RESPIRATORY MASK AND METHOD OF PRODUCTION

Abstract

A respiratory mask including a mask fabric body (1), and one or more holding straps (3) for holding the mask body to the face of a user, the mask body being made of a woven fabric having weft yarns and warp yarns, the weft and warp yarns having a count comprised between 10 and 1100 den, the warp density being between 14-130 warps/cm, the weft density being between 12-70 wefts/cm, wherein at least part of the body is provided with a liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer.

Claims

1. A respiratory mask (M) including a mask fabric body (1), having a first face and a second face, and one or more holding straps (3) for holding the mask body to the face of a user, the mask body being made of a woven fabric having weft yarns (12) and warp yarns (11), the weft and warp yarns (12, 11) having a count comprised between 10 and 1100 den, the warp density being between 14-130 warps/cm, the weft density being between 12-70 wefts/cm, wherein at least part of the body is provided with a liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer.

2. The mask (M) according to claim 1, wherein said liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer is provided at least on said first face and body through at least part of the thickness of said body (1).

3. The mask (M) according to claim 1, wherein the warp and/or weft yarns comprise yarns comprising staple fibers, having a count comprised between NE 5 and NE 80.

4. The mask (M) according to claim 3, wherein said yarns comprising staple fibers comprise a core comprising elastomeric fibers, and a sheath of staple fibers, the count of said elastomeric core being between 5 and 900 den.

5. The mask (M) according to claim 1, wherein the warp and/or weft yarns comprise yarns consisting of man-made fibers, having a count comprised between 10 and 1000 den.

6. The mask (M) according to claim 5, wherein said man-made fibers comprise one or more elastomeric filament, the total count of elastomeric filaments being between 5 and 900 den.

7. The mask (M) according to claim 1, wherein said body is made from a woven fabric having a weight comprised between 60 and 500 g/m2, said weight being referred to said fabric provided with said liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer.

8. The mask (M) according to claim 1, wherein: the count of the warp and of the weft yarns is comprised between 20 and 600 den, and/or the warp density is comprised between 50 and 100 warps/cm, and/or the weft density is comprised between 20 and 40 wefts/cm.

9. The mask (M) according to claim 1, wherein said body is made from a woven fabric having air permeability according to ASTM D0737 between 30 and 800 mm/s, said air permeability being referred to said fabric provided with said liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer.

10. The mask (M) according to claim 1, wherein said body is made from a woven fabric having elongation, after 3 home washes, in warp and/or weft direction comprised between 10 and 60% according to ASTM D3107.

11. The mask according to claim 1, wherein said liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer comprises at least one or more liquid-repelling polymers, one or more crosslinking agents, and optionally one or more wetting agents.

12. The mask according to claim 11, wherein said liquid-repelling polymer is in an amount between 0.5-10 g/m2 of fabric.

13. The mask according to claim 11, wherein said liquid-repelling polymer is a fluoropolymer, selected from C6 based fluorocarbons, fluoro-silicone hybrids, C4 based fluoropolymers, and mixtures thereof.

14. The mask according to claim 11, wherein said crosslinking agent is in an amount between 0.1-5 g/m2 of fabric, said crosslinking agent being selected from acrylic polymers and copolymers, resins, polyurethanes, blocked isocyanates, poly-isocyanates, polycarboimides, polycarbodiimides and mixtures thereof.

15. The mask according to claim 11, wherein said wetting agent is in an amount between 0.001-0.2 g/m2 of fabric, said wetting agent being selected from ethoxylate, sulphonate and phosphonate nonionic wetting agents.

16. The mask according to claim 11, wherein said crosslinked polymer further comprises an antimicrobial agent, in an amount between 0.002-0.3 g/m2 fabric, said antimicrobial agent being selected from metal ions and metal salts, quaternary ammonium compounds, poly biguanid compounds, triclosan, n-halamine compounds, chitosan, and peroxyacids.

17. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the weave of the fabric (10) is selected from Sateen, Plain, Twill, Double Face, Panama, Ribs, and Mixed Dobby Weave.

18. A process for the production of a respiratory mask according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: a. providing a woven fabric having weft yarns and warp yarns, the weft and warp yarns having a count comprised between 10 and 1100 den, the warp density being between 14-130 warps/cm, the weft density being between 12-70 wefts/cm; b. providing at least part of said woven fabric with an aqueous liquid-repellent composition, impregnating said woven fabric with an aqueous liquid-repellent composition, drying, and, curing, to obtain a treated fabric; c. sanforizing the treated fabric of point b., d. working said fabric of point c. into a mask.

19. The process according to claim 18, wherein said aqueous liquid-repellent composition comprises at least one liquid-repellent agent that is a polymer, one or more crosslinking agents in an amount between 2-50 g/l, one or more wetting agents and, optionally, one or more antimicrobial agent.

20. The process according to claim 19, wherein said liquid-repellent agent is in an amount between 20-300 g/l.

21. The process according to claim 19, wherein said liquid-repelling agent is selected from C6 based fluorocarbons, fluoro-silicone hybrids, C4 based fluoropolymers, and mixtures thereof; said crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers and copolymers, resins, polyurethanes, blocked isocyanates, poly-isocyanates, polycarboimides, polycarbodiimides and mixtures thereof.

22. The process according to claim 19, wherein said wetting agent is said aqueous liquid-repellent composition is in an amount between 0.2-5 g/l, said wetting agent being selected from ethoxylate, sulphonate and phosphonate nonionic wetting agents, and mixtures thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] The invention will now be disclosed with reference to the following schematic and exemplary, non-limiting drawings in which:

[0088] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a mask according to the invention in use condition;

[0089] FIG. 2 is an enlarged and schematic view of the fabric making the body of the mask of FIG. 1.

[0090] FIG. 3 is an enlarged and schematic view of an alternative exemplary fabric making the body of the mask of FIG. 1.

[0091] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the repeating unit of an alternative embodiment of a fabric according to the invention.

DISCLOSURE OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0092] With reference to the figures, the mask M includes a mask body 1 made of a woven fabric 10 including warp yarns 11 and weft yarns 12. The woven fabric 10 is preferably a single layer fabric.

[0093] The weft and warp yarns 11, 12 have a count comprised between 10 and 1100 den, preferably between 20 and 600 den, more preferably between 50 and 400 den, even more preferably between 80 and 250 den.

[0094] Warp yarns 11 and/or weft 12 can be elastic or inelastic. In other words, the warp and/or the weft can comprise elastomeric fibers 13 (typically filaments) and non-elastomeric fibers 14, or consist of non-elastomeric fibers 14. Non elastomeric fibers can be staple fibers, typically natural fibers. Man-made fibers, typically continuous filaments, can be also used in different. When the warp and/or the weft yarns comprise elastomeric fibers 13, 13′ (typically filaments), each yarn may include one or more elastomeric filament. For example, in the exemplary fabric of FIG. 2, each warp yarn include two elastomeric fibers 13 as core of the yarn. In the exemplary fabric of FIG. 3, each warp yarn includes one elastomeric fiber 13 as core of the yarn.

[0095] Weft and/or warp yarns 11, 12 comprising staple fibres have preferably a total count between NE 5 and NE 80, more preferably between NE 20 and NE 60. If corespun yarns are used, the total count of the core is preferably between 5 and 900 den, more preferably between 10 and 300 den, even more preferably 20 and 200 den. As mentioned, the core can comprise elastomeric and/or non-elastomeric fibers. In some embodiments, the core can be exclusively composed of elastomeric fibers, while alternative embodiments are provided with core consisting of non-elastomeric fibers.

[0096] As mentioned, according to a different possible embodiment, the warp and/or weft yarns 11, 12 comprise yarns consisting of man-made fibers, typically filaments (i.e. continuous fibers) having a count comprised between 10 and 1000 den, preferably between 20 and 600 den.

[0097] As mentioned, the yarns made from man-made fibers can be 100% non-elastomeric, or they can comprise elastomeric fibers 13. Preferred elastomeric fibers are elastomeric filaments or yarns, e.g. elastan. Various man-made non-elastomeric fibers can be used, e.g. such as polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), elastomultiester (e.g. T400), Dyeneema fiber, or also generally polyester or polyamide fibers. If present, the total count of elastomeric fibers 13 is between 5 and 900 den, more preferably between 10 and 300 den, even more preferably between 20 and 200 den.

[0098] Elastomeric and non-elastomeric man-made fibers (typically both filaments—i.e. continuous fibers) can be coupled in known ways, e.g. intermingling twisting, etc., to provide a composite yarn that can be used as warp yarns 11 and/or as weft yarn 12 in the fabric 10.

[0099] Independently from the kinds of warp yarns 11 and weft yarns 12, the warp density is between 14-130 warps/cm and the weft density being between 12-70 wefts/cm. Preferred values for the warp density are comprised between 50 and 100 warps/cm. Preferred values for the weft density are comprised between 20 and 40 wefts/cm.

[0100] In embodiments, the fabric is provided with cotton inelastic warp yarns having a count of NE 30 to NE 60, and with elastic weft yarns (typically corespun, with elastomeric core and cotton sheath) having a count of NE 25 to NE 40. A typical fabric composition is 98.32% cotton and 1.68% elastan.

[0101] The woven fabric 10, provided with the liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer, has preferably a weight comprised between 60 and 500 g/m.sup.2, preferably between 110 and 300 g/m.sup.2.

[0102] Also, the woven fabric 10 of the body 1, provided with the liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer, has preferably air permeability according to ASTM D0737 between 30 and 800 mm/s, preferably between 50 and 300 mm/s, even more preferably between 90 and 200 mm/s.

[0103] The woven fabric 10 of the body 1 can be stretchable or substantially non-stretchable. When the fabric 10 is stretchable, stretchability (i.e. elongation) of the woven fabric of the body, in warp and/or weft direction (preferably in weft direction) is preferably comprised between 10 and 60%, more preferably 30 to 50%, even more preferably 35 to 45%. Elongation is measured according to ASTM D3107, after 3 home washes (as e.g. defined in ISO 6330). In particular, elongation is measured according to ASTM D3107, after 3 home washes (as e.g. defined in ISO 6330:2012 6N, wherein 6N discloses the washing program) using a weight of 3 lb, applied to the fabric for 30 min. As above discussed, dimensional stability after 3 home washes is comprised between −12% and 0%, more preferably between −8 and 0%, even more preferably between −5% and 0%, and is measured according to ISO 3759:2011.

[0104] Preferred weaves for the fabric 10 are Sateen, Plain, Twill, Double Face, Panama, Ribs, Mixed Dobby Weave. In FIG. 1, a 3/1 twill fabric is shown. Preferred embodiments are twill (e.g. 3/1 twill) and sateen (e.g. 4/1 sateen fabric). In FIGS. 2 and 3, a 3/1 twill fabric is shown, while in FIG. 4 a 4/1 sateen fabric is shown. A more preferred embodiment is a 4/1 sateen fabric, wherein the warp and/or weft yarns are core-spun yarns, having a core comprising elastomeric filaments and a sheath covering the core, e.g. a sheath of inelastic staple fibers or inelastic filaments.

[0105] According to a possible aspect, there is provided a strip 2 of plastically bendable material forming a so-called “nose clip”. The mask M is also provided with one or more holding straps 3, made from the fabric 10 or from a different material. The one or more holding straps 3 is/are preferably elastic, to keep the mask M in the correct position on a user U.

[0106] At least part of the body 1 (i.e. at least part of the fabric 10) is provided with a liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer. Preferably, the body 1 is provided with the liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer at least on both the outer side and the inner side. Accordingly, the outer side of the body 1 is the external, visible side of the mask M, when the mask M is worn by a user U. The inner side of the body 1 is the side of the mask M which faces the skin (e.g., the mouth and the nose) of the user U when the mask M is worn by the user U.

[0107] According to an aspect, the liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer comprises at least one or more liquid-repelling agents, one or more crosslinking agents, and optionally one or more wetting agents.

[0108] The liquid-repelling agent, in the dry fabric, may be in an amount between 0.5-10 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, preferably between 1-9 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, more preferably between 3-7 g/m.sup.2 of fabric.

[0109] Preferably, the liquid-repelling agent is selected from C6 based fluorocarbons, fluoro-silicone hybrids, C4 based fluoropolymers, fluoro-free wax, paraffin based products, fatty acids derivatives, modified wax, nano scale surface structure dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers and/or dendrimers, dendrimers with hydrophobic end groups, silicon based emulsions, silicon emulsion and catalyst, reactive silicone based systems and mixture thereof, and more preferably from C6 based fluorocarbons, fluoro silicon hybrids, C4 based fluoropolymers and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the liquid-repelling agent, i.e., the liquid-repelling polymer is a fluoropolymer. In embodiments, the liquid-repelling agent is selected from C6 fluoropolymers, C4 fluoropolymers and mixtures thereof.

[0110] Preferably, the crosslinking agent is in an amount between 0.1-5 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, preferably between 0.5-3 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, more preferably between 1-2 g/m.sup.2 of fabric.

[0111] In particular, the crosslinking agent may be selected from acrylic polymers and copolymers, resins, polyurethanes, blocked isocyanates, poly-isocyanates, polycarboimides, polycarbodiimides and mixtures thereof.

[0112] In the dry fabric, the amount of wetting agent per square meter of the fabric is in a range between 0.001-0.2 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, preferably between 0.005-0.1 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, more preferably between 0.01-0.05 g/m.sup.2 of fabric.

[0113] Preferred wetting agents are selected from ethoxylate, sulphonate and phosphonate nonionic wetting agents.

[0114] The crosslinked polymer on the fabric may further comprise an antimicrobial agent, preferably in an amount between 0.002-0.3 g/m.sup.2 fabric, preferably between 0.005-0.1 g/m.sup.2 fabric, more preferably between 0.01-0.05 g/m.sup.2 fabric.

[0115] The antimicrobial agent may be selected from metal ions and metal salts, quaternary ammonium compounds, poly biguanid compounds, triclosan, n-halamine compounds, chitosan, peroxyacids.

[0116] In a process of production of a respiratory mask according to the invention, a woven fabric 10 having weft yarns 12 and warp yarns 11 as above discussed is provided. After weaving, the fabric undergoes singeing, desizing and bleaching, the two latter steps are preferably combined. Subsequently, a liquid-repellent aqueous composition is applied to (at least part of) the woven fabric 10. The woven fabric 10 is subsequently dried and the polymer liquid-repellent thin layer including a cross-linking agent is cured.

[0117] Preferably, the liquid-repellent aqueous composition is provided to the woven fabric 10 by padding. According to the padding process, the fabric is provided to a trough or vessel containing the aqueous liquid-repellent composition. The fabric is dipped into and impregnated with the aqueous liquid-repellent composition. Preferably, the aqueous liquid-repellent composition is provided to the fabric at a temperature between 20-35° C., preferably 23-28° C. The impregnated fabric is then passed between at least two rollers, i.e., squeezing rollers, so that the impregnated fabric is pressed and squeezed by the two rollers, so that the exceeding composition is removed. According to preferred embodiments, the squeezing rollers are set in order to obtain a wet pick-up between 75%-85%, preferably between 80%-83%. The so called “wet pick up” or “pick-up” is the amount of liquid absorbed by a fabric after it has been dipped and padded as a percentage of the weight of the dry fabric. Subsequently, the fabric may be dried and cured.

[0118] According to embodiments, the fabric provided with the composition, is dried at a temperature ranging from 100° C. to 150° C., preferably from 120° C. to 140° C.

[0119] According to embodiments, the fabric is cured at a temperature ranging from 150° C. to 220° C., preferably from 170° C. to 200° C., for a time preferably ranging from 30 s to 180 s, preferably from 40 s to 140 s.

[0120] According to embodiments, the dried fabric undergoes a sanforizing step. The sanforizing step may be performed according to techniques that are, per se, known in the art.

[0121] The fabric 10, dried and, preferably, cured, is then worked to provide the mask M, in particular the body 1 of the mask M. As discussed, one or more holding straps 3 may be separately produced and applied to the body 1 to obtain the mask M.

[0122] The aqueous liquid-repellent composition preferably comprises at least one or more liquid-repelling polymers, one or more crosslinking agents, optionally one or more wetting agents and, optionally, one or more antimicrobial agent.

[0123] Preferably, the liquid-repelling polymer in the aqueous composition is in an amount between, 20-300 g/l, preferably 90-200 g/l, more preferably 110-150 g/l.

[0124] Preferred liquid-repelling agents are selected from fluoropolymers. For example, preferred liquid-repelling agents may be selected from C6 based fluorocarbons, fluoro-silicone hybrids, C4 based fluoropolymers and mixtures thereof. For example, C6 fluoropolymers may be used as liquid-repelling agents.

[0125] Preferably, the crosslinking agent in the aqueous composition is in an amount between 2-50 g/l, preferably 5-40 g/l, more preferably 10-30 g/l. The crosslinking agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers and copolymers, resins, polyurethanes, blocked isocyanates, poly-isocyanates, polycarboimides, polycarbodiimides and mixtures thereof.

[0126] The wetting agent in the aqueous liquid-repellent composition is preferably in an amount between 0.2-5 g/l, preferably 0.5-4 g/l, more preferably 1-3 g/l. Preferred wetting agents are selected from ethoxylate, sulphonate and phosphonate nonionic wetting agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0127] According to an aspect, the antimicrobial agent in the aqueous composition is in an amount between 1-30 g/l, preferably 5-20 g/l, more preferably 10-15 g/l. According to an aspect, the antimicrobial agent is selected from metal ions and metal salts, quaternary ammonium compounds, poly biguanid compounds, triclosan, n-halamine compounds, chitosan, peroxyacids.

[0128] It should be noted that the fabric 10 provided with the liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer may be used also for other articles, in particular medical garments comprising or consisting of the above discussed fabric 10, such as medical gown or similar garments.

[0129] In preferred embodiments, the woven fabric 10 is provided with warp yarns and weft yarns having a count between NE 20 and NE 40, wherein the warp yarns are preferably free from elastomeric fibers, while the weft yarns comprise elastomeric fibers (or filaments) in the core, covered by an inelastic sheath.

[0130] In these embodiments, warp density is comprised between 50 and 100 warps/cm, while weft density is comprised between 20 and 40 wefts/cm.

[0131] Preferred weaves for these fabrics are twill and sateen, in particular, 4/1 sateen.

[0132] These preferred fabrics typically have weight comprised between 110 and 300 g/m.sup.2. Weft stretch of these preferred embodiments is typically between 30 and 60%, measured (as previously discussed) according to ASTM D3107, after 3 home washes.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid-repellent crosslinked polymer on the mask comprises at least one liquid-repelling polymer in an amount between 0.5-10 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, preferably between 1-9 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, more preferably between 3-7 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, at least one crosslinking agent in an amount between 0.1-5 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, preferably between 0.5-3 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, more preferably between 1-2 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, at least one wetting agent in an amount between 0.001-0.2 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, preferably between 0.005-0.1 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, more preferably between 0.01-0.05 g/m.sup.2 of fabric, and, optionally, at least one antimicrobial agent in an amount between 0.002-0.3 g/m.sup.2 fabric, preferably between 0.005-0.1 g/m.sup.2 fabric, more preferably between 0.01-0.05 g/m.sup.2 fabric.

EXAMPLES

[0134] Exemplary Fabric 1

[0135] An exemplary woven fabric suitable to be used in the present invention is as follows: [0136] Warp Yarn count: Ne 36/1 100% cotton (8% being organic cotton) [0137] Weft Yarn Count: Ne 30/1 94.47% cotton, 5.53% elastane [0138] Fabric Weight (Washed): 225 g/m.sup.2 [0139] Warp density: 86.7 ends/cm [0140] Weft density: 25.1 ends/cm [0141] Fiber Composition: 98.32% cotton-1.68% elastane [0142] Weave: 4/1 Sateen [0143] Stretch (Weft): 45.6% measured according to ASTM D3107, after 3 home washes (as defined in ISO 6330:2012 6N, wherein 6N discloses the washing program). According to the present description, measurements according to ASTM D3107 are carried out using a weight of 3 lb, and the weight is applied to the fabric for 30 min.

[0144] Exemplary Fabric 2

[0145] An exemplary woven fabric suitable to be used in the present invention is as follows: [0146] Warp Yarn count: Ne 36/1 100% cotton (6% being organic cotton) [0147] Weft Yarn Count: Ne 30/1 94.47% cotton, 5.53% elastane [0148] Fabric Weight (Washed): 218 g/m.sup.2 after 3 home washes [0149] Warp density: 86.3 ends/cm [0150] Weft density: 25.1 ends/cm [0151] Fiber Composition: 98% cotton-2% elastane [0152] Weave: 4/1 Sateen [0153] Stretch (Weft): 42% measured according to ASTM D3107, after 3 home washes (as defined in ISO 6330:2012 6N, wherein 6N discloses the washing program). According to the present description, measurements according to ASTM D3107 are carried out using a weight of 3 lb, and the weight is applied to the fabric for 30 min.

[0154] Exemplary Compositions

[0155] Exemplary compositions are as follows.

Exemplary Composition 1

[0156] In water are admixed the following components:
Nuva N EE6 (fluorocarbon): 130 g/l
Arkophob Dan (crosslinking agent): 20 g/l
Fluowet UD (wetting agent): 2 g/l
pH adjusted to 4.5-5 with acetic acid.

Exemplary Composition 2

[0157] In water are admixed the following components:
Nuva N EE6 (fluorocarbon): 130 g/l
Arkophob Dan (crosslinking agent): 20 g/l
Sanitized T 11-15 (antimicrobial agent): 12.5 g/l
Fluowet UD (wetting agent): 2 g/l
pH adjusted to 5.5-6 with acetic acid

[0158] Exemplary Process

An exemplary process for the production of a mask according to the invention comprises the following steps. [0159] Singeing both sides of the fabric and combined oxidative desizing and bleaching; [0160] Washing; [0161] Drying; [0162] providing the fabric with an aqueous liquid-repellent composition according to the present description by padding. For example, the “Exemplary composition 1” or the “Exemplary composition 2” may be used.
Padding is carried out at a temperature between 20-35° C., preferably 23-28° C. (for example, between 26-28° C.). The fabric impregnated with the aqueous liquid-repellent composition is passed between two rollers, so the impregnated fabric is pressed and squeezed between the two rollers, whereby the that the exceeding composition is removed from the fabric. For example, the rollers (i.e., the squeezing rollers) are set to provide a 10 N/mm pressure to the fabric. Preferably, the squeezing rollers are set in order to obtain a wet pick-up between 80%-83%. As above mentioned, the so called “pick-up” or “wet pick up” is the amount of liquid absorbed by a fabric, after it has been dipped and padded, as a percentage of the weight of the dry fabric.
Subsequently the fabric is dried at 130° C., and cured for 120 seconds at 190° C., using a stenter frame. Finally, the fabric is sanforized.
When the “Exemplary composition 1” is used, the amount of the components in the fabric after drying and curing may be as follows:
Nuva N EE6 (fluorocarbon): 4.8 g/m.sup.2 of fabric
Arkophob Dan (crosslinking agent): 1.6 g/m.sup.2 of fabric
Fluowet UD (wetting agent): 0.02 g/m.sup.2 of fabric
When the “Exemplary composition 2” is used, the amount of the components in the fabric after drying and curing may be as follows:
Nuva N EE6 (fluorocarbon): 4.8 g/m.sup.2 of fabric
Arkophob Dan (crosslinking agent): 1.6 g/m.sup.2 of fabric
Sanitized T 11-15 (antimicrobial agent): 0.03 g/m.sup.2 of fabric
Fluowet UD (wetting agent): 0.02 g/m.sup.2 of fabric
The fabric so obtained is then worked to provide the mask according the invention, in particular the body of the mask. As discussed, one or more holding straps may be separately produced and applied to the body to obtain the mask.

[0163] Washing Tests

[0164] The “Exemplary fabric 1” above disclosed was treated with the “Exemplary composition 1”, according to the “exemplary process” above disclosed. The resulting fabric was washed 15 times at the conditions reported in the following table (Table 1):

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 washing tests conditions Weight of process Temperature Duration Detergent 60° C. washing 60° C. 70-75 min 25 gr 90° C. washing 90° C. 80-85 min 25 gr
Before starting the tests (“control”), as well as after each washing, the following parameters were determined: [0165] Air permeability—according to ASTM D 0737 [0166] Drop—according to AATCC 193 [0167] Spray—according to AATCC 22
The results obtained are reported in the following table (Table 2):

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 60° C. washing 90° C. washing Air Air permeability permeability Number of (ASTM D0737) DROP SPRAY (ASTM D0737) DROP SPRAY washing mm/s (AATCC 193) (AATCC 22) mm/s (AATCC 193) (AATCC 22) Control 103 8 100 103 8 100 1 130.35 8 100 131.6 8 80 2 139.4 8 80 140.25 8 80 3 134.7 8 80 136.75 8 80 4 140.5 8 80 138.3 8 70 5 139.85 8 70 133.8 8 70 6 138.9 8 70 139.95 8 70 7 144 8 70 140 8 70 8 145.2 8 70 140.1 8 70 9 144.6 8 70 138.8 8 70 10 145.8 8 70 145 8 70 11 147.2 8 70 142.9 8 70 12 148.9 8 70 144.1 8 70 13 149.9 8 70 145 8 70 14 147.6 8 70 144.8 8 50 15 150 8 70 144 8 50

[0168] The above values show how, after the first washing, a mask according to the present invention has only minimum increase in air permeability after the subsequent washing cycles. For example, considering the above discussed example, the value of air permeability after the 15th washing is only 15% greater than the value of air permeability after the first washing, considering the washing cycles at 60° C. degrees. Similarly, the increase is only 9.5% considering the washing cycles carried out at 90° C. degrees.