TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention raletes to a face mask intended for use in aromatherapy and individual protection of the upper respiratory system and providing an aromatherapeutic effect as well as a protective effect from the harmful components in the air and against infections and various pathogenic microorganisms.

BACKGROUND ART Air pollution, including fine particles of dust or sandstorms, etc, is an emission rich in harmful components that cause different diseases. According to studies conducted by the World Health Organization the incidence of respiratory diseases increases with every passing year due to the environmental pollutants. The rapid economic development frequently brings deteriorating air quality in the cities and smogs caused by air pollutants containing solid microparticles and small droplets are frequent happening. Particulate matter <10,um and fine particles <2,5/im penetrate deep into the lung alveoli and attack the immune function of the cells in the body. The aluminium, copper, cadmium, heavy metals, including lead and others, contained in the particulate matter and mostly generated by the exhaust pipes of the cars, are a danger to human health and the cause for some skin diseases, frequent respiratory diseases as well as development and exacerbation of allergies.

According to the meteorologists and the health experts the “smog” resulting from particulate matter is even more harmful for human health than the sandstorms. The particles sized 10 /im or more are blocked in the nose when inhaling, but the finer particles sized from 2,5 jum to 10 can penetrate the upper respiratory system wherefrom some are expectorated and others are captured in the nasal cavity.

Fine particles sized less than 2,5 jum (PM2.5: FSP) however whose diameter is 1/10 of the human hair are not easily blocked, they enter through the biological barriers and are hence the serious danger for the body. They are everywhere around us but are especially dangerous in the city given their abundance and chemical composition. The PM2.5 which penetrate the human body, act with rapid and slow response respectively. The rapid response; involves the finest particles causing irritation in certain receptors in the respiratory system and triggering a reflex which changes the heart rate and the respiratory rate. The nervous system detects them and promptly activates the nervous regulation. In the slow response the finest particles enter directly into the bronchi, impede the gas exchange, build up in the lungs and blood vessels, and lead to many diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular diseases. This reaction of the organism usually takes more time.

The average human inhales about 10 000 litres of air per day. The fine particles in the air get to the alveoli, are quickly absorbed, and enter the bloodstream. Fine particles have a negative impact on the haemoglobin and thus on oxygen transport and disrupt the blood circulation. They can have serious efect for patients with anaemia and blood circulation disorders. The harmful gases and heavy metals dissolve in the blood and affect negatively human health. There is evidence from EU member states that PM2.5 reduce the average life expectancy by 8.6 months. PM2.5 can also carry viruses and bacteria and thus contribute to the spread to respiratory infections. Currently, PM2.5 are included in the air quality standarts in the developed countries. Monitoring of the environment shows that the higher the levels of PM2.5 and PM10, the higher the incidence of respiratory diseases in both children and adults. When the average annual level of PM2.5 reaches 35 pg/m ³ , the death risk increases by about 15% as compared to 10 pg/m ³ .

The UN Environment Programme report also shows that the PM2.5 levels increase by 20 pg/m ³ , and that the pollution in China and India causes about 340 000 deaths per year.

Even though PM2.5 are a small component of the Earth atmosphere, they significantly influence air quality and visibility as well as impact the quality of life. Preventing and controlling the “smog” hazard can be achieved by reducing the PM2.5 levels by reducing the pollutants and controlling the pollution, on the one hand, and by developing protective equipment, such as masks, and by alternative phytotherapeutic prophylactic means such as aromatherapy.

At the same time, the aromatic properties of the natural plant-based essential oils (mostly from flowers, leaves and bark) can alleviate and relieve different diseases and their symptoms. Just like in nature the essential oils protect the plants from pathogens and pests, when used for aromatherapy they have strong antibacterial, antiviral and antiinflammatory properties and are a powerful natural tool for good health providing that a delicate balance of the component ingredients is achieved. The essential oils’ molecules are small and penetrate the cell walls with some of them even breaking through the blood- brain barrier and producing quick and effective therapeutic outcomes. The essential oils contained in the medicinal plants help the organism to fight viruses and bacteria and to clean itself from toxins. What is more, some of the oils interrupt the bacteria communication and stopped them from reproducing. This takes place about 20 minutes after use and lasts for about 3-6 hours. This specificity of the oils not only makes them extremely safe to use, but also very effective in fighting frequent colds, viral and bacterial diseases and is the reason why they are often described as a “natural antibiotic”.

The aroma ingredients are in fact present in the herbs and spices that we put in our food to add taste and flavour. We are indeed practicing aromatherapy every day hot least because we eat regularly, and essential oils are found in all plants. This is important because it allows us to use aromatherapy for better health without the harm associated with artificial chemical substances (including standard antibiotics) which often have adverse side effects such as resistance which is not observed with volatile natural aromatic molecules.

The strongest human sense is activated in aromatherapy - the olfactory sense of smell. The different flavours have a significant effect on the physical, emotional, and mental health of the individual. Aromas- flavors go directly to the brain and impact the whole body from there. Essential oils reach the brain through the sense of smell in 20 seconds, while when used topically, their effect is slower - up to 2 minutes to reach the bloodstream and up to 20 minutes to spread throughout the body.

A medical mask with a filtering layer made of filtering material impregnated with an antiseptic substance such as octenisept which is not contraindicated for the mucous membranes is known from RU 2127619. The disadvantage of this technical solution is its relatively narrow functionality, as it only protects against air infections, but not from the harmful components in gas and smoke. The known masks with antimicrobial filters allow to not only prevent the spread of dangerous diseases such as AIDS, bird flu and other atypical pneumonia, hepatitis, and tuberculosis, but also less dangerous, more widespread and causing greater discomfort diseases such as salmonellosis, intestinal and staphylococci infections (including E. coli infections), etc. The microorganisms can easily adapt to the antibiotics in 7-10 years. But no single case has been found of microorganisms adapting to action of silver nanoparticles as they attack microorganisms in several directions simultaneously.

It is known from RU139546 another medical mask comprising, a filtering layer of filtering material and a gas filtering layer fixed to the outer side of the filtering layer with small chambers between the filter layer and the gas filter layer and gas filters means with antimicrobial filtering layer fixed to the outer side of the gas filtering layer with the antimicrobial filtering layer on the gas side having interlayers covered with silver particles fixed by colloid solution of silver nanoparticles. The disadvantage of this technical decision is the relatively narrow functionality as it protects against airborne infection, and the harmful components in gas and smoke but does not allow aroma protection.

From KR201442177A is known a functional mask with multi-layered outer filter layer which absorb a nano solution. The filter element is made of nonwoven fabric and the mask has activated carbon as well as a solution - treated layer made by the fine dispersion of nano silver (Ag) and a layer with ginkgo leaves extract.

From CN105559201 A1 is known another improved filtering mask with a body and ear loops on both ends of the mask body to which a soft pad is fixed. The mask has an outer and inner fabric part with chambers where the first filter layer and the second filter layer are located. The first filter layer has a first layer of nonwoven fabric and the first HEPA filter and fixed successive layers of silver woven net and Chinese medicinal plants. The second layer is also made of silver woven net, has a second HEPA filter and a second nonwoven textile layer. The plant layer includes a gauze pocket and granulated Chinese herbs in the form of a plate and the first and second silver net layers have multiple perforations resembling a honeycomb. The second filter layer consists of a plate containing aerogel, a first layer ply of bamboo fibres fixed on both sides of the aerogel plate. The textile layer, the first outer side of the filter and the second filter are fixed to the mask body by means of hidden buckles and the first and second filter are shaped as a bowl thus forming a channel for the mouth with the soft pad positioned at the end of the channel.

The herbal layer includes clove, sichuan pepper, angelica, nutmeg, borneol, agarwood, wormwood, guguan, yizhiren, cumin, calamus, atractylodes, mint, tamil pacculi and others. The inner and outer layers are of nonwoven sterilized fabric. A textile ring is attached to the body edge to capsulate a soft silicon seal. The user can choose which filter - first or second - to use based on their needs. They can put only the first filter or only the second one to satisfy different needs.

The mask described above has a complex structure with many layers, the herbal layer covers the entire surface of the mask and its structural integrity can be easily compromised when the mask is worn which could in turn impact the mask’s effectiveness. The mask is also not sufficiently ergonomic to conform well to the face and shape around it and the silicon strip blocks natural ventilation allowing for increased humidity in the functional area of the mask resulting in the appearance of moisture tolerant pathogens.

The purpose of this invention is to develop an aromatherapy protective mask with replaceable and easy/convenient to put and take off filter with smaller size and improved structural integrity fitting well in the mask which conforms to the wearer’s face while at the same time ensuring complex aromatherapy and filtering of the inhaled air thus providing effective protection.

The object according to the present invention is solved by means of an aromatherapy protective mask, comprising: a main body with filter layers and elastic ear bands positioned at both ends of the body of the mask, consisting of a first nonwoven layer,

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is solved by providing aromatherapy protective mask consisting of: a main body with filter layers and elastic ear loops on both ends of the mask’s body which consists of a first nonwoven layer which is elastic, permeable and porous made of neoprene and a decorative outer layer with a middle strip attached and an inner layer with a sewn or glued second woven textile layer manufactured from a soft fabric in whose lower end coinciding with the bottom part of the chin of the mask user is positioned a fine-textured textile pocket covering 1/3 of the total mask’s area where a nonwoven aroma filter pre- treated with colloidal silver is placed wherein a plate of selected pressed medicinal plants and/or plant extracts and/or essential oils is sewn or glued in.

The aroma filter plate (block) is made of pre- stabilized fresh or dried medicinal plants which are not thermally or chemically processed. The aroma filter can be changed and is packed in single-use hermetic packaging with the size of the plate being in the range of 8cm x 2cm to 12cm x 4cm, and the content of medicinal plants and/or extracts and/or essential oils is from 0.1g to 10g.

The plant extracts and/or medicinal plants and/or essential oils in the aroma filter can be one or more selected and derived from: mint (Mentha), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), citruses, tea tree, ginger, coriander (Coriandrum sativum), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), thyme (Thymus), rose hip (Rosa canina), camomile (Matricaria chamomilla), lime (Tilia), melissa (Melissa officinalis), rose (Rosa), cranberry (Vaccinium), cinnamon ( Cinnamomum), apple (Malus domestica), stevia (Stevia rebaudiana), lemongrass (Cymbopogon).

The medicinal plants in the aroma filter are preliminary stabilized in compliance with all sanitary and hygienic standards for harvesting.

The aromatherapy protective mask according to the present invention is a multilayered inhalation which extracts maximal of the medicinal properties of the plants and minerals. The nonwoven polymer ply of neoprene type “Soft” is elastic and close -fitting, massaging and heating the skin of the face and improving blood circulation. In addition, the neoprene fibers provide natural inhalation, do not cause static electricity and their hypoallergenic properties make it quite suitable for the mask. Having low permeability neoprene serves to protect against inhaling polluted air, solid particles, smog, exhaust fumes and other hazardous fumes while at the same time maintaining the internal circulation of the aroma and the air flow from the medicinal plants and minerals.

The fine cotton fabric of the second ply and the filter pocket easily absorb sweat and vaporize it thus removing excess face moisture without stimulating sweating. In this way the development of yeasts and bacteria is successfully avoided, and the skin is protected against infections and inflammation, and from allergic skin reactions.

The small size of the filter pocket and the filter itself are positioned in the bottom part of the face close to the chin and thus the contact between the nose and eyes of the user with the aroma plate is avoided. The middle strip on the outer side of the first layer additionally helps to centre and balance the aroma filter on both sides of the mask. The construction of the pocket provides stable filter fixation, restricts its movement by ensuring the appropriate flow of the aroma fumes. The water-steam treatment with silver water makes it antiseptic and ensures purity while achieving the desired aroma effect.

The position of the filter in the mask keeps it away from the nose and mouth, provides breathing distance and thus allows for the full air volume of the mask to be used. The aromatherapy protective mask according to present invention has a replaceable filter with a wide range of applications. The specially selected medicinal plants, extracts, essential oils and their combinations, which are no thermally processed, have been stored in a hermetic environment and packed hermetically to preserve their aroma and medicinal properties while the used dose allows for fast absorption (when inhaled), excellent adhesion, strong filtering antibacterial and antiallergic affects and visible protection.

The aromatherapy with the medicinal plants used has a rapid and powerful effect alleviating different diseases and their symptoms based on the most important ingredient in the plants - essential oils. The natural oils in the aroma filter have a powerful impact and therapeutic effects for various viral and bacterial infections, and in addition to their antiseptic, antibiotic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effects for the upper respiratory system, they also act as pain relievers. They cleanse the respiratory pathway, improve the immune system, detoxify the body, improve digestion, stimulate memory and concentration, improve blood circulation and the health of the heart, improve sleep. They are especially suitable for bronchitis, colds, flu, coughing, headaches, mental exhaustion, attention deficits, sinusitis, tachycardia, and the mixture of different medicinal plants reinforces the aromatherapy effect, maintains effective internal circulation of the aroma flows in the “working zone” and provides excellent medical care and natural inhalation for the user, and can successfully replace the inhalator. It is intended for children and adults and is suitable for relaxation exercises, meditation, yoga and other physical exercises.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig.1 - shows the front view of the mask;

Fig.2. - shows the front view of the mask with the pocket and filter;

Fig. 3 - shows the side view of the mask with the pocket and filter.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLE 1.

The aromatherapy protective mask according to this invention (Fig. 1 - Fig.3) includes: main body with elastic ear loops 6, positioned on both ends of the mask with the main body consisting of cut-out first nonwoven layer 1 with a decorative outer layer and a middle strip attached thereto 3 and an inner layer made of neoprene type „Soft“ which is elastic and close-fitting, where on the inner side of the first nonwoven layer 1 and following its contour the pre-manufactured second layer of the mask 2 is attached, which is soft porous pad made of fine woven cotton fabric to whose outer side at the bottom covering the bottom chin of the user a filter pocket 4 is attached, made of the same fine cotton fabric and covering 1/3 of the total surface of the mask ensuring the necessary space to put the replaceable nonwoven textile aroma filter 5.

In one variant there is an antibacterial layer on the aroma filter 5 resulting from pretreatment with colloid silver solution containing from10mg/lx100ml to 25 mg/I x100ml of colloid silver which is subsequently dried. Selected and stabilized naturally dried and finely ground 5g of dry leaves of mint and ginger root in a proportion of 1 :1 parts are put in the aroma filter 5. The stabilization in plants stops (inhibits) the enzyme activity, prevents the catalysis of various processes and preserves their therapeutic properties, while all sanitary and hygienic requirements are complied with in the harvesting and curing process. The aroma filter 5 has the following dimensions 8cmx2cm. The compact structure of the medicinal plants is achieved by mechanical compression to form a plate. The aroma filter 5 is positioned accurately in the lower part of the mask to coincide with the bottom part of the chin of the user. Immediately after being filled and sealed the aroma filter 5 is placed in a hermetic environment containing an extract of the medicinal plants in the filter and is left for at least 72 hours. After this the aroma filter 5 is individually packaged and then packaged with the mask in a hermetic packaging that keeps its aromatic properties for up to 12 months. When de-hermitized and opened the filter preserves its aroma therapy properties for up to 24 hours and then can be changed with a new one and the mask is once again ready for use.

The middle strip 3 on the outer decorative layer 1 centres and balances the aroma filter 5 in the two halves of the mask.

All the described elements of the mask are cut out either manually, or by machine or laser, and sewn or glued together.

Example 2

The mask is manufactured as the mask in example 1 with the only difference being that the filter 5 contains 10g of finely ground dry leaves of mint and thyme in a proportion of 1:1 parts by weight and its dimensions are 12cmx4cm.

Example 3

The mask is manufactured as the mask in example 1 with the only difference being that the filter 5 contains 0.1g of dry natural extract of Melissa and lemongrass and its dimensions are 8cmx2cm.

Example 4

The mask is manufactured as the mask in example 1 with the only difference being that the filter 5 contains 4g of finely ground dry leaves of rose, eucalyptus and rose hip in a proportion of 1:2:15 parts by weight and an additionally prepared solution of 1.4 drops of essential oils of each plant and 100 drops of base oil.

Example 5.

The mask is manufactured as the mask in example 1 with the only difference being that the filter 5 is first treated with 0.5g solution containing 1-4 drops of lime, camomile and melissa essential oils and 100 drops of base oil and then it is filled with finely ground fresh (up to 48 hours after harvesting) leaves of the used plants in a proportion of 1:3:2 parts by weight.

Example 6

The mask is manufactured as the mask in example 1 with the only difference being that the filter 5 is directly filled with 2g of finely ground dry rose leaves and treated with 0.1 g solution containing 1-4 drops of essential rose oil and 100 drops of base oil, and the filter dimensions are 8cmx2cm.