Saline nose wipe and methods of manufacture and use

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a wet wipe or sheet that is suitable for contacting the skin and removing mucus from the skin. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wet wipe having an aqueous saline component suitable for dissolving and removing mucus in combination with the fabric matrix of the wet wipe. Typically, the fabric matrix of the wet wipe has a capacity of about 125 grams of solution per square meter, and it is impregnated with the aqueous saline solution to a level at or below approximately 80% of the absorbent capacity of the matrix.

1 . A method of manufacturing a matrix for removing mucus from in or around a nose comprising:
 providing an absorbent matrix of mechanically bonded fibers;   impregnating into the matrix biologically compatible alcohol-free aqueous solution comprising an inorganic salt appropriate to be applied into nasal passages in a concentration of 0.1 to 9 grams per 100 grams of solution, a preservative, and an emollient, wherein the solution is impregnated into the matrix such that the matrix has unused absorbent capacity but the amount of the solution is sufficient to apply the solution to a surface.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the absorbent matrix is a fabric having a basis weight of approximately 10 to 100 grams per square meter. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the absorbent matrix includes cotton. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the inorganic salt includes one or more of: sodium chloride and potassium chloride. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the preservative includes a chelating agent. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the chelating agent includes one or more of: tetrasodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), disodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, and dipotassium EDTA. 
     
     
         7 . A disposable composition for removing mucus from in or around a nose comprising:
 an absorbent matrix of mechanically bonded fibers, and   an aqueous mucus-dissolving biologically compatible alcohol-free solution appropriate for application into nasal passages impregnated into the matrix such that the matrix has unused absorbent capacity but the amount of the solution is sufficient to apply the solution to a surface, the solution comprising an inorganic salt in a concentration of approximately 0.1 to 9 grams per 100 grams of solution.   
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 7  wherein the solution further comprises an emollient, a preservative, and a surfactant. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 7  wherein the inorganic salt includes one or more of: sodium chloride and potassium chloride. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the emollient includes glycerin. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the preservative includes a chelating agent. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 11  wherein the chelating agent includes one or more of:
 tetrasodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), disodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, and dipotassium EDTA. 
 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 7  further comprising one or more of:  aloe vera,  lavender, chamomile, and an herbal additive. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 7  wherein the absorbent matrix is a fabric base having a basis weight of approximately 10 to 100 grams per square meter.