Method to reduce face mask and respirator discomfort

US11389397B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventor

• Edward T. Wei · Berkeley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 29, 2020
• Grant date: Jul 19, 2022
• Expiry date: Jan 30, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A62B23/025
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Wearing a face mask or a filtering facepiece respirator, especially in hot weather for more than one hour, causes discomfort. But, in a viral pandemic, a barrier to filter inhaled and exhaled air is necessary to protect against airborne pathogens. The sensations of heat abstraction, that is, coolness and cold, can be captured by the rational design of optimized molecules called TRPM8 receptor agonists. The topical application of these molecules alleviates the discomfort of wearing a face mask covering. Several entities were identified by synthesis and experiment as having the ideal properties for achieving this purpose. The preferred embodiments are certain 1-diisopropyl-phosphinoyl-alkanes described as DIPA-1-5, DIPA-1-6, DIPA-1-7, DIPA-1-8, and DIPA-1-9, collectively referred to herein as “DIPA compounds.” The applicant found that topical delivery of DIPA compounds to the facial skin, especially to the surface of the nares (nostrils), alleviates face mask discomfort. From these studies, it is hypothesized that it is the absence of cool air dynamics about the nostrils that causes face mask discomfort. The present discovery pertains to pharmaceutical compositions that relieve face …