Self-contained face mask system with automatic droplet dispenser for humidification

A self-contained system comprising:

• a mask enclosure comprised of breathable fabric that, when worn by a user, is adapted to flexibly conform to the face of the user to form a cavity between the mask enclosure and the face that includes the mouth and nose of the user,
• wherein the mask enclosure comprises outer and inner layers of the breathable fabric, and
• wherein when the mask enclosure is worn by the user, the inner layer defines a periphery of the cavity and the outer layer is exposed to ambient air outside the cavity;
• a reservoir in which liquid is stored,
• wherein the reservoir is attached to, and supported by, the mask enclosure;
• and
• a dispensing mechanism that includes—
• a sensor configured to generate measurements that are representative of a characteristic of air that is exhaled through the nostrils or mouth of the user,
• a controller configured to generate a signal in response to determining, in real time based on analysis of the measurements, that an exhalation phase has ended, and
• a droplet generator configured to
• initiate, in response to receiving the signal from the controller, dispensation of the liquid from the reservoir into the cavity in the form of droplets,
• wherein dispensation begins when an inhalation phase commences, so as to humidify air drawn into the nostrils or mouth during the inhalation phase, and
• wherein dispensation ends before the inhalation phase concludes, such that dispensation occurs over only an initial portion of the inhalation phase,
• wherein the droplet generator is attached directly to the reservoir so that the droplet generator and the reservoir are supported by the mask enclosure.