| abstract |
A self-contained re-humidification mask ( 1 ) having locating means ( 6 ) to enable the mask to be supported in an operative position on a user ( 4 ) is provided. The mask has a wall ( 2 ) shaped as a moulded domed mask configured to cover the face of a user from the nose to the chin. An endless peripheral edge is shaped and configured to generally anatomically follow the contours of a face of a user to define, with the face of a user, an air pocket ( 24 ). The mask has a single inlet-outlet aperture ( 8 ) located generally opposite a position occupied in use by a mouth of a user, and at least one re-humidification assembly ( 9 ) located in the inlet-outlet aperture such that it substantially fills the aperture. The re-humidification assembly includes a coil ( 17 ) of corrugated hygroscopic paper having an axis of the coil extending in the direction of fluid flow through the inlet-outlet aperture. The re-humidification mask preferably has a wall formed from a non-woven synthetic fibre sheet that is press moulded and heat set to the domed shape thereof. |