Patent ID: 7717114
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: A61M,B29C,B29L

Abstract:
1. A method of manufacturing a face-seal interface for a respiratory facemask, said interface configured and adapted to provide a seal between peripheral boundaries of said respiratory facemask and a patient's face, and wherein said interface has a micro-cratered outer surface and is covered with a dry powder acting as a lubricant; said method comprising the steps of: mixing together plasticizing oil and a polymer to form an elastomeric polymer, and mixing said elastomeric polymer with a predetermined amount of at least one additive to form a mixture, wherein the predetermined amount of the at least one additive is proportionately in excess of an amount of additive that is soluble in the mixture at room temperature; heating the mixture to at least a melting point where the mixture becomes molten and the additive is soluble in the molten mixture in a stable solution; molding or extruding the mixture to form said interface configured and adapted to provide a seal between peripheral boundaries of said respiratory facemask and a patient's face; allowing the mixture to cool until it solidifies and becomes an-elastomer in the form of said interface; whereby the at least one additive precipitates after the solidification of the elastomer; and whereby the at least one additive migrates to the surface of the elastomer to form a dry powder that covers the surface of the face-seal interface thereby providing a lubricant and further, creates micro-craters on the surface of the face-seal interface, whereby both the powder and micro-craters reduce friction between the user's skin and the elastomer.