Effects of Warm, Steam and Aroma Mask on Breathing Rhythm and Emotion

Abstract

Objective: People generally use a mask to prevent inhaling or exhaling fine particles or bacteria. However, it hinders breathing to some extent and causes an unpleasant feeling. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the material of mask. Methods: In this study, in 14 healthy male subjects we examined the effect and sensation or impression of aroma sheets (A), warm-steam sheets (WS) and warm-steam-aroma sheets (WSA) set in a mask. Respiratory rate (RR), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for different feelings were analyzed during the application of a mask with (WS), (A) or (WSA) and compared with the results without such sheets. Results: RR and state anxiety scores were decreased during the wearing of the masks. Differences in RR and state anxiety score showed a significantly linear positive correlation during WSA. Feelings of calmness, renewed energy, relaxation and good feeling were significantly increased during WSA. Conclusion: The results suggest that warm-steam-aroma sheet is a useful material to set inside a mask to decreasing anxiety and increasing pleasant feelings.

Warm Steam Inhalation before Bedtime Improved Sleep Quality in Adult Men

“…In the present study, psychological relaxation was achieved after using a SG-mask, although autonomic respiratory variables were not measured. Recently, properly controlled warm steam inhalation has been reported to reduce nasal resistance and alter the breathing pattern from rapid shallow breathing to slow deep breathing while achieving psychological relaxation [8–10]. These findings suggest that psychological changes might be at least partly associated with a reduction of nasal resistance and/or achievement of slow deep breathing in the present study.…”

“…The SG-mask used in the present study was made of nonwoven fabric shaped in three dimensions. HSG sheets were inserted into each mask [8–10]. The mask was sealed in an aluminum package before use.…”

“…This warm steam was applied to the skin and inhaled safely once the mask covered the nose and mouth. Our previous study showed that the mask provided approximately 600 mg of warm steam during a 10-minute period, which maintained the skin temperature underneath the mask at 38–40°C for approximately 15 minutes [8–10]. The NS-mask was composed of the same nonwoven fabric and was indistinguishable from the SG-mask.…”

“…We recently developed a novel breathing technique based on a disposable heat-and-steam generator (HSG) sheet to enable safe and easy inhalation of warm steam. This practice has been reported to induce psychological relaxation and decrease respiratory frequency in healthy men [8, 9] and in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [10].…”

“…In this study, we investigated whether warm steam inhalation before bedtime would improve the sleep quality in individuals with mild sleep difficulties and anxiety by promoting psychological relaxation. We monitored the electrocardiogram (ECG) results and changes in subjective status at bedtime while the participants inhaled warm steam via a mask fitted with an HSG sheet, as described in previous studies [8–10]. We then evaluated the participants' subsequent sleep quality using electroencephalograms (EEGs) and a visual analog scale (VAS).…”