DE102020111289A1 - Reusable breathing mask - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reusable respiratory protection mask comprising three or more valves, each of which comprises exchangeable disposable filters, each of the valves being able to be set by the mask wearer so that it serves either as an inhalation valve or an exhalation valve. The present invention also relates to a use of this mask for the general population, for people with asthmatic or other respiratory diseases and for people with a previously damaged airway system.

Description

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a breathing mask, in particular to a reusable breathing mask, wherein both the inhaled air (personal protection) and the exhaled air (transmission protection) are filtered by exchangeable disposable filters.

Background of the invention

Respiratory masks are usually worn in the medical sector, but also in the automotive, industrial or food sectors, when particulate pollutants such as dust, smoke and aerosol can arise in the workplace. Different masks can be used here.

Often any type of mask is referred to as a respirator, but there are differences between well-known surgical masks (also known as mouth and nose protection or MNS mask) and respiratory masks.

Medical mouth and nose protection (MNS; surgical (surgical) masks) is primarily used for external protection and protects the counterpart from exposure to potentially infectious droplets of the person wearing the face mask. Corresponding MNS also protect the wearer of the mask to a limited extent when they are firmly in place, but this is not the primary purpose of MNS. This is used, for example, to prevent droplets from the breath of the treating person from getting into the patient's open wounds. Since the mask wearer essentially does not inhale through the fleece of the MNS, depending on the position of the MNS, but rather the air is sucked in past the edges of the MNS, MNS usually offer hardly any protection for the mask wearer against droplets and aerosols containing pathogens. However, you can protect the mouth and nose area of the mask wearer from the direct impact of larger droplets from the other person and from the transmission of pathogens through direct contact with the hands.

Filtering face pieces (FFP) are items of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the context of occupational safety and are intended to protect the wearer of the mask from particles, droplets and aerosols. The design of the filtering half masks is different. There are masks without an exhalation valve and masks with an exhalation valve. Masks without a valve filter both the inhaled air and the exhaled air and therefore offer both self-protection and external protection. However, breathing is often difficult here. Masks with an exhalation valve currently only filter the inhaled air and are therefore not designed for external protection.

The production of protective masks is geared towards selling them on the market. If the demand for protective masks increases, for example due to a pandemic like the global Covid-19 pandemic that occurred in 2019/2020, bottlenecks in the manufacture and production of protective masks of all kinds quickly arise It is advisable to wear breathing masks in the general population. In order to counteract the bottlenecks in the production of MNS or respiratory protection masks, so-called “community masks” are produced.

"Community masks" or "DIY masks" are breathing masks in the broadest sense that are sewn from commercially available materials (e.g. in-house production based on instructions from the Internet) and are worn in everyday life. Such breathing masks are for private use only and may not be marketed as medical products or items of personal protective equipment and may not be praised for corresponding benefits or protective effects. A disadvantage of these community masks, however, is that these masks are mostly used for repeated use, often over days and weeks.

However, in order to ensure the desired protection of yourself and others, not only medical MNS masks or FFP safety masks but also community masks that you have made yourself have to be changed regularly, as pollutants remain stuck in the filter material and the filter material is also moist from the air you breathe and the barrier function against pollutants such as viruses such as the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) decreases. Thus, the outside of a used mask is potentially pathogen-containing, which must be taken into account when putting it on again in order to avoid contamination of the mask wearer, especially in the face (nose, mouth, eyes).

Community masks, however, are generally not designed as single-use masks and therefore re-use of breathing masks only makes sense if strict regulations are observed. When reusing masks, for example, it should be noted that the mask must be removed in such a way that contamination of the mask (especially the inside) or contamination of the face is prevented, e.g. through previous hand disinfection. After taking off the mask, it should be kept dry in the air (not in closed containers) and temporarily stored so that contamination of the inside of the mask but also spreads other surfaces are avoided. The same applies to the repeated use of an MNS mask or an FFP mask. However, such a way of handling the masks can hardly be observed by the general public.

There is therefore an urgent need for a breathing mask which, despite repeated use, protects the mask wearer from the transmission of germs and pathogens from the environment and reduces infection with viruses, in particular SARS-CoV-2 viruses, but also reduces the number of germs and viruses from Mask wearers are protected without losing protection over time. Such a reusable breathing mask is provided with the present invention.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a reusable breathing mask which protects the mask wearer from germs in the environment and the person opposite from germs of the mask wearer. This is achieved through the use of exchangeable disposable filters and the use of disinfectable and / or autoclavable material for the mask.

The present invention therefore relates to a reusable breathing mask, comprising three or more valves, which each comprise exchangeable single-use filters, each of the valves being able to be set by the mask wearer in such a way that it serves either as an inhalation valve or an exhalation valve.

The valves are airtight in openings in the mask.

The valves comprise a carrier comprising two connecting pins, a rubber lip, a replaceable disposable filter and an air-permeable cover.

In one embodiment, the carrier is firmly connected to the mask material. In a second embodiment, the carrier can be subsequently inserted into the mask and thus connected to the mask in an airtight manner.

The carrier comprises two connecting pins, the first connecting pin being formed on the side of the wearer facing the inside of the mask and the second connecting pin being formed on the side of the wearer facing the environment, and wherein the rubber lip can be fixed to the wearer via one of the connecting pins, with an inhalation valve is created when the rubber lip is attached to the first connecting pin and an exhalation valve is created when the rubber lip is attached to the second connecting pin.

An exhalation valve comprises in the air flow direction, i.e. from the inside of the mask to the outside of the mask, a carrier comprising two connecting pins, a rubber lip fixed to the second connecting pin, a disposable filter and a cover.

An inhalation valve comprises, in the air flow direction, i.e. from the outside of the mask to the inside of the mask, a cover, a disposable filter, a carrier comprising two connecting pins, and a rubber lip fixed to the first connecting pin.

The replaceable, disposable filters of the present invention are designed as filter pads. The replaceable disposable filters can have variable filter performance. The filter performance is based on the filter material used.

In one embodiment, the exchangeable disposable filters in the reusable breathing mask according to the invention are exchanged by opening the cover, removing the used filter pads, inserting new filter pads and closing the cover again.

In a further embodiment, the disposable filters are firmly connected to the cover. The replacement of the disposable filter is done by replacing the cover.

The three or more valves can be arranged in the area in front of the mouth of the mask wearer. The three or more valves of the reusable breathing mask according to the invention can be arranged on the right and left below and / or above the horizontal line of the mouth of the mask wearer. In one embodiment, the valves are arranged on the mask in the area in front of the mouth of the mask wearer and on the right and left below and / or above the horizontal lines in the mouth of the mask wearer.

The mask is preferably formed as a half mask. In one embodiment, the mask is a half mask. The half mask is shaped in such a way that it lies tightly against the skin of the face of the mask wearer and air is only circulated through the inhalation and exhalation valves.

The mask is made of a skin-friendly and non-allergenic material. The material for a reusable breathing mask according to the invention can be selected from the group comprising: plastics such as thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, PE, rubber, rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, or carbon or combinations of these materials. A combination of the materials preferably comprises a composite material.

In one embodiment, the breathing mask can also be made from a composite material, optionally with an internal protective layer and / or protective film to avoid material fatigue, cracking and leakage in the course of the service life.

The present reusable breathing mask can be autoclaved and / or disinfected.

The present reusable breathing mask can be disinfected using and / or under the action of UV light and / or by gassing and / or thermally. The mask can preferably be disinfected with alcohol.

In one embodiment, the present reusable breathing mask can be thermally disinfected.

The reusable breathing mask according to the present invention can also comprise a holder for attaching the mask to the head of the mask wearer.

The holder can be a back of the head or back of the ear. The holder can be made of an elastic material. In one embodiment, the mount is a back of the head mount or a back of the ear mount which is made of elastic material. In a special embodiment, the holder is a rubber lining behind the ear or a rubber lining at the back of the head.

The bracket is optionally adjustable and can therefore be adapted to any head size.

The present invention also relates to the use for the general population and / or the use for persons with asthmatic and / or other respiratory diseases or persons with a previously damaged airway system.

Advantages of the invention

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of MNS and FFP masks, is disinfectable, reusable and also suitable for everyday use.

Due to the loose fit over the mouth and nose of the mask wearer, MNS masks only protect the person opposite from germs such as viruses emitted by the mask wearer. The mask wearer himself breathes in unfiltered air through the gaps between the mask and the skin of the mask wearer. Self-protection is therefore not guaranteed by wearing an MNS mask. Community masks which are designed identically or similarly to MNS masks have the same disadvantages.

FFP masks, on the other hand, protect the mask wearer from germs in the environment. The inhaled air is filtered through the entire surface of the mask. However, the exhaled air of the mask wearer is released unfiltered into the environment via an exhalation valve. The person opposite is therefore not protected from germs such as viruses originating from the mask wearer. Some FFP masks do not have an exhalation valve. Exhalation is therefore carried out through the inhalation filter. This leads to faster exhaustion of the filter material and makes it more difficult for the mask wearer to exhale due to the increased breathing resistance through the filter.

The reusable breathing mask of the present invention overcomes these disadvantages in that it fits tightly against the face of the mask wearer and in that it has inhalation and exhalation valves comprising disposable filters and therefore both the inhaled air and the exhaled air is filtered.

When inhaling, the ambient air flows through inhalation valves, where it is filtered through disposable filters, into the mask and ultimately into the lungs of the mask wearer. When you exhale, the air flows through one or more exhalation valve (s), where it is filtered by disposable filters, out into the environment. The valves each have a support and a rubber lip, which open or close the valves depending on the arrangement of the rubber lip and the direction of the air flow. If the air flow is inward, i.e. inhaled, the exhalation valves are closed. If the air flow is in the direction of the environment, i.e. if you exhale, the exhalation valves open whereas the inhalation valves close. Thus, the mask wearer is protected from germs from the environment and the opposite of germs originating from the mask wearer.

The disposable filters continuously filter particles and germs from the air and bind them. In addition, water can be deposited in them. As with any type of mask, the filter performance therefore decreases over time. The advantage of the present invention is that the used disposable filters can be easily and conveniently removed by opening the cover on the valves and replaced by new disposable filters. The disposable filters are designed as filter pads. Since only the filter pad is exchanged by simply opening and closing the cover, the replacement of the disposable filter is very cost-effective.

The breathing mask of the present invention is also made of an autoclavable and / or disinfectable material. The breathing mask can be disinfected and / or autoclaved, ideally after removing the old filter and before using the new, unused filter. One Such handling allows the present respiratory mask to be used over a longer period of time without any loss of filter quality and without the risk of absorbing germs that stick to masks that have already been used. A cleaning of the present mask is simple and can be carried out by the general population without problems.

The respiratory resistance when breathing through a mask is perceived to be differently restrictive by the respective mask wearer. By using not just one but several inhalation or exhalation valves in the reusable breathing mask according to the invention, the breathing resistance can be kept low, which offers increased wearing comfort. The wearer of the mask can freely configure the number and arrangement of the inhalation and exhalation valves and can thus decide for himself how great the exhalation and inhalation resistance should be. The more valves that are set as inhalation valves, the lower the inhalation resistance. The more valves that are set as exhalation valves, the lower the exhalation resistance.

Furthermore, there is the possibility to optimize the wearing comfort and the protective effect through the selection of the filter quality / filter class and the filter surface of the disposable filters. In this way, an individual mask design can be adapted to the different subjective sensations of wearing comfort, which is essentially due to the breathing resistance. In particular, an adaptation to defined groups of people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses can thus also take place, which must be particularly protected. With regard to asthmatics, around 10% of the population in Germany, it is known that breathing in and breathing out is difficult for them even without a breathing mask.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be used by people who wear glasses without fear of fogging of the glasses. The reusable mask lies close to the skin of the face of the mask wearer, so that the exhaled air of the mask wearer cannot escape upwards or to the sides, which is the case when wearing common community masks or MNS masks. Fogging of the spectacle lenses is thus prevented in the present invention.

Figure list

• 1 : Front face mask with five valves (schematic). 1 Figure 3 is a sketch of an exemplary reusable breathing mask of the present invention including five valves. The sketch shows attached brackets for fixation of the back of the ear or the back of the head ( 1 ), Beam spacer (dashed) ( 3 ) which is only shown once as an example, Schematic valve openings with integrated support ( 2 ).
• 2 : Valve structure (schematic). 2 is a sketch and shows by way of example the individual components of a valve according to the invention. 2a is a front view of the carrier ( 2 ) with support spacer ( 3 ), central lattice structure ( 4th ) and two connecting pins ( 5 ) (only one visible). 2 B shows the individual components of a valve in side view.

The valve includes a support ( 2 ) comprising an air-impermeable carrier spacer ( 3 ), a central lattice structure ( 4th ) and two connecting pins ( 5 ), which are arranged on the lattice structure. The valve also includes a rubber lip ( 6th ), a replaceable filter ( 7th ) and a lid ( 8th ) with openings / holes. 2c shows the inside of a lid from the front ( 8th ) including holes and projections ( 9 ) to hold the filter.

Detailed description

“Filter pad” refers to any type of filter material in a given shape. For example, a filter pad can have a round shape.

"Mask wearer" is a synonym for wearer of a mask and denotes the person who wears the reusable mask according to the present invention, i.e. has attached it over his mouth and nose.

“Inside the mask”, “inside the mask”, “inside the mask”, “inside”, inside the mask ‟are interchangeable and refer to the part of the mask facing the face of the person wearing the mask or an orientation towards the face of the mask wearer Carrier.

“Outside”, “outside of the mask”, “outwards” are interchangeable and denote the part of the mask directed towards the environment or an orientation towards the environment.

The present invention relates to a reusable breathing mask, comprising one or more exhalation valves and two or more inhalation valves, each of which includes replaceable disposable filters.

The valves are attached airtight in openings in the mask. Airtight means that air can only flow through the valves, but not through openings between the valve and the mask.

A valve of the present invention comprises a carrier comprising two connecting pins, a rubber lip, a disposable filter and a lid.

The carrier comprising two connecting pins is in 2 shown. The carrier comprising two connecting pins comprises an airtight edge which is airtightly connected to the mask material and to which the cover is connected, and a central part which is designed like a grid and through which air can flow. The central air-permeable part of the carrier is covered by the rubber lip in order to close the lattice structure and prevent air circulation. The airtight edge is slightly curved upwards, which creates a space in which the rubber lip is located after the lid is attached to the carrier. The airtight edge is therefore also referred to as the carrier spacer.

The valves of the present invention are designed in such a way that the mask wearer can choose at his own discretion whether the respective valve should function as an inhalation or an exhalation valve. In order to ensure this option, the carrier comprises two connecting pins, a first connecting pin being formed in the central part of the carrier on the side of the carrier facing into the mask interior and a second connecting pin being formed in the central part of the carrier on the side of the carrier facing the environment . The connecting pins are therefore directly opposite on the respective side of the carrier (see 2 B) . The rubber lip is attached to one of these connecting pins. The free end of the connecting pin is designed in such a way that the rubber lip can be reversibly slipped onto the connecting pin. For example, the free end of the connecting pin is designed as a ball, as a protruding circular area, as a T-piece or in the shape of a mushroom. The rubber lip is designed in such a way that it can be reversibly plugged onto the free end of the connecting pin of the holder. If the rubber lip is connected to the carrier via the connecting pin, at least its edge area rests on the central lattice structure of the carrier and thus covers the entire lattice structure.

The rubber lip is also designed in such a way that at least its edge area can be moved by overpressure in the mask due to an air flow caused by the exhalation of the mask wearer or by negative pressure in the mask caused by the mask wearer's inhalation and enables the air to flow in the respective direction will. Depending on whether a valve is to act as an exhalation valve or an inhalation valve, the rubber lip is connected to the wearer on the side facing the environment (exhalation valve) or to the side of the wearer facing the face of the mask wearer (inhalation valve).

The thickness of the rubber lip can vary. For example, the rubber lip in the area to which the rubber lip is connected to a connecting pin can be thicker than in the edge area of the rubber lip, which is moved by the corresponding air flow. The rubber lip has a thickness of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm. The edge of the rubber lip preferably has a thickness of 0.2-0.5 mm, the base of the rubber lip preferably has a thickness of 0.5-1.0 mm.

Depending on the position of the rubber lip on the carrier, the rubber lip is either pressed onto the grille (valve closed) or lifted away from the grille (valve open) by a stream of air. That is, if air flows into the mask from the outside inwards when you breathe in, the rubber lips on the inside of the inhalation valves open because the air flow pushes them away from the central lattice structure of the wearer and air can flow through the lattice structure. On the other hand, the rubber lips of the exhalation valves attached to the outside of the wearer are pressed onto the central lattice structure of the wearer by the negative pressure in the mask during inhalation and close the exhalation valves. Conversely, when you exhale, the overpressure created inside the mask opens the rubber lips of the exhalation valves attached to the outside of the wearer. However, the inner rubber lips of the inhalation valves are pressed against the central lattice structure of the inhalation valves and close them. When inhaling, only the valves set as the inhalation valve are open, while when exhaling, only the valves set as the exhalation valve are open.

In addition to closing the valve, the rubber lip also has the further property of reducing the filter wetting of the inhalation filter by breathing air. In a preferred embodiment, the rubber lip prevents the filter from getting wet. Moisture penetration of the exhalation filter cannot be prevented, but hygienically of secondary importance, since the filter is located on the outside, outside the air flow of inhalation, and is spatially separated from the inside of the mask by the wearer and the rubber lips of the exhalation valve. A significant transfer of moisture and microorganisms into the inside of the mask is not to be feared during inhalation, since the exhalation valve is closed during inhalation.

The carrier and the rubber lip are preferably round in shape.

The lid is designed so that it can be connected to the airtight edge of the carrier, whereby the valve is completely covered by the lid. The cover can be plugged onto the carrier via a clip or pressure lock or screwed onto the carrier via a screw lock or thread lock will. The cover comprises one or more openings on its upper side, through which air can flow. The cover preferably comprises a multiplicity of openings. An exemplary lid is in 2 B and 2c shown.

In the case of a valve that is configured as an exhalation valve, the cover also has the function of a spacer between the rubber lip and the disposable filter. It prevents the rubber lip from coming into direct contact with the filter material.

The exchangeable disposable filters are designed as so-called filter pads and can have variable filter performance depending on the material used. The filter pads are adapted to the shape of the lid and are inserted into the lid. The filter pad must be adapted to the size and shape of the lid so that when the filter is inserted, any opening on the top of the lid is covered by the filter. To fix the disposable filter in the cover, the cover can comprise three or more projections directed towards the center of the cover, behind which the filter is brought. These cantilevers are in 2c shown as an example. The cover, including the filter pad, is then placed on the carrier with a rubber lip, thus creating the closed valve. It should be noted that the edges of the filter are hermetically sealed by the clamping effect between the edge area of the carrier and the cover and that air only flows through the filter and not through small openings at the filter edges.

The disposable filter can be made of any material that can be used to manufacture breathing masks. Exemplary disposable filters consist of flexible filter media including fabric, paper and nonwovens such as felt, but bulk filter materials such as activated carbon packed in a multilayer pad can also be used, as well as coarse filters, microfilters and suitable filter material for obtaining FFP1 to FFP3 certification of the breathing mask. The filter material can also comprise adsorbents. The filter pads to be inserted can be provided as disposable filters and consumables in addition to the mask.

If no suitable filter material is available, the filters can optionally also be cut out from household items with filter properties by the mask wearer himself. In terms of external protection, household materials such as tea towels or suitable vacuum cleaner bags can achieve a certain reduction in the aerosols released by exhalation. But filter pads can also be made from fabrics such as firm cotton fabrics or thinner felt fabrics by cutting to size.

In an alternative embodiment, the filter material is firmly connected to the cover. Here, high-quality and tested filter materials can be used in order to achieve an application of the mask according to the invention as an MNS or also as a respiratory protection mask. Standardized, pre-assembled filter pads, which are established in the air-permeable housing cover (e.g. as a disposable cartridge or "filter candle"), can optionally be used in order to reliably prevent the risk of leaks, soiling and contamination, e.g. through incorrect filter installation or filter insert. The filter is replaced by replacing the cover that encompasses the filter. Corresponding lids can be provided as consumables in addition to the mask.

The valves can be arranged in one or more openings of the mask according to the invention, preferably in the central area in front of the mouth and / or on the right and left below and / or above the horizontal line of the mask wearer's mouth. Any arrangement on the right and / or left, below and / or above the horizontal line of the mouth is covered by the invention, provided that valve performance according to the invention is guaranteed. It should be noted that the more valves the mask contains, the lower the breathing resistance. For greater comfort, the number of valves can be increased so as not to cause discomfort when breathing. The reusable breathing mask of the present invention therefore comprises three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten valves, preferably three, four or five valves, each valve being freely configurable as an inhalation or exhalation valve by the wearer of the mask . In one embodiment, the reusable breathing mask has three valves. In a further preferred embodiment, the reusable breathing mask has five valves.

The mask according to the invention of the present invention is shaped in such a way that it lies tightly against the facial skin of the mask wearer and air is only circulated through the inhalation and exhalation valves. The mask is therefore preferably designed as a half mask. A half mask covers the entire nose and mouth area of the mask wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the mask is a half mask. A breathing mask is only effective if it is put on correctly. To ensure the fit of the mask, the mask of the present invention can be made in different sizes. Smaller masks can be produced for children and larger masks for adults.

The mask according to the invention is formed from one or more skin-compatible and non-allergenic materials. This material can be selected from the group comprising: plastics such as thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, PE, Rubber, rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, or carbon or combinations of these materials. Thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Thermosets include Melami Formaldehyde Resin (MF) also known as phenoplasts and aminoplasts (UF). Elastomers include polyurethane (PUR) and vulcanized rubber (rubber).

The material of the reusable breathing mask can be autoclaved and / or disinfected. The material can be disinfected using alcohol and / or under the action of UV light and / or by fumigation and / or thermal residue-free. The mask of the present invention can therefore be cleaned easily, conveniently and thoroughly after it has been removed by the mask wearer spraying and wiping it with, for example, alcohol or other disinfectants for thorough surface cleaning. For example, disinfection with alcohol can take place. Depending on the material selected, the mask according to the invention can be autoclaved. Autoclaving can be carried out, for example, at 121 ° C and 1 bar overpressure for a period of 15 minutes. Disinfection by UV light and / or gassing can take place, for example, by the action of light with a wavelength of 240-280 nm, preferably 254 nm, and / or ozone.

In a higher quality embodiment, the breathing mask can also be made of a composite material, optionally with an internal protective layer and / or protective film to avoid material fatigue, cracking and leakage in the course of its useful life.

The reusable breathing mask according to the present invention can also comprise a head mount for attaching the mask to the head of the mask wearer. The head mount can be designed in any way and is made of a flat textile material (woven or knitted fabric) or rubber, foil or some other suitable material, for example threads or ribbons, rubber bands, straps or a belt. These are placed tightly around the back of the head or clamped behind the ears. The head mount can therefore comprise rubber lining at the back of the head or behind the ear. The head mount is optionally adjustable and can therefore be adapted to any head size. The head holder, which is preferably designed in the form of a band, is designed as a holder placed on the mask, so that no opening is made or required in the mask material. The attached holder usually engages the edge of the mask in order to keep the breathing mask sealingly on the face to be covered.

The coloring of the mask and the lid includes all RAL colors, black, gray and white as well as transparent versions.

Use of the invention

The present reusable breathing mask is designed for everyday use. At times of crisis such as the global Corona (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the mask can be used to help curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in order to keep the number of infections among citizens low.

The present reusable breathing mask is suitable for use as a community mask. That is, the present reusable breathing mask is suitable for use by the general population.

Furthermore, the present reusable breathing mask can be used by allergy sufferers, asthmatics, people with other respiratory diseases and / or people with previously damaged lungs. By using several valves, the breathing resistance can be kept low, depending on the wearing comfort of the mask wearer. Thus, allergy sufferers or asthmatics can be protected from airborne allergens such as pollen or house dust by wearing the mask.

The present reusable breathing mask is suitable for use by asthmatics and / or allergy sufferers and / or persons with other respiratory diseases and / or persons with previously damaged lungs.

It should be pointed out that the present reusable breathing mask can also be used as a surgical mask or as a (work) protective mask, as explained above, if lids with already integrated filter material are used after certification.

The present invention accordingly relates to the use for the general population and / or the use for persons with asthmatic and / or other respiratory diseases or persons with a previously damaged airway system.

In a second embodiment, the reusable breathing mask is a reusable breathing mask comprising three or more valves, each of the valves being adjustable by the wearer so that it serves either as an inhalation valve or an exhalation valve and with two or more of the valves being a replaceable disposable filter include.

In this embodiment, the disposable filters can be removed from the individual valves. The valve then consists of a support comprising two connecting pins, a rubber lip and a cover. This reduces the breathing resistance. For example, the valves configured as exhalation valves by the mask wearer do not contain a filter, whereas the valves configured as inhalation valves by the mask wearer contain a filter. Thus, when using the appropriate filter material in the inhalation valves, the effect of a known FFP1-FFP3 mask can be achieved, which can be used as a protective mask and is used for self-protection.

This embodiment further comprises a mask in which only the valves set as exhalation valves by the mask wearer contain a disposable filter, whereas the valves set as inhalation valves by the mask wearer do not contain a filter. In this way, the effect of an MNS mask for external protection can be achieved.

List of reference symbols

1

Attachment brackets for fixing the back of the ear or the back of the head

2

carrier

3

Beam spacers

4th

central lattice structure

5

Connecting pin

6th

Rubber lip

7th

replaceable filter

8th

lid

9

Cantilever

Claims (19)

A reusable breathing mask comprising three or more valves each comprising replaceable disposable filters, each of the valves being adjustable by the wearer to serve as either an inhalation valve or an exhalation valve. Reusable breathing mask Claim 1 wherein the valves are airtightly mounted in openings of the mask and wherein the valves comprise a carrier comprising two connecting pins, a rubber lip, a replaceable disposable filter and an air-permeable cover. Reusable breathing mask Claim 1 or 2 The first connecting pin is formed on the side of the wearer facing the inside of the mask and the second connecting pin is formed on the side of the wearer facing the environment, and the rubber lip can be fixed to the wearer via one of the connecting pins, an inhalation valve being created when the rubber lip is used is fixed on the first connecting pin and an exhalation valve is created when the rubber lip is fixed on the second connecting pin. Reusable breathing mask according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , wherein an exhalation valve in the air flow direction comprises a carrier comprising two connecting pins, a rubber lip fixed on the second connecting pin, a disposable filter and a cover and wherein an inhalation valve in the air flow direction comprises a cover, a disposable filter, a carrier comprising two connecting pins and a rubber lip fixed to the first connecting pin . Reusable breathing mask according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , wherein the exchangeable disposable filters are designed as filter pads and wherein the filter pads can have variable filter performance. Reusable breathing mask according to one of the Claims 1 - 5 , with the lid serving as a holder for the replaceable disposable filter. Reusable breathing mask according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th , whereby the disposable filters are replaced by opening the lids, removing the used filter pads, inserting new filter pads and closing the lids again. Reusable mask according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th , wherein the disposable filters are firmly connected to the cover, and wherein the replacement of the disposable filter takes place by replacing the cover. Reusable breathing mask according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , the valves being arranged on the mask in the area in front of the mask wearer's mouth and / or to the right and left below and / or above the horizontal lines in the mouth of the mask wearer. Reusable breathing mask according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , the mask being a half mask. Reusable breathing mask according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , wherein the mask is made of a material comprising plastics comprising thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, elastomers and PE, rubber, rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene or carbon or combinations of these materials, a combination of the materials preferably being a composite material. Reusable breathing mask Claim 11 , whereby the materials are skin-friendly and non-allergenic. Reusable breathing mask according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the breathing mask can be disinfected and / or autoclaved. Reusable breathing mask Claim 13 , wherein the breathing mask can be disinfected using alcohol and / or under the action of UV light and / or by fumigation including fumigation with ozone. Reusable breathing mask Claim 13 , whereby the breathing mask can be thermally disinfected. Reusable breathing mask according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a holder for fastening the mask to the head of the mask wearer. Reusable breathing mask Claim 16 , wherein the holder is an occipital holder or an occipital holder and is made of elastic material. Reusable breathing mask Claim 16 or 17th The bracket is adjustable and can be adapted to any head size. Reusable breathing mask according to one of the preceding claims for use by the general population and / or for use by people with asthmatic and / or other respiratory diseases and / or people with previously damaged lungs.

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