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Nose filters are a new option to clean the air we breathe. The tiny filters fit inside the nose and are hardly noticeable. Some are reusable while others are disposable.
They are inexpensive to other air cleaning solutions.
As air pollution and allergies increase worldwide, nose filters may provide relief to sensitive and health-conscious individuals.
I’m someone who is sensitive to pollution and allergens and I’m always on the look-out for new products.
In the sections below, I’ll share my thoughts about nose filters and allergies.
- Do nose filters work?
- Do they make it hard to breathe?
- Are there better options for allergy suffers?
I’ll answer these questions and more
How Nose Filters Work
Nose filters are tiny filters that are inserted into the nose. The two nostril filters are connected by a clear band, so the filters are one piece and easier to keep track of. The clear band also makes the filters less noticeable and easy to remove.
Similar to a foam earplug, the filters will fit most nostrils and will fit snugly inside the nostril.
Some brands are disposable while others offer a retainer that has a replaceable filter. Others are washable.
One of the most reputable brands, WoodyKnows, uses the retainer (frame) and replaceable filters. This brand markets its filters to prevent particle matter of 2.5 microns – which is really good.
Nose filters are marketed towards outdoor and industry jobs with a lot of pollution or dust.
For everyday use, they might be less practical.
Because they impede airflow, the filters might trick your body into breathing out of the mouth rather than through the nose. For this reason, it’s important for the user to focus on nasal breathing while wearing the filter.
Reasons To Use Nasal Filters
One reason to try the nose filters is that research shows they work (or at least are appreciated by the study participants. Participants in the mentioned study saw the nasal filters as a convenient and comfortable way to reduce allergy symptoms during the pollen season.
- Dusty work environment
- Woodworking
- Allergies
- Air pollution in large cities
- Asthma
- House cleaning
- Spring pollen season
- Airplanes
- Sick/Illness
Will Nose Filters Help Allergies
The most common allergies are substances we can’t see with our naked eye. They are microscopic.
These allergens include pollen, mold, dust mite proteins, and pet dander.
Dust mite and cat allergens are the smallest allergens and require HEPA filtration to truly be effective. In addition, these allergens are most common indoors.
Pollen and mold allergens are slightly larger and are predominately outdoors. They require a good filter, but not as strong as what’s required for dust mite and cat dander allergens.
Because pet dander and dust mite allergens are so small, the filtration required would likely impede the ability to breathe through the nose. Most people would resort in mouth-breathing which negates the benefit of using a nasal filter.
For outdoor activities like walking, running, and working, nose filters might help with allergy symptoms.
Do Nose Filters Make Breathing Difficult
One of the biggest questions I had was in regards to breathing. Will the filters make it difficult to breathe from my nose?
If you’ve ever used a mask for pollution, you know that they can make breathing laborious and they can also make your face hot and steamy. I like the protection that a face masks provide, but wearing nose filter seems much more comfortable.
If the filter is too thick, breathing will be difficult, however, if the filter is not strong allergens will not be stopped. Therefore, we shouldn’t expect breathing with the filter to be as easy as without.
For activities like exercise that require rapid breathing, the filters might be an inconvenience. For leisurely strolls though the park or moderate work outdoors, the nose filters shouldn’t bother you much.
Best Nose Filters For Allergies
There aren’t many options when it comes to filters for the nose. I mentioned WoodyKnows earlier. They seem to be the industry leader. Brands include:
- Rhinex
- First Defense (disposable)
- WoodyKnows (reusable frame with disposable filters)
First Defense (check on Amazon) was listed on Shark Tank years ago. No sharks invested in the company but First Defense has sold millions of packs to industries all over the world. They must work!
Rhinix sells primarily through their website. They have a sleek, clear product that works similar to the WoodyKnows product. Reusable frame and replaceable filters.
WoodyKnows has hundreds of reviews on Amazon and most are positive. They have a pack that comes with the frame, extra filters, a carry bag, and tweezers.
Note: All nose filters that come with frames should be washed and cleaned after each use. After all, there is a lot of bacteria that live in our nose!
Additional Options To Consider
I have to admit, nasal filters aren’t my first choice for breathing clean air. Here are a few negatives I have on the products:
- Required cleaning
- Insertion to the nose (good for concealing but might be uncomfortable)
- Single-use
- Unknowingly promotes mouth breathing
There are plenty of options for filtering the air we breathe. If you want fresh air indoors you can find super-strong HVAC filters and HEPA air purifiers.
But most people interested in nasal filters will likely use them outside. In this case, a modern allergy mask is my first choice (I wrote an article on quality allergy masks).
I really like Vogmasks because they are stylish, protect the mouth and nose, and they are comfortable. Look for dual valve masks, which allow air to escape the mask more easily.
Conclusion
Nasal filters are a new option to improve the air we breathe. It’s unfortunate that allergies and air pollution have made us resort to using filters, but that’s the way it goes.
Nose filters are a good option because they are small and easily concealed inside the nose. They are also affordable.
There are various types of filters for the nose. Some are strips that attach to the underside of the nose. Others use a frame that is inserted into the nasal passage.
Depending on what you’re using the filter for (work, exercise, cleaning etc.), one type might be more comfortable than another. WoodyKnows is a well-respected brand to start with.
If I was working in a dusty environment I might be more interested in using nasal filters. For outdoor activities and air pollution, I’ll stick with an allergy mask to ensure I breathe fresh air through my mouth and nose.