TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to the field of nasal filters. More
particularly, the present invention relates to nanofiber based externally applicable nasal filter
and a process for preparation of the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Nature maintains a balance between land, water, air and all the living organisms in the world.
Any kind of imbalance in the biosphere results in environment pollution. In the past one decade,
there has been a quick rise in the number of automobile vehicles to increase in air pollution due
to the exhaust fumes of internal combustion engines. The exhaust fumes of diesel engines are
largely responsible for the smoke and smog layers in many large towns and cities.
Besides this, several other reasons for increase in the levels of air pollution are rapid
industrialization, urbanization, use of moto vehicles, agricultural and nuclear energy programs.
Amongst these, motor vehicles using diesel and poor-quality petrol are the major source of air
pollution throughout the urban areas. These mainly contribute by emitting hydrocarbons,
carbon monoxide, lead, SO2, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter.
The problem of air pollution has received attention rather late. Various pollution monitoring
agencies, routinely monitor ambient air quality. Regular monitoring is generally done for
mainly three criteria of pollutants like suspended particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen and SO2.
Air borne particulate matter (PM) is responsible for serious immediate and long-term impacts
on human health because air borne particulates easily reach the deepest recesses of the lungs
that damage the respiratory system of human beings. Indoor PM concentrations which are
depending upon both indoor and outdoor sources are also responsible for human respiratory
allergy because urban people typically spend more than 87% of their time indoor. There are
several sources of particulate matter, such as combustion of fossil fuels, automobile exhaust,
industrial processes, power plants, tobacco smoke, cooking and natural sources such as
volcanic eruption, windblown dust, pollen grains, and particles of soil. Particulate matter lead
to serious health hazards in human beings and causing asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic
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obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), irritation of lungs, pneumonia, chronic cough, allergy,
headache, fatigue, lung cancer, and premature death. High particle concentration is associated
with substantial short term increases in morbidity and mortality.
The size of air borne particles ranges over a wide scale, from 0.005μm to 100μm in
aerodynamic diameter; although the suspended portion is generally less than 40μm. PM is
classified by their aerodynamic equivalent diameter (AED), and are generally placed in one of
the three categories: AED <10microns = PM10, < 2.5microns =PM 2.5 and < 0.1microns = PM0.1.
Particulate matter is considered coarse when the size is between 2.5 to 10microns, fine when
less than 2.5microns and ultra-fine when less than 0.1microns in diameter. Based on these
definitions, PM10 includes all pores, fine and ultra-fine particulate matter. PM larger than
10microns is filtered out through the nose, cilia and mucus of respiratory tract, and are thus of
lesser public health concern. Fine particulate PM2.5 lead to great risk to human health because
they can be breathed more deeply into the lungs and are generally more toxic than larger
particles. Accordingly, particulate matter is responsible for serious health problems in human
beings and causes morbidity and mortality. In fact, the effects of inhaling this particulate matter
have been widely studied in humans and animals which include asthma, lung cancer,
cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, premature deliveries, birth defects, and premature
deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in 2005 that “fine particulate air pollution
(PM (2.5)), causes about 3% of mortality from cardiopulmonary disease, about 5% of mortality
from cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lungs, and about 1% of mortality from acute
respiratory infections in children under 5 years, worldwide.” Short term exposure at elevated
concentrations can significantly contribute to heart disease. A 2011 study concluded that traffic
exhaust is the single most serious preventable cause of heart attack in the general public, and
is the cause of 7.4% of all attacks.
Thus, in view of the above discussion it is clear that there is a need to control the inhaled
particulate matter like airborne germs, allergens, and/or noxious particles.
Filters are being used to maintain air quality and prevent the inhalation of particulate matter.
Air filters are utilized to remove aerosol such as dust, pollen, mould and bacteria from the air
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and are composed of fibrous material. Various chemical additives in the form of adsorbents or
catalysts are introduced in chemical air filters to remove other airborne molecular contaminants
such as volatile organic compounds releasing hazardous air pollutants like carbon monoxide,
sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, etc.
Nanofilters are available that provide a membrane separation process which takes in the upper
end (in separation size terms) of reverse osmosis, and the lower end of ultrafiltration, covering
mwco (molecular weight cut-off) values of 100 to 1000daltons (1u or da in: is equal to kg:
1.660539040(20) ×10−27). These membrane type filters, separate liquid and gas by finer and
finer fibers, which make filter material. These fibers have diameter measured in nanometers,
and are commonly known as nanofibers. These are used to make composite filter media, with
a web of nanofibers supported on a coarser substrate. Nanofibers due to their special properties
are used for a wide range of applications from medical to consumer products and industrial to
high-tech applications for aerospace, capacitors, transistors, drug delivery systems, battery
separators, energy storage, fuel cells, and information technology.
Nanofiltration and filtration with nanofibers are sufficiently different. Nanofiltration is a
membrane separation process, essentially for liquid phase, because it separates a range of
inorganic and organic substances from the solution in a liquid, but by no means entirely, water.
This is done by diffusion through a membrane, under pressure differentials that are
considerably less than those for reverse osmosis, but significantly greater than those for
ultrafiltration. However, nanofiber media has synthetic materials, both organic and inorganic,
that are spun from the molten state into fine fibers. Each of these materials can be produced as
a random array of fibers as a web, which, in itself, makes a very good filter medium, as long
as it is adequately supported on a strong substrate. Electrospinning is the most preferred
technique to produce these nanofibers.
The existing nasal filters /masks are summarized in the table below along with the scope of
use, effects, and their problems or shortcomings.
Name Material The scope of use and effect Problem
5
Medical
masks
Non-woven
fabric
For hospital outpatient;
disposable.
Interception effect of fine
particles is poor.
Blended
material
For the operation room,
disposable, good sanitary
conditions
Water vapor is poor, High
Respiratory Resistance.
Ito
masks
Thickened nonwoven
fabric
Dedicated to filter PM2.5
High Respiratory
resistance and inefficient
N95
masks
Thickened nonwoven
fabric
Protection of professional
occupation, preventing flow of
HINI and microbial particles
Respiratory resistance,
poor comfort
R95
Activated
carbon
Used for industrial dust and trace
organic gas entrapment
Respiratory resistance,
poor comfort
Thus, it is noted from the above that the existing masks/filters are not capable to provide
efficient filtration between 2.5PM- 10PM particulate, and also develop water vapor which
creates difficulty in breathing. Also, these filters are very costly for daily use.
US2008/0264259A1 and US8303693B2 discloses a process of making filter media which
includes a fine filter layer having a plurality of nanofibers and a coarse filter layer having
a plurality of microfibers attached to the fine filter layer. The nanofibers were produced
either by using syringe Electrospinning or by melt blown process.
US2010/0307119A1 discloses the concept of multilayer nanofiber filter media for
improved filtration of submicron particles with less pressure drop.
3254/MUM/2013 discloses a process for preparing a nanofiber based antimicrobial face
mask for protection against viruses, by using composite filter media having antimicrobial
nanoparticle filled nanofiber layer deposited on the surface of nonwoven substrate and said
face mask has more than 99% virus filtration efficiency.
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The existing nasal filters/inserts are mostly constructed to have two oval shaped separate filters
for each nasal cavity, which are capable to filter particulate material like air borne germs,
allergens and/or noxious particles.
However, the aforesaid filters are not capable of efficiently filtering between 2.5PM and 10PM
and absorb harmful gases. They provide more than 1mbar pressure gradient, which creates
hindrance for comfortable breathing. Examples of such filters are First Defense Nasal Filter,
Rhinix inserts, Sanispire inserts, etc. Also, the existing masks are not capable to provide
efficient filtration of 2.5 PM, and tend to develop water vapor which further adds to the
difficulty in breathing.
Moreover, the existing filters not only possess the aforementioned drawbacks but are also very
costly and inconvenient for daily use by consumers, as they are either too bulky or are not
appropriately designed for easy wearability in the nasal cavities. Also, due to their high cost,
they are unfit for short term and frequent usage. Examples of such filters are medical masks
(Non-woven fabric, Blended material), Ito masks (Thickened non-woven fabric), N95 masks
(Thickened non-woven fabric), R95 (Activated carbon), etc.
Further, existing disposable non-woven face masks gives a rejection ratio of 32.9% at a
pressure drop 0.29KPa.
Furthermore, medical masks made from non-woven fabric have poor interception effect of
fine particles, whereas those made up of blended material have high respiratory resistance.
Thickened non-woven fabric masks like N95 also have poor comfort.
Also, the broadly nose shapes can be divided into two shapes, round nose shapes and slotted
nose shape. In view of this, the design suggested for a nasal filter should be such that it fits
almost all nose shapes perfectly and at the same time is less visible from aesthetic point of
view.
Hence, in view of the above drawbacks, there is a need to design and develop a nasal filter
which is cost-effective, easy to use and provides efficient filtration for particulate matter
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between 2.5 PM and 10 PM while maintaining a minimum pressure difference along the filter
for easy breathing. Moreover, it is desired to develop a nasal filter that not only provides
protection from particulate matter, but is also comfortable to use. The nasal filter proposed by
the present invention overcomes the limitation of the prior art by providing a novel and
aesthetically improved nanofiber based nasal filter design.
The above-described deficiencies of today's nasal filters are merely intended to provide an
overview of some of the problems of conventional systems, and are not intended to be
exhaustive. Other problems with conventional systems and corresponding benefits of the
various non-limiting embodiments described herein may become further apparent upon review
of the following description.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The main object of the present invention is to provide a nanofiber based nasal filter for easy
application and adapted to suit different nose shapes.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a nasal filter which can filter out
particulate matter between 2.5 PM and 10 PM.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a nasal filter with nanofibers to facilitate
nanofiltration of gaseous contaminants with minimum pressure difference along the filter.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a nasal filter with nanofibers which is
easy to apply, use and produce no skin sensitivity issues.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a nasal filter capable of providing
multilayer filtration with high efficiency.
Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed
drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of
the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or
to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the
invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention
presented later.
The present invention relates to nanofiber based externally applicable nasal filter and a process
of preparation thereof. The design of the present nanofiber based externally applicable nasal
filter is practically suitable for all nose types regardless of nose orientation.
The nasal filter of the present invention has a joint geometry for both the nostrils. Joint
geometry enables better user handling as more area is available to use both the hands. Further,
it also enables application on nasal periphery in one go.
The inventors of the present invention have designed the said shape based on a study of
different nose shapes. The said design has been designed to reduce the visibility of nasal filter
on nasal periphery to the minimum and for easy adaptability to different nose shapes. The
columella of the nose (13) is almost a straight shaped structure with low radius of curvature
whereas sills (12) and sideway alae (14) are curved with high radius of curvature. Hence, the
slotted nose shape structure is the amalgamation of 3 curves based on the curvature of
columella, alae and sills part of the nostrils. With highest radius of curvature for sills, lower for
alae and lowest for columella, for the nasal filter slotted nose shape, R1>R2>R3. The height
and the width of the nasal filter has been assigned on the basis of average adult nasal periphery
shape. Thus, the design of the present nasal filter is adjustable on different nose shapes.
This not only adds to the convenience of the user but also to the economics of production. In
addition to this, the bridge width is large enough to provide strength and small enough to
provide flexibility for angle change.
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In the present invention, electrospinning technique has been adopted for production of
nanofiber at pilot to commercial scale, for producing very uniform nanofiber layer of
approximately 1 to 2 orders of magnitude smaller than melt-blown fibers. Most particularly,
the present invention relates to designing a Nasal filter with multilayer filtration which filters
particulate matter between 2.5PM to 10 PM aerosols with high efficiency.
The present nasal filters have acceptable breathability and may be used in industries, by traffic
police, by commuters for daily use and people with pollen allergy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of
the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a front view of the nasal filter in accordance with an embodiment.
Figures 2 illustrates an exploded bottom view of a nasal filter in accordance with an
embodiment.
Figure 3 illustrates a typical nostril with the different peripheral portions.
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the nasal filter in accordance with the present
invention.
Figure 5 illustrates the packaging of the nasal filter in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates the application of the present nanofiber based nasal filter over a user’s nose.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity
and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve
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understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the
drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar
elements, features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist
in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It includes
various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely
exemplary.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiments thereof have been described in detail below. It should be understood, however
that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary,
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit
and the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and
constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the
bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventors to enable a clear and consistent
understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art
that the following description and embodiments of the present invention are provided for
illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise.
By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need
not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances,
measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill
in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect and the characteristic it was
intended to provide.
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Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in
the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination
with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.
It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification
is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or
groups thereof.
The present invention relates to nanofiber based nasal filters and a process of preparing the
nasal filter thereof. Most particularly, the present invention relates to designing a Nasal filter
with multilayer filtration and capable of fitting on different nose shapes which filters out
particulate matter between 2.5PM and 10PM with high efficiency. Further, this technology may
as well be used by industries for dust and trace organic gas entrapment.
The nasal filter in accordance with the present invention is a nanofiber based nasal filter having
nanofiber based filter to be applied on nostrils for filtering the air breathed in by a user. The
nasal filter as disclosed herein is adapted to be secured externally onto a user’s nostrils by use
of an adhesive layer.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the nasal filter as disclosed herein has two filter media (2),
namely a first filter media (2) and a second filter media (2), one each of the left and the right
nostril. The first filter media and the second filter media are referred to generally as the filter
media in foregoing description. Each of the filter media has a filter and a peripheral portion.
The filter may be a nanofiber based filter. The peripheral portion forms a frame of the nasal
filter and provides support for the filter. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the peripheral portion is
designed and configured to cover a nostril. The overall width and dimensions of the peripheral
portion are such that the peripheral portion abuts the nostril when the nasal filter is applied.
The peripheral portion in the embodiment as shown is made of a slotted nose shape. The slotted
nose shape ensures that the nasal filter can be applied to a wide range of shapes of nose. The
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nose shape of the nasal filter in accordance with the present disclosure is explained in the
foregoing description.
The shape of a nostril majorly has three portions. As shown in FIG. 3, the nostril has a sill, an
ala and a columella. The shape of the filter media of the nasal filter is configured according to
these peripheral portions of a nostril. FIG. 5 broadly illustrates shape of the filter media in
accordance with the present disclosure as compared to a shape of the nostril. It is to be
understood that the shape of nostril is only shown as an example. The nasal filter as disclosed
herein may be applied to different shapes of noses. Accordingly, FIG. 6 shows a shape of the
filter media when applied to the nostril. As shown the shape of the filter media is broadly
covering the nostril and the shape is adapted such that different other shapes of nostril may be
substantially covered by the filter media when the nasal filter is applied by a user. Further as
shown in FIG. 3, the periphery of the filter media can broadly be divided into three portions
having different radius of curvature. R1 indicates radius of curvature of the portion of the
periphery that is configured to about a columella of the nose. Since the columella is generally
a straight portion as shown in FIG. 3, R1 is substantially equivalent to radius of curvature of a
straight line. Further, R2 indicates a radius of curvature of a portion of the periphery that is
configured to abut an ala or wing portion of the nostril. The wing of a nostril has a radius of
curvature lesser than the columella, and R2 is provided accordingly. Further, R3 indicates the
portion of the periphery that is configured to about a sill portion of a nostril, which has the least
radius of curvature. Thus broadly, the relationship between R1, R2 and R3 can be described as
R1>R2>R3. The preferred measurements may be readily achieved in accordance with general
dimensions (in millimeters) as illustrated in FIG. 4. It may be understood by a person skilled
in the art that the dimensions as shown in FIG. 4 may be slightly and proportionally altered to
arrive at an alternate embodiment of the nasal filter as disclosed herein.
Further, the peripheral portion defines a hole configured for mounting the filter on the
peripheral portion. The shape of the hole and the filter are configured such that a peripheral
width of the filter overlaps with a peripheral width of the peripheral portion defining the hole,
as shown with dotted lines in FIG. 6. In the embodiment as shown, the peripheral portion is
provided with a layer of adhesive to mount the filter and to support the filter in its place on the
peripheral portion. Any alternative suitable means may be used to secure the filter on the
13
peripheral portion, for example, the filter can be secured using weaving or by hot stamping,
etc. Accordingly, the filter is attached to the peripheral portion along this overlapping portion
and this way the filter is supported on the peripheral portion. A layer of adhesive may be
provided along the overlapping portion for mounting of the filter on the peripheral portion.
Further, when the filter is mounted on the peripheral portion, a width of the peripheral portion
extends outward from the outer periphery of the filter. The peripheral portion is provided with
a layer of adhesive (4) in order to stick the peripheral portion on the skin surrounding the nostril
when the nasal filter is applied. The adhesive may be any known adhesive suitable for
application on skin. In addition, an odourless adhesive may preferably be used to avoid any
unpleasant odour as the nasal filter is to be applied to the nose. Also, in an embodiment, an
adhesive layer with a mild pleasant fragrance may be used. The width of the peripheral portion
can be optimized to achieve proper pasting on the nose. The width may also be altered
according to the strength of adhesive used. A stronger adhesive may require lesser width of
peripheral portion in order to secure the nasal filter on nose when applied.
In the embodiment as shown, the adhesive provides the binding force and strength for filter
media to stick with adhesive film and for nasal filter to stick with nasal periphery. Hence,
adhesive serves dual purpose.
Further, the peripheral portion in the embodiment as shown is in form of a transparent or
translucent film. The film may further be made of any suitable material such as plastic, cloth,
fiber or any other suitable material.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, 4 and 5, a flap (3) extend from a periphery of the peripheral portion
from each of the filter media. Referring to FIG. 1, the flaps are provided extending from a
portion of the peripheral portion that is configured to abut the wing or ala of nose. The flaps
are configured such that the flaps stick to the outer portion of the ala of nose and further aid in
securing the nasal filter on the nose firmly and for long duration. It is to be noted that the
pasting of the nasal filter on the nose should be strong enough to resist the wind blast generated
from the nose cavity during breathing. Also, the pasting should be configured such that the
nasal filter is not getting drawn inside the nasal cavity while breathing in. The provision of
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flaps further aids in easy handling of the nasal filter while applying or removing the nasal filter
from the nose, as the flap may provide for a wider surface area for holding the nasal filter
during application or removal.
During application or removal, use of an infected to dirty hand may contaminate the nasal filter.
Which may lead to the user exposed to pathogens or other harmful contaminants. Moreover,
frequent touching of the adhesive layer on the nasal filter may reduce effectiveness of the
adhesive layer and hamper reusability of the nasal filter. The flaps can be used to help the user
to avoid touching the other portion of the nasal filter while application or removal, thus further
reducing changes of spoiling the nasal filter during application/removal. The flaps provided at
the periphery of the first and the second filter media provide an area for the user to hold the
nasal filter. This ensures ease of application and provides an additional area for the holding of
nasal filter with the nasal periphery, thereby increasing its reusability. Accordingly, the size
and position of the flap is based on an analysis of the application process of the nasal filter.
FIG. 4 indicates dimensions in millimeters of the flap as an example. Slight variation in
dimensions may be used as suitable.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, the nasal filter has a bridge (5) connecting the two
filter media. The bridge ensures that the two filter media remain together during application or
handling of the nasal filter. As shown, the bridge has very limited dimensions compared to the
overall dimension of the nasal filter. The bridge keeps the two filter media together. Further,
the minimal dimensions of the bridge ensure enough flexibility of the bridge for proper
positioning of the filter media on the nostril during application of the nasal filter. In the
embodiment as shown, the width of the bridge is less than half the width of columella portion
(R1) of the peripheral portion of the nasal filter. The bridge may merely connect the two filter
media with each other. However, the bridge may also be provided with an adhesive layer
further aiding in securing the nasal filter on the columella portion of the nose.
The flaps, peripheral portion and the bridge, collectively hereinafter referred to as the frame,
may be formed integral to each other. For ease of manufacturing the frame may be stamped out
directly from a sheet of material which has an adhesive layer. In an embodiment the material
15
may be polyurethane. The filter may be pasted on the sheet either before or after stamping the
frame.
Further, the nasal filter may be packaged compactly and for a convenient use as disclosed
herein. As shown in FIG. 5, the nasal filter may be packaged as pasted removably on a sheet
of a packaging paper or plastic. When a user has to use the nasal filter, the user may simply
separate the nasal filter away from the packaging paper sheet by using a thumb or a finger to
separate the flap portion first, then the nasal filter may be pulled away by holding either of the
flaps. Further, in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the packaging may include a release
paper pasted on the flaps (10). A portion of the release paper may be pasted on the flaps while
another portion may be free for a user to hold the release paper and pull away the filter from
the packaging paper (11). The release paper may also be used to apply the nasal filter on the
nose while holding the release paper during application of the nasal filter on the nose. Once it
is applied, the release paper may be pulled away from the flaps. This way any direct contact
with the nasal filter may be avoided. In an embodiment, the release paper for the flap is
positioned between the flap (3) and the packaging paper for the nasal filter.
Accordingly, the shape of the flaps has been designed for use in removal of nasal filter from
packaging with the use of thumb and index finger. Hence, the width of the flap may be as per
average thumb size. While sticking the nasal filter on the nasal periphery, lower part of the
nasal filter (R3), can be pasted on the nasal sills (12) first so that filter media properly covers
the nasal cavity. Hence, the flaps have been deliberately placed on the lower side of the nasal
filter to ensure proper application.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention and
should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific size and measurements shown in
the said figure. The size and measurements may vary based on different nasal shapes and sizes.
In another embodiment, each of the first and second filter media are held by the adhesive layer
of the peripheral portion.
In another embodiment, the filter is held by the adhesive layer on the peripheral portion.
16
In yet another embodiment, the first and second filter media are slotted nose shaped.
In another embodiment, the release paper for the flap is positioned between the flap (3) and the
release paper for the nasal filter.
In an embodiment, the adhesive is a medical grade adhesive.
In an embodiment, the peripheral portion is made of polyurethane.
In a preferred embodiment, the bridge and peripheral portion is made of a transparent material.
In a preferred embodiment, the filter layer is made up of a nanofiber material which may be
electrospunned onto a base material.
In yet another embodiment, the base material is a porous and non-woven material.
In an embodiment, the nanofiber based nasal filter is bio-degradable and bio-disposable.
In yet another embodiment, the nanofiber based nasal filter has an additional pocket/ cavity for
an adsorbent.
In an embodiment, the length of the bridge is 4mm which is an average size of adult human
columella.
In another embodiment, the filter angle is adjustable and has been rotated by a default angle of
30 degrees with respect to columella, which was found to be the most common angle of nasal
cavity and columella.
In an embodiment, the nanofiber used for preparation of the filter media may be prepared by
electrospinning method involving the steps of electrospinning a polymer solution, melt-blown
polymers, electrospinning polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride from solutions in tetrahydrofuran
17
(THF), polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene-naphthalate (PEN) over a suitable
base material.
In another embodiment, the base material used in preparation of nanofiber filter may be a
porous and non-woven material to provide support and mechanical strength to nanofiber layer,
for example spunlaced polyester fabric, SMS (spunbond meltblown spunbond), polyethylene,
cotton voile, cotton non-woven, etc. The substrate may include but not limited to microfibers
made up of polyethylene, glass, cellulose acetate, activated carbon fiber or combinations
thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the polymers may include but not limited to polyolefin, polyacetal,
polyamide, polyester, cellulose ether and ester, polyalkylene sulfide, polyarylene oxide,
polysulfone, modified polysulfone polymers, nylon, polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile,
polycarbonate and mixtures thereof.
In another embodiment, the proposed nasal filter shape has width of a round nose shape and
length of a slotted nose shape, and hence a single size can cater to all nose shapes. Various
configurations of the present respiratory filters may be construed from the disclosure.
In an embodiment, the outer periphery of the adhesive media contains an extended flap so as
to provide additional area for person to hold the nasal filter properly and place it on the nose.
The extended flap helps to improve the life of the filter media by providing additional area for
the adhesion of nasal filter to the nose and hence longer durability for oily skin type.
The packaging paper is used to stick the nanofiber based nasal filter for the packaging. An
additional release paper for flap has been introduced. This enables an easy removal of the nasal
filter from the packaging paper and user is not required to scratch the edge of the nasal filter to
release it from the release paper. Also during application, the user may hold the nasal filter
directly from release paper for flap and hence fingers do not come in contact with the adhesive
on the flap and hence no contamination of adhesive will occur which is useful for nasal skin
safety as the nasal filters are used in daily routine.
18
Another important aspect of the release paper for flap is easy removal of nasal filter from the
packaging paper for nasal filter. This ensures no extra forces to be applied on the edges of the
nasal filter as observed in other nasal filters. Hence, due to non-existence of undesirable
tension, the shape of the nasal filter remains intact and is not distorted.
Since the nasal filter is designed to fit the nasal periphery with least visibility, it has a specific
method of application to achieve the desired results. The user has to hold the release paper of
the flap and remove it gently from the packaging paper of nasal filter. After complete removal,
the user can use both the hands as a single unit nasal filter and flaps provide sufficient area for
handling. The adhesive side has to be upright in position.
The rear part of the nasal filter (7) needs to be sticked to the sills first to ensure that filter media
coincides exactly with the nasal cavity. One can adjust the angle while sticking the rear end to
the sills as per the nasal shape. Further, one has to press from the alae to the nasal tip (15) using
thumbs and then to columella to ensure complete sealing. After application, the user can
remove the release paper from the flap and then seal the flap. This method gives perfect
placement of the nasal filter in each application.
The present invention provides a composite nanofiber based disposable respiratory filter that
filters out airborne particulate matter (PM), bacteria and viruses (preventing flow of HINI and
microbial particles). The nasal filter may comprise a cavity/ pocket of one or more adsorbents
to filter out hazardous air pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons,
nitrogen oxides, etc. In an embodiment, the adsorbent used in the cavity/ pocket of the nasal
filter are activated charcoal fibers, carbon fibers, cellulose acetate etc.
The present nasal filters have acceptable breathability and may be used in industries, by
traffic police, by commuters for daily use and people with pollen allergy. The present nasal
filter is a non-insertable nasal filter which is hypo-allergenic and self-adhering. Further,
this technology may as well be used by industries for dust and trace organic gas entrapment.
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The nanofiber based filter media of the present invention may be produced using well
known methods such as electrospinning, which results in fibers of approximately 1 to 2
orders of magnitude smaller than melt-blown fibers.
The nasal filter of the present invention may be used for filtration of particulate matter between
2.5PM to 10 PM with reduced pressure difference for easy breathing. In addition to this, the
present nasal filter design is cost effective, easy to construct and simple for daily use. Besides
this, the nasal filter of the present invention provides an easy single membrane nasal filter for
both nasal cavities with user compliant/ medical grade adhesive.

We Claim:
1. A nasal filter comprising:
i) a first filter media (2) and a second filter media (2), wherein each of the first
and the second filter media comprises:
a filter made of nanofiber, the filter adapted to substantially cover a nostril;
ii) a peripheral portion surrounding the filter and configured to adhere to a
periphery of the nostril and hold the filter over the nostril; and
iii) a flap (3) extending from the peripheral portion of each filter media and
configured to adhere to an ala of nose to hold the nasal filter with the nose;
iv) wherein the peripheral portion and the flap are provided with a layer of adhesive
(5) for adhering the nasal filter over a nose; and a bridge (6) connecting the first
filter media with the second filter media and configured for abutting a columella
of nose.
2. The nasal filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nasal filter comprises:
a packaging paper (11) adhered to the peripheral portion of the nasal filter for
packaging of the nasal filter.
3. The nasal filter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the nasal filter comprises:
a release paper (10) adhered to the flap and configured to be held by a user for
applying the nasal filter on the nose.
4. The nasal filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the
bridge is lesser than half the width of the nasal filter.
5. The nasal filter as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the first and second filter
media are held by the adhesive layer of the peripheral portion.
6. The nasal filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter is held
by the adhesive layer on the peripheral portion.
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7. The nanofiber based filter as claimed in claim any of the preceding claims, wherein
the length of the bridge is preferably 4mm.
8. The nanofiber based filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first
and second filter media are slotted nose shaped.
9. The nanofiber based filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a
periphery of the filter comprises:
an ala portion; and
a columella portion;
wherein the ala portion is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees with respect to the
columella portion.
10. The nasal filter as claimed in claim 3, wherein the release paper for the flap is
positioned between the flap (3) and the release paper for the nasal filter.
11. The nasal filter as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein the adhesive is a medical
grade adhesive.
12. The nasal filter as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein the peripheral portion is
made of a transparent material.
13. The nasal filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge is made
of a transparent material.
14. The nasal filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral
portion is made of polyurethane.
15. The nasal filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter layer is
made up of a nanofiber material.
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16. The nasal filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the nanofiber
material may be electrospunned onto a base material.
17. The nasal filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base material
is a porous and non-woven material.
18. The nasal filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the nanofiber based
nasal filter is bio-degradable and bio-disposable.
19. The nasal filter as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the nanofiber based
nasal filter has an additional pocket/ cavity for an adsorbent.