhaled, but has the drawback of diffusing into the air when exhaled. With this device, the cannula is sprayed non-contact near the nostrils, and the placement of a flange at the outlet prevents diffusion. The unabsorbed hydrogen is light and rises, so it is collected in an air collection dome and recirculated with an air pump to improve the efficiency of hydrogen (H2) administration. (2) The nasal catheter method is uncomfortable and unhygienic, but this method is contactless. (3) The pillow-dome stand type and pillow-airflow forming stand type make it possible to inhale hydrogen gas for long periods of time while sleeping without having to spend special time in daily life.

[0018] The re-supply unit in the present invention refers to a configuration that recirculates the hydrogen gas collected by the air collection dome and re-supplies it mainly around the user's nostrils, and is exemplified by a configuration that recirculates hydrogen gas using a silent pump such as an ultrasonic pump. However, it is preferable that the re-circulation amount be equal to or less than the amount from the hydrogen generator by adjusting the flow rate of the pump. This is because if a large amount of air is sucked in and sent out using a pump, the hydrogen concentration inside the dome could decrease.

[0019] The hydrogen gas is preferably released from a location close to the nostrils, and a release port may be provided in a pillow or bed, or a tube that can be deformed so that it does not return to its original shape even when bent to release hydrogen gas and recirculated hydrogen gas near the nostrils, or a hydrogen gas release port may be formed in the neck part of the pillow near the nostrils. The hydrogen gas used in the present invention can be absorbed transdermally when administered over a long period of time, and therefore, a certain degree of effect can be obtained by radiating it not only via the nose but also to the surrounding area, allowing it to circulate and be repeatedly exposed for a long period of time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] Unlike conventional methods, the present invention administers hydrogen gas near the nostrils during nighttime sleep or daytime rest to treat or prevent lifestyle-related diseases or relieve stress. By repeatedly recovering unabsorbed hydrogen gas and releasing it again for absorption through the nostrils or transdermal absorption, hydrogen gas can be administered efficiently without contact, eliminating waste, even with an inexpensive hydrogen gas generator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the principles and methods of the present invention at a glance; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention (pillow-dome stand type). [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention (pillow-airflow forming stand type). [Figure 2B] 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a pillow used in the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment (armchair type) of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment (headphone cap type) of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the present invention during sleep. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a method for measuring the effect of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the effects of the present invention in a chair type. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the effect of hydrogen gas on cancer treatment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the effects of hydrogen gas on lifestyle-related diseases. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention has a hydrogen supply section that supplies hydrogen to the area near the nostrils in a non-contact manner, and hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen supply section that is not absorbed by the human body is collected at the top and recirculated to the face and near the nostrils. This allows for efficient supply of hydrogen gas to the living body by collecting extremely light gases like hydrogen and resupplying them near the nostrils. As described above, hydrogen gas is collected using an air collection device such as a pillow-stand, chair, or cap. The rising hydrogen gas is collected at a single point and then re-released into the nostrils using an ultrasonically driven, silent air pump. The pump capacity is adjusted so that the amount of air delivered is less than the amount of air supplied. The present invention is only required to have a configuration that allows hydrogen gas to be recirculated and recovered and reused when inhaled while sleeping at night or resting during the day, and is only required to have a configuration in which a conduit for releasing hydrogen can be placed near the nostrils in a non-contact manner, without having to provide an outlet in bedding such as a pillow. [Example]

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention (pillow-stand type) is shown in Fig. 2 and will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view. Fig. 2 is the same type as Fig. 1(a). Reference numeral 10 denotes a frame support base, which is made of wood, hard plastic, or the like, and is composed of an integrated inverted L-shaped variable support member 10a, a dome support portion 10c, a bottom plate-like body 10b on which an L-shaped pillow is placed, and a fixed support member 10d extending vertically from the bottom plate-like body 10b. The fixed support member 10d and the variable support member 10a are slidable up and down, and after height adjustment, are fixed with an adjustment screw 10e. 10f is a fixture for fixing the air pump 14 below the dome support member 10c.

[0024] The position of the adjustment screw portion 10e in FIG. 2 is an example, and is not limited to this. It is preferable to place it in a position that is easy to fix and can further reduce the pump noise. Reference numeral 11 denotes an air collection dome, which is formed by attaching a sheet made of, for example, Teflon (registered trademark) to an umbrella-shaped, canopy-shaped, or semi-cylindrical frame made of metal, plastic, etc., and which slopes upward toward the center, forming an air collection space 12 in the center.

[0025] The air collection dome 11 in Figure 2 is formed by attaching a Teflon (registered trademark) sheet to the inside of a skeleton made of lightweight metal, hard plastic, etc., or it may be formed from hard plastic that is impermeable to hydrogen. Furthermore, the height between the air collection dome 11 and the head U can be adjusted by the adjustment screw 10e of the frame support part 10, for example, to avoid a feeling of pressure on the face from the air collection dome 11. Therefore, since there is a distance and space from the face to the air collection dome 11, in order to prevent the movement of hydrogen gas outside the air collection dome 11 due to radial diffusion, a flexible sheet made of Teflon (registered trademark) may be uniformly connected to the periphery of the opening of the air collection dome 11 to form a curtain 13 that surrounds the periphery of the face.

[0026] In FIG. 2, 12 denotes an air collection space, which is located near the top of the air collection dome 11, and has an air pump 14 disposed in the center. Numeral 13 denotes a sheet-shaped curtain made of Teflon (registered trademark), which is placed around the air collection dome 11 and is formed in an area that can cover close to the face. Reference numeral 14 denotes an air pump, which is formed with an input section 14a for inputting air and an output section 14b, and is configured to silently pump air such as gas containing hydrogen by passing electricity through a piezoelectric element, for example, at an ultrasonic frequency, and utilizing the electrostrictive state in which the element distorts in response to the electricity passing through.

[0027] The air pump 14 in FIG. 2 is exemplified as being driven by a quiet ultrasonic pump, but any other air pump that operates quietly may also be used. Reference numeral 15 denotes a conduit for conducting the collected residual hydrogen. One end of the conduit 15 is connected to the output portion 14b of the air pump 14, and the tip of the other end of the conduit 15 is formed with a nozzle 15a for forcefully spraying the residual hydrogen gas. Reference numeral 16 denotes a conduit having the same configuration as conduit 15, extending from a hydrogen gas supply unit 19 through which hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas generator passes.

[0028] It is preferable that the conduits 15 and 16 are formed from a hard material that can be deformed so as not to return to its original shape even when bent, or that they are formed from a soft tube that is fixed to and combined with a hard material.

[0029] 2, 15a denotes a recirculation hydrogen gas release portion, which is formed at the end of the conduit 15 and serves to spray the supplied hydrogen gas near the nostrils of the user U. Reference numeral 17 denotes a hydrogen gas release portion, which is formed at the end of the conduit 16 and serves to spray the hydrogen gas delivered from the hydrogen gas generator near the nostrils of the user U. Reference numeral 19 denotes a hydrogen supply portion (not shown), which extends from the output portion of the device that generates hydrogen gas and connects to the conduit 16 .

[0030] 20 in Figure 2 is a pillow, and the inside of the pillow 20 is filled with air so that the height of the pillow can be adjusted in a hollow state, and is also filled with the internal filler of a normal pillow, such as buckwheat husks or sponge. A normal pillow is also acceptable, and the user can choose and use a pillow according to their preference.

[0031] Next, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be described. Hydrogen supplied from an external hydrogen generator (not shown) is released as hydrogen gas from the opening 17 via the supply conduit 16 to the sides of the head and neck and near the nostrils of the user U. At this time, the position of the opening 17 may be changed to make it easier to reach the nostrils. The released hydrogen gas is inhaled through the nostrils and absorbed through the skin on the head, but the remaining hydrogen gas that is not absorbed diffuses and rises. The rising hydrogen gas reaches the inner surface of the gas collection dome 11 and then moves along the slope of the inner surface to collect in the gas collection space 12 .

[0032] The air pump 14 discharges residual hydrogen gas accumulated in the upper part of the air collection dome 11 through the opening 17 via the conduit 15 for passing through the pillow by the driving suction force. Next, a hydrogen pillow-stand type (pillow-airflow forming stand type: type b in FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2A.

[0033] 2-01 in FIG. 2A is an air collection cover, and as shown in FIG. 2A(b), the top surface is trapezoidal, with the base being higher than the front. When suctioned by pump 2-04, the hydrogen gas flows in the form of an air current near the nostrils, and remains at the highest position toward the top base. 2-02 is a shielding curtain, which is made of a transparent Teflon (registered trademark) curtain to prevent hydrogen gas from passing through, and prevents the rising hydrogen gas from diffusing to the outside of the gas collection cover 2-01. It is preferable that the shielding curtain 2-02 is attached uniformly to the inside of the air collecting cover 2-01.

[0034] 2-03 in FIG. 2A is a support for the air collection cover, which is made of plastic and is fixed to the side of the bottom of the wooden air collection cover, and is further fixed to the variable support part 2-08. 2-04 is an air pump, which has, for example, an ultrasonic vibrator built in and is equipped with an input section 04a and an output section 04b, and forms a flow in the gas input from the input section 04a by deformation of the ultrasonic vibrator and outputs it from the output section 04b. 2-05 is a conduit for recirculating hydrogen gas, which is made of a Teflon (registered trademark) tube or the like, and one end of which is connected to the output part 04b of the air pump, and the other end of which is connected to the hydrogen output part 06a via a flange part 2-06.

[0035] 2A is the flange, made of a transparent Teflon (registered trademark) plate, and has a hydrogen output section 06a in the center that releases recycled hydrogen gas. The flange 2-06 reflects the hydrogen gas released from the nose and mouth during exhalation toward the pump, preventing the hydrogen gas from diffusing outside the air collection cover 2-01 and the shielding curtain 2-02. 2-07 is a support base, which is formed by a resting portion on which the pillow is placed and a fixed support portion extending vertically from the resting portion. The fixed support portion is slidably connected to the variable support portion 2-08 and fixed with an adjustment portion 2-09, making it possible to adjust the distance between the air collection cover 2-01 and the head of the user U. 2-08 is a variable support part, which is made of metal, wood, hard plastic, etc., and is integrally connected to the cover support part 2-03 at the top, and has a part at the bottom that can be fixed by the adjustment part 2-09 while forming a sliding relationship with the support base 2-07.

[0036] 2-09 in FIG. 2A is an adjustment part, which is a part that fixes the variable support part 2-08 that slides on the support base 2-07 after adjusting it up and down, and is formed by a combination of bolts and nuts. 2-10 is a hydrogen supply conduit, one end of which is connected to the generation output of an external hydrogen gas generator and the other end of which is connected to a hydrogen gas discharge port 2-11. A part of the hydrogen supply conduit 2-10 is disposed inside the pillow 2-12, but if the hydrogen gas discharge port 2-11 has a rigidity such as a bellows-shaped pipe, it may not be necessary to pass it through the pillow 2-12.

[0037] 2-11 in FIG. 2A is a hydrogen gas release port, which is made of soft plastic that does not cause discomfort when it touches the skin, and is placed and fixed on a pillow 2-12 in a position behind the nostrils and close to the neck. 2-12 is a pillow, and an example is shown in which a hydrogen gas conduit is attached inside the pillow as shown in Figure 2A, but depending on the pillow, if personal comfort is prioritized, a hydrogen gas outlet may be attached to the outside of the pillow.

[0038] Next, an example of a pillow used in the pillow-airflow-type forming stand type of Figure 2A is shown in Figure 2B. In FIG. 2B, the same components as those in FIG. 2A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 2B(a) is a top view of the part where the head is placed, and FIG. 2B(b) is a view of the conduit part cut off so that an ordinary pillow can be used. 2-12 in FIG. 2A is a pillowcase, and is made of a material such as lace that is breathable and feels good against the skin.

[0039] In Figure 2B (a), the hydrogen supply conduit 2-10 (hydrogen generator omitted) passes through the pillow and splits into two at the neck end of the pillow, with soft tubes protruding from holes in the pillow on both sides of the neck at an angle toward the pump to form hydrogen gas outlets 2-11. This is to allow hydrogen gas to form an airflow from the hydrogen gas outlets 2-11 near the nostrils in the direction of the pump's suction. If the airflow can be made stronger, the air collection dome can also be made smaller.

[0040] Figure 2B(b) shows the duct outlet section cut off so that the pillow that the user is accustomed to using can be used as is. Hydrogen gas is sent from a hydrogen supply conduit 2-10 to a hydrogen gas outlet 2-11, as in FIG. 2B(a). In this case, the small pillow 2-13 is placed on the pillow rest sheet 2-14 so that it does not separate from the pillow body, and is fastened with Velcro (registered trademark) 2-15. Also, the conduit 2-05 attached to the upper part of the face in FIG. 2A may be moved to the small pillow, and the conduit 2-05 for recirculating hydrogen gas and the outlet 2-11 (corresponding to 06a in FIG. 2A) may be installed in the small pillow 2-13.

[0041] Next, the operation of FIG. 2A will be described. The user lies on his / her back with his / her head placed on pillow 2-12. The recirculating hydrogen gas conduit 2-05 is manually adjusted so that the flange 2-06 is positioned near the user's nostrils and mouth. Activate the hydrogen generator and air pump 2-04. The hydrogen gas output from the hydrogen generator flows through the hydrogen supply conduit 2-10 and is released from the hydrogen gas release port 2-11.

[0042] When the hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen gas outlet 2-11 reaches the vicinity of the nostrils, some of it is taken into the nostrils during inhalation, and during exhalation, the hydrogen gas that has entered the lungs is released and diffused again. The hydrogen gas released again from exhalation is reflected by the flange 2-06 and rises inside the air collection cover 2-01 and the shielding curtain 2-02. The rising hydrogen gas rises along the inside of the air collection cover and collects in the area of ​​the air pump 2-04. The air pump 2-04 draws in air containing hydrogen gas at the input port 04a, and the hydrogen gas is discharged from the output port 04b, passes through the recirculating hydrogen gas conduit 2-05, and is discharged from the hydrogen output port 06a of the flange 2-06. A portion of the recirculated hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen output section 06a of the flange 2-06 is taken back into the body through the nostrils and scalp. B The hydrogen reflux method from the small pillow in (b) is almost the same. By repeating the above steps, hydrogen gas is efficiently sucked.

[0043] Next, another embodiment of the armchair type will be explained with reference to Fig. 3. The principle is the same as that of Fig. 2. Reference numeral 31 denotes an air collection dome, which is made of a transparent Teflon (registered trademark) sheet and is formed in a hemispherical shape, for example, like an umbrella or shade, and has a structure in which hydrogen gas is temporarily taken in at the center of the upper inside part. The periphery of the air collection dome 31 is shown in partial cross section. Reference numeral 32 denotes an air collection section, which indicates the vicinity of the center of the air collection dome 31, and indicates the part where hydrogen gas rises and moves upward along the inner surface of the air collection dome 31 to collect the residual hydrogen gas.

[0044] Reference numeral 31K in FIG. 3 denotes an air collection curtain made of a transparent Teflon (registered trademark) sheet. The Teflon (registered trademark) sheet is attached to the inside periphery of the open part of the air collection dome 31 and the entire inside, and extends downward to form a curtain-like shape, which prevents the hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen gas output port 36c and nozzle 34a, and the hydrogen gas in the exhaled breath, from diffusing outside the air collection dome 31.

[0045] Reference numeral 33 in Fig. 3 is an air pump, which is small and approximately 1 cm thick, similar to Fig. 2, and preferably uses an ultrasonic motor for noise reduction purposes. Air pump 33 is formed with input portion 33a for inputting gas and output portion 33b for generating a flow in the input gas and outputting it. The output portion 33b of the air pump 33 is connected to one end of the hydrogen gas recovery conduit 34, and the air output of the air pump 33 is sprayed toward the nostrils from a nozzle 34a attached to the tip of the other end of the hydrogen gas recovery conduit 34, which is arranged in front of the air collection dome 31. Reference numeral 34 denotes a hydrogen gas recovery conduit for recirculation, which is a tube for resupplying the residual hydrogen gas output from the air pump 33 to the user, and a nozzle 34a is attached to the tip of the other end.

[0046] Reference numeral 35 in FIG. 3 denotes a hydrogen gas generator, which outputs hydrogen gas generated by electrolysis of pure water or the like, and is made of existing equipment and devices. Reference numeral 36 denotes a hydrogen gas supply pipe, and a flange 36a formed of a transparent reflector is disposed at the tip. A hydrogen gas outlet 36c, which is the end of the supply pipe 36 and discharges hydrogen gas, is connected to the flange 36a in an open state. Preferably, it is a bellows-shaped conduit that can be bent and cannot be restored to its original shape, for example, to release hydrogen gas near the nostrils. A transparent plastic plate (transparent reflector) flange 36a is attached to the outlet, which corresponds to the output part of the supply conduit 36, to reflect exhaled air and prevent it from leaking to the outside as much as possible. The flange 36a is a transparent plastic plate that does not allow hydrogen to pass through, and has an area for receiving and reflecting exhaled air. 36b is a connecting conduit, one end of which is connected to the hydrogen output portion of the hydrogen gas generator 35 and the other end of which is connected to one end of the supply conduit 36.

[0047] Reference numeral 37 in Figure 3 denotes a support arm, which is formed from a rod-shaped body that is flexible and can bend freely, such as a flexible arm or flexible tube made by winding a round or square wire in a spiral shape, and which can be deformed so that it does not return to its original shape when bent, and has a configuration that allows it to be deformed so that it does not return to its original shape even when bent manually.A rotatable rotating shaft 38 is connected to one end of the support arm 37, and the other end of the rotating shaft 38 is connected to the center of the air collection dome 31, making it possible to adjust the position of the air collection dome 31.

[0048] The support arm 37 and the rotating shaft 38 in Figure 3 allow the dome to be deformed so that it cannot be returned to its original shape even when bent, and the user can operate and move the dome so that it is always above the user and in a direction that allows hydrogen to be collected at the center. Furthermore, the support arm 37 and the rotating shaft 38 are operated manually to move and fix the gas collection dome 31 to the location where hydrogen is most likely to collect, but this can also be done automatically using a motor, for example, a robot arm that tracks the appropriate position of the gas collection section 32. Numeral 39 denotes a pillow, which may be selected by the user and may be configured to be fixed to the inclined chair portion 40 with a hook-and-loop fastener or the like. The pillow may also have a built-in speaker for playing music to induce a nap.

[0049] Reference numeral 40 in FIG. 3 denotes a chair portion, which may be changeable into a reclining type or sofa bed type, and it is sufficient that the air collection dome can be maintained at least to a certain height by the support arm 37. Next, the operation will be described. The user sits on the chair portion 40 and reclines with the head and neck resting against the pillow 39. When the air collection dome 31 is manually moved so that the center of the dome 31 is above the head and face, the dome 31 can be moved, adjusted, and fixed while being deformed so that it does not return to its original shape even if bent due to deformation of the support arm 37 and rotation of the rotation shaft 38. Furthermore, the supply conduit 36 ​​is adjusted by bending it so that the hydrogen gas outlet port 36c on the flange 36a is positioned at the position of the user's nostrils.

[0050] The hydrogen gas output from the hydrogen gas generator 35 of FIG. 3 is released near the nostrils via the connecting conduit 36b and the hydrogen gas output port 36c of the supply conduit 36. The hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen gas output port 36c of the supply conduit 36 ​​is released into the nostrils without contact and is taken into the body through nasal absorption and transdermal absorption, and the remainder that is not absorbed diffuses and rises, is captured by the air collection dome 31, and is collected in the air collection section 32. The hydrogen gas collected in the air collection section 32 is input through the input section 33a of the air pump 33, and the hydrogen gas output from the output section 33b is released again near the nostrils via the hydrogen gas recovery conduit 34, thereby making effective use of the hydrogen gas (hydrogen gas recirculation method). Furthermore, if a large space is created between the user's face and the air collection dome 31, the air collection dome 31 may be further surrounded by an air collection curtain 31K to prevent hydrogen gas from diffusing beyond the range of the air collection dome 31.

[0051] Next, a portable headphone cap type as another embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 41 denotes an air collection cap, such as a helmet or hat, whose inner surface is made of a hydrogen gas impermeable material such as a Teflon (registered trademark) cover, and whose center is an air collection part 43. In FIG. 4, it is shown as a partial cross section. Reference numeral 42 denotes an air collection canopy, which is made of a transparent or semi-transparent plastic material that does not obstruct the view, and is shaped to capture hydrogen gas rising from near the nose and guide it to the air collection section 43.

[0052] 4 shows the gap between the head and the inside of the air collection cap 41 and the vicinity of the top of the head. The gap is at a distance equal to or greater than the thickness of the air pump 44 (approximately 1 cm) and is in contact with the input part of the air pump 44. Reference numeral 44 denotes a small air pump having an input section 44a for inputting air containing hydrogen gas and an output section 44b for outputting the air containing hydrogen gas. The air pump 44 is formed by an ultrasonic motor, and inputs the recovered hydrogen gas collected in the air collection section 43 into the input section 44a and outputs it to a recirculation conduit 45 connected to the output section 44b. Reference numeral 45 denotes a recirculation conduit, which is used to pass the recirculated hydrogen gas and is a tube with sides made of hydrogen gas impermeable material such as silicone.

[0053] Reference numeral 46 denotes a fixing part, which, in a state where it is connected to both ends of the U-shaped headphone fixing band 50, presses against both sides of the face so as to face each other, thereby fixing the support arm 47 in place. By providing one fixing part 46 on each of the opposing sides of the head, the headphone-type fixing body 50 and the fixing parts 46 attached to both end faces have a configuration similar to that of music headphones, for example, and are configured to lightly press against the head from both sides, making them easy to put on and take off. Reference numeral 47 denotes a support arm, which is formed of a flexible tube, a bellows tube, or the like, and extends with one end fixed to the fixing part 46. It is bellows-shaped and has the ability to deform so that it does not return to its original shape even when bent, and a recirculation conduit 45 and a hydrogen generator conduit 48 are fixed along the support arm 47. A small, transparent, plate-like flange 49 is integrally attached to the other end of the support arm 47. Reference numeral 48 denotes a conduit for a hydrogen generator, which extends from a hydrogen generator (not shown) and transmits hydrogen gas generated in the hydrogen generator to a hydrogen gas outlet 48a provided in a flange 49. The length of the conduit for a hydrogen generator 48 allows it to move freely to a certain extent.

[0054] 4 is a flange, which is a small transparent plate-like body arranged parallel to the face and is connected and fixed to one end of the support arm 47. The flange 49 is formed with a hydrogen gas discharge port 48a for discharging hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen generator via the hydrogen generator conduit 48 and a recirculation hydrogen discharge port 45a for discharging hydrogen gas supplied via the recirculation conduit 45. Reference numeral 50 denotes a headphone-type fixed body, which is configured in an inverted U shape like headphones, generates a pressing force inward, and is fixed by pressing against the face from both sides with two fixing parts 46 connected to both ends. Note that there may be one fixing part 46 and the other may be a substitute, or it may be a one-ear headphone type.

[0055] Next, the operation will be described. The embodiment shown in Figure 4 is an improvement over the conventional nasal catheter method, and shows a mode that can be used not only for inhaling hydrogen gas while relaxing, but also for temporary use during daily activities. When inhaling hydrogen gas, wear the air collection cap 41. Adjust it by bending it so that the hydrogen gas release port 48a and the recirculation hydrogen release port 45a are near the nostrils.

[0056] When the hydrogen generator is started, hydrogen gas is released from a hydrogen gas release port 48 a provided in the flange portion 49 via the hydrogen generator conduit 48 . The released hydrogen gas is inhaled through the nostrils and is absorbed through the skin, such as through hair roots, wherever the hydrogen gas comes into contact. The remaining hydrogen gas rises while diffusing, but is guided by the air collection eaves 42 to the air collection cap 41 and begins to collect near the air collection section 43.

[0057] When the air pump 44 is driven, the residual hydrogen gas is taken into the air pump 44 from the input port 44a, and then output into the recirculation conduit 45 via the output port 44b. The recirculated hydrogen gas in the recirculation conduit 45 is released again from the recirculation hydrogen release port 45 a on the flange 49 , and is taken into the nostrils during inhalation, and also rises and collects in the air collection section 43 . The recirculation amount of the pump is adjusted to be equal to or greater than the amount of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas generator, as in the case of Figs. 2 and 3. The hydrogen gas released from the flange 49 during inhalation and the residual hydrogen gas are inhaled through the nostrils, but the hydrogen gas released from the mouth during exhalation is reflected by the flange 49 in the direction of the exhaled air and rises inside the air collection cap, thereby minimizing wasteful repeated exposure to unabsorbed hydrogen gas.

[0058] Cushion-shaped hydrogen generator FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a chair-type monitor for performing stress checks using a cushion-type seat with a hydrogen gas generator built in. 1001 is a hydrogen generator, which has a configuration for generating and outputting hydrogen gas, and may be a commercially available one. 1002 is a conduit that connects a hydrogen gas output port 1004 to the hydrogen output portion of the hydrogen generator 1001 .

[0059] As in Figure 10, one end of the conduit 1002 does not necessarily have to be placed at the hydrogen gas output port 1004 on the surface of the seat cushion 1003, but may be placed inside the seat cushion 1003 and have one or more hydrogen gas output holes on the surface of the seat cushion 1003. 1003 is a seat cushion, which is a cushion intended for sitting, such as a cushion, and may be filled with a cushioning material such as sponge for comfort. The seat cushion 1003 may be placed on a chair or on the floor. The hydrogen release section of the seat cushion 1003 can release hydrogen to the upper body when a person sits on it, which is expected to allow hydrogen gas to be absorbed transdermally over a wide area, and does not require a cumbersome protruding hydrogen gas release section. Furthermore, the seat cushion 1003 may be combined with the hydrogen gas collection section and recirculation release section shown in Figure 1 to collect the rising hydrogen gas and release it again, for example, towards the user's nose (not shown). Reference numeral 1004 denotes a hydrogen gas output port through which hydrogen gas generated from hydrogen generator 1001 is released onto the surface of seat cushion 1003 via conduit 1002. The hydrogen gas may be output from one location or may be branched and output from multiple locations. The seated portion of seat cushion 1003 may be made porous, allowing hydrogen to be absorbed transdermally or otherwise over a wide area from the entire buttocks to the upper body.

[0060] 1005 is a vitalogram, which is a multifunctional wearable biometric sensor device for calculating stress, fatigue level, etc., and is equipped with biometric sensors such as blood flow and blood pressure sensors, and is a device for measuring stress relief and fatigue level reduction caused by inhaling hydrogen gas or by exposing the hydrogen gas to the upper body. The vitalgram 1005 is electrically connected to the display monitor 1006 by wire or wirelessly (WiFi, infrared, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.), and data output by the vitalgram 1005 is output on the display monitor 1006. The display monitor 1006 also has an input interface such as a touch panel and voice. Reference numeral 1006 denotes a display monitor, which is connected to the vitalogram 1005, and displays the biological information measured by the vitalogram 1005 and displays an evaluation of this biological information. Furthermore, the output of hydrogen gas to the living body displays the amount of stress and fatigue relief. The display monitor 1006 may be equipped with an input interface such as a touch panel, keyboard, or voice input. The vitalogram 1005 may also be equipped with an input interface similar to that of the display monitor 1006.

[0061] The embodiment shown in Figure 10 can improve the effectiveness of hydrogen gas inhalation by displaying the degree of stress and fatigue relief when the user absorbs hydrogen gas on a display monitor 1006. 1007 is a sensor support, formed in a rod or dome shape. In the case of a dome-shaped support, the air collection unit shown in Figure 1 can be attached, and a configuration can be added to guide and release the collected hydrogen gas to the upper surface of the seat cushion 1003 using a recirculation pump, thereby improving hydrogen inhalation efficiency. PL is a pillow, located in the part of the chair CR where the head is placed. SP is a speaker, outputting music containing theta waves, alarm sounds, etc., or outputting the user's favorite music. HR is an armrest, reducing the strain on the body when seated. A vitalogram 1005 is located at the tip of the armrest HR, where the hand is located, and is optimally positioned to measure the degree of stress and fatigue relief when hydrogen is absorbed by the upper body. 10, the introduction of a cushion-shaped hydrogen output unit allows for efficient absorption of hydrogen into the body, and health checks can be visualized on a display monitor 1006. Furthermore, as described above, the air collection dome a shown in FIG. 1 may be attached near the sensor support 1007, an air pump e may be placed in the internal air collection unit, and the hydrogen gas release unit of the recirculation hydrogen gas supply conduit d extending from this air pump e may be placed near the nose, so that the hydrogen gas captured in the air collection unit can be released again at the nose, etc.

[0062] The advantages and physiological effects of this reperfusion method are described below. With the conventional nasal cannula method, hydrogen can only be inhaled, but when exhaled, the hydrogen gas is essentially wasted. However, with this method, the hydrogen gas exhaled and the remaining hydrogen gas not absorbed by the human body can be recirculated, allowing hydrogen to be inhaled without waste. - Conventional nasal cannula methods release hydrogen gas directly into the nasal cavity, which can cause discomfort and can also create an unsanitary impression due to the appearance and adhesion of nasal mucus. In this embodiment, for example, after wearing the combination of the headphone-type fixing band 50 and the fixing device 46 shown in Figure 4 on the head, simply putting on the air collection cap 41 forms the air collection part 43, and the support arm 47 is manually operated so that the flange part 49 is positioned to block the direction of exhalation, making it possible to effectively inhale hydrogen gas released during exhalation and inspiration. The same applies to the pillow-stand type and easy chair type.

[0063] The conventional nasal catheter method only allows hydrogen gas to be inhaled during inspiration, and it disperses during expiration. This method reuses the remaining hydrogen gas that is not absorbed and the hydrogen gas released during expiration. The hydrogen gas released near the nostrils and the recovered hydrogen gas are repeatedly reused, so hydrogen gas can be used effectively without being wasted, and hydrogen gas can also be inhaled efficiently over long periods of time, such as during breaks or while sleeping.

[0064] Physiological effects of the hydrogen gas recirculation method of the present invention Physiological effects of pillow-stand type devices We have conducted a preliminary study on the physiological effects of using the hydrogen gas recirculation method of the present invention, and will report on this example. Full-scale studies will be continued in the future. First, using the pillow-stand type device shown in Figure 2, an elderly male (79 years old) with high blood pressure, sleep disorders, and nocturia (2-3 times / day) was tested with the Vitalgram (trademark) device ( Sleep status was measured using a device manufactured by AffordSense (which measures electrocardiograms, number of postural awakenings using acceleration in three directions, heart rate, respiratory rate, body movements, etc. to determine deep sleep time, and can measure low frequency components LF and high frequency components HF using heart rate fluctuations to determine sympathetic nervous activity).

[0065] During a control period of approximately one month, excluding holidays, the results were compared with hydrogen gas inhalation using a pillow-stand type device (Figure 2B(b)) (Hydrogen Gas Generator Smart Cube™, generating 100 ml of hydrogen gas per minute, manufactured by Nankai Kogyo Co., Ltd.). The results are shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the results of measurements taken during sleep while hydrogen gas was released into the area around the back of the head using a hydrogen pillow. The ratio of the high-frequency component HF of a specific heart rate fluctuation obtained from an electrocardiogram signal, which is an index of parasympathetic nervous activity, to the frequency component LF of a specific range obtained from an electrocardiogram signal, which is an index of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous activity (LF / HF: sympathetic nervous activity index), as well as the number of awakenings, heart rate, and deep sleep time were measured with and without the hydrogen pillow method (for 21 days). These measurements were performed using a multi-element biosensor (Vitalgram®, manufactured by AffordSense). In Figure 5, 5a is the control (day of non-use), and 5b is the data on the day of use of the hydrogen pillow method.

[0066] The LF / HF ratio, which indicates the balance of sympathetic nervous activity indexes, was 2.72 in the control group, but on the day of hydrogen gas inhalation it dropped to 2.2, indicating that sympathetic nervous activity was suppressed, deep sleep time was extended, and the number of times people woke up during sleep was reduced, resulting in improvements in sleep status. This confirms the findings of a non-patent document (Sugai K, et. al. Daily inhalation of hydrogen gas has a blood pressure-lowering effect in a rat model of hypertension. (Scientific Report 10(1):20173, Nov 26, 2020). Inhaling hydrogen gas while asleep can improve the quality of sleep and can be used for long periods of time, so it is thought that it may also help prevent the onset of lifestyle-related diseases to some extent, but further epidemiological research is needed to confirm this. This application provides a means for achieving this.

[0067] Effect of armchair-type hydrogen inhalation device Next, a preliminary investigation was conducted into the effectiveness of using the armchair-type hydrogen gas inhalation device shown in Figure 3. The subjects were measured using the hydrogen pillow-stand type device as in the above case, and also using the Vitalgram™ device to measure sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) and blood flow in the superficial temporal artery. A blood flow meter (Laser Blood Flow Meter (RLF-1) manufactured by Advance Co., Ltd.) was used.

[0068] The measurement method is shown in FIG. 6, and the detailed configuration will be described later. The subjects first sat in an easy chair for 10 minutes as a control, and then inhaled hydrogen gas for 20 minutes, after which measurements were compared. The hydrogen generator used was the "Fuji no Chikara" (trademark) manufactured by Nankai Kogyo Co., Ltd. (500 ml / min). The results are shown in Figure 7. Figure 6 illustrates the change in superficial temporal artery blood flow measured by a laser blood flowmeter (RLF-1, manufactured by Advance Co., Ltd.) during hydrogen gas inhalation using the armchair-type device (Figure 3), and the method for measuring sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF). As shown in Figure 7, short-term naps using the armchair method suppress sympathetic nervous activity (LF / HF) and increase blood flow to the head, which may be useful for relieving stress and recovering from fatigue.

[0069] An example of the configuration used for measuring blood flow and sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) during hydrogen gas inhalation in the armchair position described above is shown in FIG. 6 and will be described. The armchair-type hydrogen gas inhalation configuration shown in FIG. 6 utilizes the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same parts. 60 is a laser blood flow measuring device (RLF-1 manufactured by Advance Co., Ltd.), which irradiates laser light onto the skin surface and detects the blood flow equivalent amount, including blood flow pulse waves obtained from the reflected light and transmitted light, as an average value.

[0070] 61 in FIG. 6 is a laser irradiation optical fiber or a light transmission lead wire that supplies electrical energy to a laser light source that outputs laser light in a sensor probe 63. Reference numeral 62 denotes an optical fiber that receives the light reflected from the living body in a sensor probe 63 and transmits it to the laser blood flow measuring device 60, or a light receiving lead wire that converts the amount of received light into an electrical signal and transmits it. 63 is a sensor probe, which is formed by a laser diode, LED, phototransistor, etc., and consists of a pair of output and light receiving parts that irradiate the contact point with laser light and receive the reflected light.

[0071] The sensor probe 63 in FIG. 6 converts a blood flow pulse wave signal into an electrical signal and outputs it, and is fixed to a probe support fixture 64, for example. Reference numeral 64 denotes a probe support fixture, which supports and fixes the sensor probe 63 and is formed as a fixing pad so that the head can be clamped. Reference numeral 65 denotes a headphone-type support device formed in a U-shape. When the probe support fixture 64 is connected to the end, preferably at two ends, and the head is attached so as to sandwich the probe, the light emitting part and the light receiving part, which are the tip of the sensor probe 63, come into contact with the superficial temporal artery, and the blood flow equivalent amount based on the blood flow pulse wave can be measured. Inside the connecting band 65, the measured superficial temporal artery pulse wave electrical signal is transmitted to the laser blood flow measurement device 60.

[0072] Reference numeral 66 in FIG. 6 denotes a conduit for measuring breath hydrogen concentration, one end of which is inserted into the oral cavity and the other end of which is connected to a hydrogen gas concentration measuring device 67, and which is made of a material that is at least impermeable to hydrogen gas. 67 is a hydrogen gas concentration measuring instrument that displays the concentration of hydrogen gas, and an existing measuring instrument (Hydrogen Meter UPX4 manufactured by Copi Co., Ltd.) was used. 68 is a biosignal measuring device (in this experiment) for measuring sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) data, which is equipped with multiple electrodes, detects multiple biosignals such as electrocardiogram signals, and wirelessly transmits processed signals to a smartphone, PC, or other measuring device 69. In this experiment, a device called Vitalgram (trademark) (manufactured by AffordSense) was used, which was wrapped around the chest so that the electrodes were in contact with the skin.

[0073] 69 in Figure 6 is a measuring device such as a smartphone or PC that receives a Bluetooth signal from Vitalgram (trademark), receives a wireless signal from a vital sign measuring device (Vitalgram (trademark)) 68, extracts data from this wireless signal, processes the signal, and displays the results. The subject sits on the chair 40 and manually operates the air collection dome 31 to adjust the position so that the remaining hydrogen can easily collect in the air collection part 32.

[0074] Furthermore, the supply conduit 36 ​​is adjusted by manually bending it or the like so that the hydrogen gas output port 36c is positioned at the nostril area. The probe support fixture 64 of the connecting belt 65 is adjusted to the head by moving the position of the probe support fixture 64 so that the sensor probe 63 abuts on the superficial temporal artery. Furthermore, the biosignal measuring device 68 is worn around the chest so that the electrode portion of the biosignal measuring device 68 is positioned so that an electrocardiogram can be detected.

[0075] The end of the breath measurement conduit 66 extending from the hydrogen gas concentration measuring device 67 is held in the mouth. Only during inspiration, the subject inhaled hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas generator 35 (in this experiment, Fuji no Chikara (trademark) 500 ml / min, manufactured by Nankai Kogyo Co., Ltd.), which was released from the hydrogen gas output port 36c, and the residual hydrogen gas released from the nozzle 34a. During expiration, the subject's exhaled breath was output into the breath measurement conduit 66, the end of which was held in the subject's mouth, and the hydrogen content in the breath was measured with the hydrogen gas concentration meter 67 (a similar method was used to measure the hydrogen concentration in the breath in other experiments). In addition, the sensor probe 63 detects the blood flow pulse wave signal in the superficial temporal artery, which is measured by the laser blood flow measuring device 60, and the electrocardiogram signal measured by the biosignal measuring device 68 is output wirelessly to the measuring device 69. Figure 7 shows the results of blood flow and sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) measurements using the above method (79-year-old male). Compared to the 10-minute control, hydrogen gas exposure increased blood flow and decreased LF / HF. As described in Non-Patent Document 3 (Shibayama Y, et al. Impact of hydrogen-rich gas mixture inhalation through nasal cannula during post-exercise recovery period on subsequent oxidative stress, muscle damage, and exercise performance in men. Med Gas Res. (2020) 10:155-62. 10.4103 / 2045-9912.304222), armchair hydrogen inhalation may be useful for recovering from stress and fatigue.

[0076] Measurement of hydrogen concentration in exhaled breath Since it is still technically difficult to measure the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the human body, we tried a simple method in which we measured the amount of hydrogen absorbed only during exhalation using a hydrogen meter (HydorgenMete UPX4 manufactured by Copi Co., Ltd.) via a tube inserted into the mouth (see method in Figure 6). With this method, hydrogen gas is taken in through the nose and enters the lungs, and the remaining hydrogen gas that is not inhaled is exhaled. As a reference for knowing the approximate concentration of hydrogen gas taken in through the nostrils, rather than that absorbed by the human body, we compared the hydrogen gas concentration exhausted using the normal nasal catheter method, the hydrogen gas concentration when only hydrogen gas is administered using the armchair method, and the hydrogen gas concentration when hydrogen gas is recirculated using an air pump. The results for the armchair apparatus are shown in Table 1.

[0077] [Table 1]

[0078] As shown in Table 1, the hydrogen gas concentration in the exhaled breath was significantly lower when using the chair-type hydrogen inhalation method without an air pump compared to the standard nasal catheter method, but when hydrogen gas was recirculated using the same air pump, it was significantly higher than the standard nasal catheter method, suggesting that the hydrogen gas recirculation method may be more effective than the nasal catheter method. Similarly, when hydrogen gas (Smart Cube™, manufactured by Traiz, Nankai Kogyo Co., Ltd.) was administered at a rate of 100 ml / min using a hydrogen pillow stand (Figure 1 (a)), the hydrogen gas concentrations were compared for the nasal catheter method, the hydrogen pillow stand without an air pump, and the recirculation with an air pump. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0079] [Table 2]

[0080] As shown in Table 2, the hydrogen gas concentration in exhaled breath was significantly lower with the hydrogen pillow-stand method than with the standard nasal catheter method, and significantly higher with recirculation. However, it tends to decrease when lying on one's side. In addition, with type (b) in Figure 1 (type b in Figure 2B) (far right in Table 2), the effect of lying on one's side was minimal when a hydrogen gas airflow was created so that the hydrogen gas flowed from the nostrils to the upper face. Furthermore, type b is simpler than type a, and it is thought that the user should choose type a or b based on their preference.

[0081] In addition, with this method (type b), the hydrogen concentration at the hydrogen outlet of the pillow is 35,000 to 40,000 ppm, but the hydrogen concentration in the air collection dome is 10,000 to 20,000 ppm, and it is estimated that this concentration is reflected in the hydrogen concentration in the exhaled breath. Although hydrogen gas administration at 100 ml / min is not sufficient for type B, it can be administered for 6 to 8 hours during sleep, which is thought to be useful for improving sleep quality (see Figure 5).

[0082] A similar investigation was conducted with the headphone cap type, and the results were similar to those of the hydrogen pillow stand type, as shown in Table 3. However, it was found that the hydrogen concentration in the exhaled breath was significantly higher with the headphone cap type than with the hydrogen pillow stand type, due to the smaller volume of the air collection cap.

[0083] [Table 3] [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] The present invention enables contactless, efficient, long-term exposure to hydrogen while sleeping, which is expected to improve sleep quality and eliminate excess reactive oxygen species. The proposed configuration allows hydrogen to be effectively supplied to the body without causing discomfort even during rest, contributing to the health industry by alleviating workplace fatigue and stress, and preventing and treating lifestyle-related diseases. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] a. Air collection dome b Teflon curtain c Hydrogen gas supply pipe d. Recirculating hydrogen gas supply pipe e Air pump

Claims

1. A hydrogen inhalation device comprising: a hydrogen supply unit that supplies hydrogen to the head area centered around the nostrils in a non-contact manner; an air collection dome that is positioned above the face and collects hydrogen dispersed in the atmosphere; a recirculation unit that uses a silent pump to resupply the hydrogen collected in the air collection dome to the vicinity of the nostrils; and a pillow-shaped bedding that supplies hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply unit and hydrogen supplied from the recirculation unit to the head area centered around the nostrils.

2. 2. The hydrogen inhalation device of claim 1, wherein the recirculation unit recirculates an appropriate amount of hydrogen by driving an ultrasonic motor capable of adjusting the air volume, thereby resupplying hydrogen not only during inhalation but also during exhalation to the facial area centered around the nostrils.

3. 2. The hydrogen inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein an air collection curtain is attached around the opening of the air collection dome.

4. 2. The hydrogen inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen supply unit has a plate-shaped flange having a hydrogen release port near the nostrils.

5. 2. The hydrogen inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the air collection dome when used while sleeping is highest toward the top of the head and slopes downward toward the nostrils, the input port of the pump in the recirculation unit is located at the highest point, and when the user is in a lying position, hydrogen gas flows from the hydrogen release port to the vicinity of the nostrils, creating an airflow in the pump suction direction and recirculating the hydrogen gas.

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