RESPIRATOR HAVING VALVE WITH AN ABLATED FLAP

摘要

A respirator 10 that has a mask body 12, a harness 13, and an exhalation valve 14. Both the harness 13 and the exhalation valve 14 are secured to the mask body 12. The exhalation valve 14 comprises a valve seat 20 and a flap 22 that has a surface 57 that has been ablated. Through use of an ablated flap, the flap characteristics can be better fashioned to achieve desired valve performance. The valve flap can be fashioned to remain closed under any orientation but also to open with minimal force or pressure from the wearer's exhaled air. A valve having these qualities provides a respirator that is more comfortable for a person to wear, which can be particularly beneficial to workers who wear respirators for extended time periods.