Patent attributes
The present invention may create and maintain a pressure differential in the vicinity of the user's nasopharynx. A portable filter and pressurized air source subjects the region of the user's nasopharynx to positive or negative pressured air. Positive pressure prevents exposure to surrounding air while negative pressure isolates those around the user from potential toxins or pathogens exhaled from the user. With positive pressure, surrounding air is displaced preventing exposure to ambient air in most instances. With negative pressure, exhaled air is evacuated from the nasopharynx, filtered and returned to the user's surroundings to prevent exposure to those around the user. Such devices may be incorporated into garments, accessories or existing isolation devices (e.g., face masks) to improve efficacy. Alternatively, the device may also be attached to an air source in the user's vicinity and provide filtration of the air prior to delivery to the region surrounding the user.
