Inhalation mask

Abstract

An inhalation mask (1) for an inhalation system (14), the inhalation mask (1) comprising a mask body (2) having a port (3) connectable to the inhalation system (14), and an opening (4) having a sealing lip (5). The sealing lip (5) is equipped to be joined to the face (9) such that the nose, mouth, or both are surrounded by the sealing lip (5). The sealing lip (5) comprises a storage area (6) and a remaining area (7) arranged adjacent to the storage area (6). In the sealed position, the storage area (6) exhibits one or more of being placed on the face, being compressed inside the inhalation mask (1), or being bent. The inhalation mask (1) comprises an identification part (8) that distinguishes the storage area (6) from the remaining area (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhalation mask for an inhalation system, an inhalation assembly, and the use of an inhalation mask.

Background Art

[0002] Inhalation masks are commonly used to connect an inhalation system, such as an inhaler like a chamber, spacer, MDI, or jet or mesh inhaler, to a user's face. The inhalation mask should provide a connection from the inhalation system through which aerosol can flow to the user's respiratory system. Leakage between the inhalation mask and the face should be minimized.

[0003] Medical guidelines recommend the use of inhalation masks, especially for children's inhalation. The use of inhalation masks is particularly useful for people who have difficulty adjusting their breathing. With many inhalation masks, the user can inhale the aerosol from the inhalation system through the mouth and nose.

[0004] The contact portion to the user's face is often designed from a flexible material formed as a lip. This combination of an easily deformable structure and a soft material allows the inhalation mask to conform flexibly to the geometric shape of the face, thus providing a high degree of sealing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Currently, many inhalation masks are being used in an inefficient manner. These result in insufficient sealing as they are pressed hard or soft against the face. Due to the flexible and conformable material properties, a very high pressing force can compress the lip very significantly. In a mask consisting of multiple components, the rigid components can come into direct contact with the patient's face, reducing the comfort and sealing of the fit. Insufficient pressing force can also result in a reduction in sealing.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an alternative inhalation mask to improve the above-described situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This objective is achieved by an inhalation mask for an inhalation system. The inhalation mask comprises a mask body having a port connectable to an inhalation system, and an opening having a sealing lip fitted to the face such that the nose, mouth, or both are enclosed by the sealing lip, the sealing lip comprising a storage area and a remaining area positioned adjacent to the storage area. In the sealed position, the storage area exhibits one or more of the following states in at least one section: resting on the face, being compressed, or being bent inward into the inhalation mask. The inhalation mask is provided with an identification section to distinguish the storage area from the remaining area.

[0008] By pressing the inhalation mask against the face, especially a child's face, the lip can be deformed and compressed. Consequently, the visible portion of the lip is reduced. The distance required for lip deformation directly correlates with the applied force and the seal. This is due to the lip's geometric shape and material properties. The identification mark indicates whether the appropriate pressure is being applied. Therefore, this inhalation mask provides the user or caregiver with a tool that helps achieve an efficient connection between the face and the mask.

[0009] Visualizing the ideal mask position helps prevent caregivers, especially parents, from pressing the inhalation mask too hard against the face, particularly a child's face, which can lead to reduced mask comfort and leakage. Therefore, it can improve the seal and the success of treatment. Moreover, caregivers can gain peace of mind regarding the correct placement of the mask.

[0010] Improved wearing comfort can lead to a higher degree of fit. Caregivers can find the strength or force needed to press the mask against the face to achieve a tight position that provides high wearing comfort for the user or child, while simultaneously meeting the airtightness required for high effectiveness in medical treatment.

[0011] Inhalation masks are used specifically for the treatment of respiratory symptoms or diseases affecting humans, such as adults, children, toddlers, infants, or newborns. Inhalation masks can also be used for the treatment of animals.

[0012] An inhalation mask includes a mask body molded to receive the user's nose, mouth, or both. The outer surface of the mask body is exposed to the surrounding environment. Inhalation masks are available in a variety of specifications, for example, with or without valves, holes, and other openings. The part that contacts the user's face is often designed from a flexible material that forms a lip. Such contact parts are used in various inhalation systems, such as jet nebulizers, membrane nebulizers, spacers, and chambers.

[0013] Inhalation masks differ in their materials and structure. Common structures include single-material or multi-component structures. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and other materials are used in inhalation masks.

[0014] The inhalation system preferably includes an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator preferably includes a nebulizer, nebulizer, humidifier, compressed air nebulizer, air atomizer, electronic nebulizer, ultrasonic nebulizer, electrohydrodynamic nebulizer, electrostatic nebulizer, membrane nebulizer, nebulizer with a vibrating membrane, electronic nebulizer with a vibrating membrane, mesh nebulizer, jet nebulizer, MDI, inhaler, powder atomizer, dry powder inhaler (DPI), or a combination thereof. The MDI includes a pressurized canister containing a drug and propellant.

[0015] The inhalation system may include a device for supplying an aerosol. The device for supplying the aerosol preferably includes a spacer or chamber. The device for supplying the aerosol preferably is configured for use with an MDI. The device for supplying the aerosol preferably includes a spacer or chamber positioned to receive the aerosol supplied by the MDI, so that the user can inhale the aerosol.

[0016] The spacer does not have a valve. The chamber or retaining chamber has an intake valve, and preferably also an expiratory valve. A therapeutic aerosol is generated and delivered to a desired location within the user's or patient's body using an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol is a mixture of solid or liquid particles and gas. The aerosol is preferably intended for application on or within parts of the human or animal body, such as the skin, body cavities, body openings, nose, sinuses, maxillary sinus, frontal sinus, sphenoid sinus, ethmoid sinus, pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs, main bronchi, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, joints, or abdominal cavity.

[0017] Aerosols may be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases in humans and animals, or to provide immunity against diseases. Aerosols are useful in treating respiratory symptoms or diseases affecting adults, children, infants, or neonates.

[0018] The seal lip is preferably made of a soft material, such as an elastic material, that returns to its original size and shape when the influence or force is removed. The elastic material may include silicone or elastomer, particularly thermoplastic elastomer.

[0019] The flexible material may include both transparent and opaque materials. One of these materials may be placed in the storage area, and the other material in the remaining area. The seal lip includes a storage area that deforms when the mask is properly pressed against the face. The storage area is equipped to deform so that when properly pressed against the face, it rests on the face, bends inward into the mask body, or is compressed. Some or all of these may occur together. Such deformation acts to make the storage area of ​​the seal lip invisible from the outside of the mask, or at least difficult to see. The mask may be formed of a transparent material, at least partially. In one embodiment, the storage area is formed of a transparent material. When the mask is properly deformed, the transparent material becomes invisible. The storage area may still be visible through the transparent material when resting on the face or bent inward into the mask body, but at least it will be more difficult to see.

[0020] The remaining area is located adjacent to the storage area and is part of the sealing lip that comes into contact with the external environment of the mask when it is used correctly. This identification section allows the storage area to be distinguished from the rest of the area. This can be achieved in several ways. Preferably, the storage area and the rest of the area are optically designed in different ways. In one embodiment, the storage area and the rest of the area are designed to have different tactile properties. In one embodiment, the distinction between the storage area and the rest of the area can be seen or felt by hand. The storage area and the rest of the area may be distinguished by ribs, notches, grooves, or lines.

[0021] The two areas may exhibit different roughness, or a glossy finish may be applied to one of the areas. Alternatively, one of the areas may be colored. Coloring may be applied only to certain areas of the identification area, for example, so that stripes or dots appear in the identification area. It is also possible to provide different surface structures or textures. The storage area or the remaining area may be transparent.

[0022] Further embodiments of the identification part include one or more of the identification elements of grooves, recesses, protrusions, bubbles, and embossments. The recesses, protrusions, bubbles, and embossments may be circular or elliptical. The identification elements may be provided within a soft component. The identification elements visualize the necessary deformation of the mask. Different-sized identification elements, adjusted by the size and distance to the boundary between the remaining area and the storage area, can provide the user with better information regarding the actual state and the state of good pressure for sealing. The identification part may include a row of circular bulges. The protrusions may be arranged parallel to the boundary between the remaining area and the storage area. The protrusions in the row closest to the boundary may have the largest diameter. The protrusions in the row farthest from the boundary may exhibit the smallest diameter, and the protrusions in the rows between these two rows exhibit a diameter having a dimension between the dimension of the protrusions in the closest row and the dimension of the protrusions in the farthest row. In this way, the user sees protrusions of different sizes that disappear as the pressure increases upon being stored. Therefore, the user can more easily evaluate how much pressure should be applied when wearing the mask.

[0023] Of course, it is possible to combine several options. In one embodiment, the identification part includes two different materials. In one embodiment, the identification part includes one material of silicone and thermoplastic elastomer in the storage area and another material of polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, and polypropylene in the remaining area. In one embodiment, two materials with different surface textures are used for the identification part.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the identification part may include a first color for the storage area and a different color for the remaining area. The identification part may include markings or surface structures.

[0025] The markings or surface structures may be provided in the storage area or the remaining area. In one embodiment, the markings or surface structures are provided in both the storage area and the remaining area. It may be appropriate to provide different configurations of the markings or surface structures in different areas. In one embodiment, the markings or surface structures are arranged as patterns. The markings or surface structures may include different thicknesses of materials, different surface roughnesses, matte areas, glossy areas, polished areas, bubble portions, convex portions, raised portions, concave portions, colors, finishes, imprints, or scratches.

[0026] In one embodiment, the markings or surface structures include several elements. Some of the elements or features may be points, polygons, ellipses, circles, convex, or concave.

[0027] The markings or surface structures may be provided in the remaining area at least to some extent. The dimensions of the elements are correlated with the distance to the storage area. The dimensions of the elements arranged closer to the storage area may be larger than the dimensions of the elements arranged farther from the storage area. This can provide an indication regarding the remaining pressing force until a good seal is achieved.

[0028] The surface structure may include ribs, notches, or grooves. The ribs may be arranged between the storage area and the remaining area. In one embodiment, several ribs are provided in the remaining area. In one embodiment, the identification part becomes invisible from the outside of the mask body when the mask is pressed against the face in the correct way.

[0029] The identification part may be a color or marking arranged in the storage area. When the mask is pressed against the face in the correct way, the storage area having the identification part should be placed on the face, compressed inside the mask body, or bent, so that the storage area should be invisible or at least less visible.

[0030] One aspect of the present invention is an inhalation assembly comprising an inhalation mask and an inhalation system. The inhalation system may be configured to provide a drug, gas, or aerosol. The inhalation system preferably includes a metered-dose inhaler, a chamber, a spacer, a nebulizer, an atomizer, a jet nebulizer, or a vibrating mesh nebulizer.

[0031] One aspect of the present invention provides a method for using an inhalation mask. The method includes the steps of pressing the inhalation mask against the face such that the nose, mouth, or both are surrounded by the sealing lip, and adjusting the pressure by looking at the identification portion such that the storage area is deformed so that it is not visible from the outside of the mask, or the remaining area is still visible or in contact with the surrounding environment while losing contact with the surrounding environment outside the mask.

[0032] By focusing on the identification area, the caregiver may increase the pressure when they confirm that the storage area is still visible. Conversely, the user may decrease the pressure when they confirm that the remaining area is not completely visible. It is possible to confirm that the remaining area is in contact with the surrounding environment.

[0033] In one embodiment, the identification section comprises a deformation indicator or a sealing indicator, preferably located on the flexible lip. The deformation indicator or sealing indicator marks the correct position by visualizing the deformation of the lip for the caregiver or parent. The inhalation mask may also include a flexible, deformable component for visualizing the deformation process. The desired position is marked on the lip.

[0034] The sealing indicator, through markings on the lip, can help visualize the deformation process necessary to achieve a high level of sealing. This can be achieved by circumferential markings on the lip that disappear as the lip is compressed, allowing caregivers or parents to apply the mask with the correct force.

[0035] Embodiments of the identification feature include color markings, symbols, naps, recesses, grooves, or lines. Recesses or naps may be realized as bubbles. Furthermore, it is proposed to use geometric shapes that can be pressed together to form a figure or contour defined in a precise location. Surface textures, such as eroded structures, can also be used as identification features.

[0036] In one embodiment, the identification portion includes markings or surface structures that indicate a symbol when the inhalation mask is properly pressed against the face. This can be achieved by structures or markings that are separated from each other when the seal is not under stress. When stress is applied to the seal, the structures or markings can move closer together, resulting in the formation of a symbol.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing lip rolls inward towards the mask when pressure is applied, causing the mask to come into contact with the face. When the sealing lip is rolled in, the storage area is the first to roll in. As the mask is pressed further against the face, the remaining area also begins to roll in. The storage area and the remaining area can be rolled inward towards the mask accordingly when pressure is applied. Ideally, when the pressure is applied correctly, the storage area should be completely rolled in, while the remaining area should not be rolled in at all.

[0038] In one embodiment, the degree of entanglement correlates with the pressure used to press the mask against the face. The sealing lip can entangle more with higher pressure and less with lower pressure. The pressure required to entangle the storage area may be less than the pressure required to entangle the remaining area. The pressure may increase continuously with movement toward the face. In one embodiment, the remaining area is more rigid than the storage area. In this embodiment, the pressure increases sharply when the remaining area begins to entangle.

[0039] The seal lip is preferably made from a single material, with no difference in material between the storage area and the remaining area. Part or all of the mask may be fluorinated. It is preferable that there is no coating.

[0040] In one embodiment, the seal lip does not contain any additional material that is ripple-shaped or wave-shaped in order to allow the deformation portion to fit closely to the face, particularly around the nose. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] This shows an inhalation mask with an identification section. [Figure 1a] This shows the identification section formed in a wave-like shape. [Figure 1b] This shows the identification area formed in a foamy manner. [Figure 1c] The colored identification section is shown. [Figure 1d] This indicates an identification feature formed as a line, rib, groove, or notch. [Figure 2] This shows an inhalation mask having an identification section positioned at a distance from the seal boundary. [Figure 2a] This shows the identification section formed in a wave-like shape. [Figure 2b] This shows the identification area formed in a foamy manner. [Figure 2c] The colored identification section is shown. [Figure 2d] The identification portion is shown as several lines or ribs. [Figure 3] The image shows an inhalation mask having an identification section located in the remaining area. [Figure 3a] This shows the identification section formed in a wave-like shape. [Figure 3b] This shows the identification area formed in a foamy manner. [Figure 3c] The colored identification section is shown. [Figure 4] This shows an inhalation mask with an identification section. [Figure 4a] This shows the identification section formed in a wave-like shape. [Figure 4b] This shows the identification area formed in a foamy manner. [Figure 4c] The colored identification section is shown. [Figure 4d] This shows the identification portion formed as a line. [Figure 5] This shows an inhalation mask with an identification section. [Figure 5a] This shows the identification section formed in a wave-like shape. [Figure 5b] This shows the identification area formed in a foamy manner. [Figure 5c] The colored identification section is shown. [Figure 6] A side view of the inhalation mask is shown. [Figure 7] This shows an inhalation mask applied to the patient's face. [Figure 8] A side view of an inhalation mask with a sealing lip applied to the contours of the face is shown. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows an inhalation mask applied to the face. [Figure 10] A side view of an inhalation mask with a sealing lip applied to the contours of the face is shown. [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows an inhalation mask applied to the face. [Figure 12] This shows an inhalation assembly with a chamber. [Figure 13] The intake assembly is shown. [Figure 14] This shows an inhalation assembly with a nebulizer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] Figure 1 shows an inhalation mask 1 having a mask body 2, a port 3 for connection to an inhalation system, an opening 4, and a circumferential sealing lip 5 positioned at the opening 4. The circumferential sealing lip 5 is for fitting the mask to the user's face. This figure shows the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7.

[0043] When mask 1 is pressed against the face with the appropriate force, storage area 6 becomes invisible to the user. Storage area 6 is placed on the face or compressed so that it is not visible from the outside. The remaining area 7 remains visible in this state.

[0044] The line between the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7 is an identification section 8 that allows the user to distinguish the storage area 6 from the remaining area 7. In this way, the user can see whether the pressing force is appropriate or whether the user needs to increase or decrease the pressing force. The user can optimize the pressing force to produce a good seal between the mask 1 and the face.

[0045] Figure 1a shows one embodiment of the identification unit 8 shown in Figure 1. Here, the identification unit 8 is realized by a surface structure formed on the storage area 6. In this case, the surface structure has a wave shape. Figure 1b shows one embodiment of the identification unit 8 shown in Figure 1. The identification unit 8 is similarly realized by a surface structure formed in the storage area 6. In this embodiment, the surface structure has the shape of a bubble.

[0046] Figure 1c shows the identification section 8, which is realized by the difference in color between the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7. Figure 1d shows the identification section 8, which is formed by lines, ribs, grooves, or notches positioned between the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7.

[0047] There are more options available to allow the user to distinguish between the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7, such as different roughness or gloss finishes for the areas. Coloring can be applied to only certain areas of the identification area 8, for example, so that stripes or dots appear in the area of ​​the identification area 8. It is also possible to provide different surface structures or textures. The storage area 6 or the remaining area 7 may be transparent. Of course, it is possible to combine several options.

[0048] Figure 2 shows an inhalation mask 1 similar to the mask shown in Figure 1, in which the identification unit 8 is positioned on the storage area 6 at a distance from the seal boundary 9. When mask 1 is pressed against the face with the appropriate force, the identification area 8 is no longer visible to the user. The identification area 8 is placed on or compressed on the face so that it is not visible from the outside. When the user places mask 1 on their face and begins to increase the pressure, the storage area 6 without the identification area 8 disappears first. Then, as the pressure is further increased, the area with the identification area 8 disappears. Thus, the user knows that they are approaching the optimized pressure when the area with the identification area 8 begins to disappear. The user will know that the required pressure increase is very small. Therefore, from this point of view, the user can avoid uncomfortable pressure for the patient by acting more carefully.

[0049] Figure 2a shows one embodiment of the identification unit 8 shown in Figure 2. Here, the identification unit 8 is realized by a surface structure formed on a section of the storage area 6 adjacent to the remaining area 7. In this case, the surface structure has a wave-like shape.

[0050] Figure 2b shows an embodiment of the identification unit 8 similar to the identification unit 8 shown in Figure 2a. Here, the identification unit 8 is realized by a surface structure that represents bubbles. The bubbles cover a wide area around the contact area between the storage area and the remaining area. In this way, a transition area for appropriate pressure is indicated. The user can more easily adjust the pressure according to the transition area and avoid stress by attempting to apply the ideal pressure.

[0051] Figure 2c shows an embodiment of the identification unit 8 similar to the identification unit 8 shown in Figures 2a and 2b. Here, the identification unit 8 is realized by having different colors. Figure 2d shows an identification section 8 located in the same region as the identification section 8 shown in Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c. Here, the identification section 8 is realized by several lines or small ribs.

[0052] It is possible to provide the identification section 8, as shown in Figure 2, in a slightly different area. The identification section 8 may also be located in the remaining area 7, which is closer to the storage area 6. In this way, a special structure or color is provided to only a portion of the remaining area 7.

[0053] Figure 3 shows an inhalation mask 1 similar to the masks shown in Figures 1 and 2, in which the identification unit 8 is located in the remaining area 7. When mask 1 is pressed against the face with the appropriate force, the user can fully see the identification area 8. The unmarked storage area 6 is placed on the face or compressed so that it is not visible from the outside. When the user places mask 1 on their face and begins to increase the pressure, the storage area 6 without the identification area 8 disappears.

[0054] Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c show embodiments of the identification section 8, such as a wavy or bubbly surface structure and color. Figure 4 shows an inhalation mask 1 similar to the mask shown in Figure 1. The difference between the inhalation mask 1 shown in Figure 1 and the inhalation mask 1 shown in Figure 4 is the configuration of the circumferential seal lip 5. The seal lip 5 shown in Figure 1 has a mainly flat contour, while the seal lip 5 shown in Figure 4 has a contour that is more fitted to the face. The seal lip 5 provides space for the nose and jowls. The seal lip 5 is thicker around the chin and between the nose and jowls, and thinner around the nose and jowls. Therefore, it provides better sealing ability than the mask 1 shown in Figure 1. The storage area 6 has the same thickness in all areas. The remaining area 7 is thinner around the nose and jowls than in other areas. It is possible to allocate the sealing material to the storage area 6 and the remaining area 7 in other ways. For example, the thickness of the remaining area 7 may be the same in all sections, and the thickness of the storage area 6 may be fitted to the contour of the face. It is also possible to fit both areas to the contour of the face.

[0055] Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d show different embodiments of the identification section 8, as shown in Figures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. As shown in the descriptions of Figures 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, there may be many options for marking the identification section 8. Waves and bubbles in the surface structure, coloring, and lines or ribs are just examples.

[0056] Figure 5 shows an inhalation mask 1 similar to the mask shown in Figure 3. The difference between the inhalation mask 1 shown in Figure 3 and the inhalation mask 1 shown in Figure 5 is the configuration of the circumferential seal lip 5. The seal lip 5 is formed similarly to the seal lip 5 shown in Figure 4. The identification part 8 is located in the remaining area 7, similar to the mask 1 shown in Figure 3.

[0057] Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c show different embodiments of the identification unit 8 that can be used with the mask 1 shown in Figure 5. These embodiments are equivalent to the embodiments described in Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c. These embodiments are examples. As described above, there can be many embodiments for the identification unit 8.

[0058] Figure 6 shows a side view of a mask 1, such as the mask 1 shown in Figure 3, having an embodiment of the identification section 8 as shown in Figure 3a. The identification section 8 marks the remaining area 7. Adjacent to the identification section 8 is the storage area 6. The identification section 8 is a marking for the visualization of the deformation trajectory or deformation path. The identification section 8 indicates how much the inhalation mask 1 must be deformed to provide a good seal.

[0059] Figure 7 shows the mask 1 shown in Figure 6, pressed against a face 9 with optimized pressure. The mask is deformed, and the storage area 6 is not visible. The mask is placed on or compressed over the face 9. In this state, the mask 1 exhibits a good seal and does not harm the patient. The user pressing the mask 1 over the face 9 receives feedback on the applied pressure. The user can adjust the pressure accordingly by observing how much material from the seal lip 5 should disappear.

[0060] Figure 8 shows a side view of mask 1 similar to mask 1 shown in Figure 6. The difference between the two masks 1 is that Figure 8 shows a seal lip 5 that conforms to the contour of the face. Masks with a conformed contour are illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. An embodiment of the identification unit 8 is illustrated with reference to Figure 5a.

[0061] Figure 9 shows the mask 1 shown in Figure 8, pressed against the face 9 with optimized pressure. The difference from the situation shown in Figure 7 is that the contours of the remaining area 7 are better fitted to the face 9.

[0062] Figure 10 shows a side view of mask 1 similar to mask 1 shown in Figure 8. The difference from mask 1 shown in Figure 8 is that the identification section 8 is located in the storage area 6 instead of the remaining area 7. Another difference is that the identification section 8 is realized by a bubble shape instead of a wave shape.

[0063] Figure 11 shows the mask 1 shown in Figure 10, pressed against the face 9 with optimized pressure. The identification section 8 on the storage area 6 is no longer visible from the outside. Figure 12 shows an inhalation assembly 11 comprising a mask 1, a chamber 12, and a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) 13. When activated, the MDI 13 releases an aerosol into the chamber 12. The chamber 12 is attached to a mask 1 that can be applied to the patient's face so that the patient can inhale the aerosol.

[0064] Figure 13 shows an inhalation assembly 11 comprising a mask 1 and an inhalation system 14. The inhalation system 14 may include a nebulizer such as a jet nebulizer, a vibrating membrane nebulizer, or any other inhalation system 14. The inhalation system 14 is attached to a mask 1 that can be applied to the patient's face so that the patient can inhale a drug, gas, aerosol, or whatever the inhalation system 14 provides.

[0065] Figure 14 shows an inhalation assembly 11, including a mask 1 and a nebulizer 15. In this example, the nebulizer 15 is a jet nebulizer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 mask 2. Mask body 3 ports 4 openings 5 Seal Lip 6 Storage Areas 7. Remaining area 8 Identification section 9 Faces 11. Intake Assembly 12 Chambers 13 MDI 14 Inhalation System 15 Nebulizer

Claims

1. An inhalation mask (1) for an inhalation system (14), A mask body (2) having a port (3) that can be connected to the aforementioned inhalation system (14), An opening (4) having an elastic sealing lip (5), the elastic sealing lip (5) being fitted to a face (9) such that the nose, mouth, or both are surrounded by the elastic sealing lip (5), The elastic seal lip (5) includes a storage area (6) which, when the inhalation mask (1) is pressed against the face (9) with appropriate force, becomes invisible to the user from the outside of the inhalation mask (1) or loses contact with the surrounding environment outside the inhalation mask (1), and a remaining area (7) positioned adjacent to the storage area (6) which remains visible or still in contact with the surrounding environment when the inhalation mask (1) is pressed against the face (9) with appropriate force, In the sealed position, the storage area (6) is in at least one section one or more of the following states: placed on the face, compressed, or bent inward into the inhalation mask (1). The inhalation mask (1) is provided with an identification section (8) configured to distinguish the storage area (6) from the remaining area (7) and to indicate whether appropriate force is being applied.

2. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification portion (8) comprises two different materials.

3. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification portion (8) includes a first color for the storage area (6) and a different color for the remaining area (7).

4. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification portion (8) includes a marking or surface structure that enables the user to distinguish the storage area (6) from the remaining area (7).

5. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the marking or surface structure includes several elements.

6. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the marking or surface structure is provided in the remaining area (7) to at least some extent, and the dimensions of the element are related to the distance of the element to the storage area (6).

7. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the surface structure includes ribs, notches, or grooves.

8. The inhalation mask (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification portion (8) is not visible from the outside of the mask body (2) when the inhalation mask (1) is pressed against the face (9) in the correct manner.

9. An inhalation assembly (11) comprising an inhalation mask (1) and an inhalation system (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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