Annular unit for moisture management in respiratory mask

A method of manufacturing a face mask comprising an absorbing element, the method comprising:

• providing an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core comprises an annular shape;
• attaching the absorbent core to one or more absorbing sheet layers, wherein the one or more absorbing sheet layers are operable to disperse moisture within the absorbing element;
• forming an absorbing element by enclosing the absorbent core and one or more absorbing sheet layers between a facing layer and a backing layer, wherein the backing layer is operable to contain the moisture within the absorbing element, wherein the facing layer is operable to contact the face of a user, and wherein the facing layer allows moisture to penetrate into the absorbing element;
• and
• attaching the absorbing element to an attachment element of the face mask, wherein the attachment element comprises a removable attachment with the absorbing element.

A face mask comprising:

• a body shaped to fit over at least a portion of a user's face, wherein the body comprises a filtering material;
• and
• an absorbing element attached to an inner surface of the body, wherein the absorbing element is operable to absorb moisture and is located around a perimeter of the face mask, and wherein the absorbing element comprises:
• a facing layer operable to contact the user's face, wherein the facing layer allows moisture to penetrate into the absorbing element;
• at least one absorbing sheet layer operable to disperse moisture within the absorbing element;
• an absorbent core operable to absorb the moisture;
• and
• a backing layer operable to contain the moisture within the absorbing element.