Annular unit for moisture management in respiratory mask
Examples of the present disclosure relate generally to absorbing elements in respiratory face masks. In some examples, a structure for respiratory masks that can both absorb moisture from the face (such as perspiration, as well as from condensed moisture in the breath), and maintain a low breath resistance (won't increase the breath resistance significantly) is disclosed herein. The structure includes an annular structure added to the respiratory masks for moisture management. In some examples, the annular structure is made up of moisture absorbent materials. This structure may also be known as an absorbing element operable to absorb moisture effectively, provide a respiratory mask with improved moisture control characteristics, reduce fogging of a face shield or eyeglasses of the wearer, and reduce the amount of uncomfortable moisture buildup on the face of the wearer.
1 . An absorbing element for a face mask, the absorbing element comprising:
a facing layer operable to allow moisture to penetrate into the absorbing element;
a plurality of absorbing sheet layers comprising a first absorbing sheet layer and a second absorbing sheet layer operable to disperse the moisture within the absorbing element;
an absorbent core operable to absorb the moisture and positioned between the first absorbing sheet layer and the second absorbing sheet layer, wherein the first absorbing sheet layer and the second absorbing sheet layer comprise a same material;
a back layer operable to contain the moisture within the absorbing element; and
a plurality of flaps configured to extend at sides of the face mask,
wherein the absorbing element is removably attached to an inner surface of the face mask via an attachment element, and wherein the absorbing element is adapted to be removed and replaced by a second absorbing element.
2 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the absorbing element is operable to absorb at least 20 grams of the moisture.
3 . The absorbing element of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of absorbing sheet layers and the absorbent core of the absorbing element comprises a width of between 0.2 centimeters and 2 centimeters.
4 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of absorbing sheet layers comprises a combination of polyester and pulp material.
5 . The absorbing element of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of absorbing sheet layers comprises 45% polyester and 55% pulp material.
6 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent core comprises one or a combination of the following: super absorbent fibers (SAF), super absorbent polymers (SAP), wood pulp, and nonwoven materials.
7 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of absorbing sheet layers is hydrophilic.
8 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of absorbing sheet layers is attached to the absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core and the plurality of absorbing sheet layers are enclosed between the facing layer and the back layer.
9 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the absorbing element is operable to seal the face mask against user's face, and wherein the absorbing element is operable to absorb the moisture.
10 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the absorbing element is located around a perimeter of the face mask.
11 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the facing layer, the plurality of absorbing sheet layers, the absorbent core, and the back layer of the absorbing element are attached to one another via ultrasonic welding or thermal welding.
12 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the facing layer comprises a moisture penetrable hydrophobic material that allows the moisture to penetrate into the absorbing element.
13 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the facing layer comprises polypropylene (PP) nonwoven material, and wherein the absorbing element is of annular shape.
14 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the attachment element comprises one or more of a double-adhesive tape, a press button, a slide fastener, and/or a hook-and-loop fastener to removably attach the absorbing element to an inner surface of a body of the face mask.
15 . The absorbing element of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of flaps configured to extend at sides of the face mask each include the plurality of absorbing sheet layers and the absorbent core.