Our well-being depends to a large extent on the air we breathe. Unfortunately, we have to inhale polluted air, saturated with microorganisms and not very useful substances. And then there is a significant category of people (a quarter of the population of the entire planet, by the way) who suffer from seasonal allergies to flowering plants, household and industrial dust, etc.
In order to minimize the consequences of the penetration of harmful substances and allergens into our bodies, as well as to make the quality of the inhaled air acceptable, we are offered an allergy nasal filter (reviews are available), the first models of which were developed in Japan and England. In this article, we will try to systematize a lot of useful information that can be found on the web about filters, in accordance with the features of the choice.
Nose filters - what is it?
Such filters, or ste alth respirators as they are called, are miniature designs inserted into the nasal passages. The device is designed to filter air, it is perfectlyunnoticed by others, easy to insert and remove without assistance. Allergy nasal filters (reviews confirm this) do not cause any discomfort, it only takes some time to adapt to their presence in the nasal cavities.
According to the manufacturers, the device is quite capable of retaining up to 98 percent of a wide variety of microparticles that enter the nasal passages along with the air that we inhale. These are pathogenic microorganisms that cause various diseases of the respiratory system. This also includes allergens (flower pollen, mold spores, animal hair, chemicals) and various components of household dust. As well as carcinogens formed in the air, which pollute smog, fumes, household and industrial dust.
Varieties of filters
On the shelves of Russian stores and pages of network resources, the following varieties of these devices are found: Japanese NoseMask and Pit Stopper, there are also English models of WoodyKnows. Sanispira devices are also presented. There is also a variant called "Dobronos" of domestic production. For some types of filters, the design provides for the possibility of replacing the filter material itself. Different types of these nasal filters are designed to purify the air you breathe, remove allergens and help treat a runny nose.
Indications for using filters
These invisibles are universal devices that make life easier for people sufferingvarious diseases. For example, frequent respiratory diseases. Also, this device is useful for specialists of various professions who work in hazardous industries. In addition, filters are indispensable for patients suffering from bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, seasonal hay fever. Nose filters for allergy sufferers are also used by people living in areas with adverse environmental conditions.
They can also be used by he althcare workers to replace gauze bandages and masks that cause some inconvenience when worn. Pregnant women are used as a preventive measure to prevent the negative effects of dirty air on the respiratory system. The use of nasal filters for allergies (reviews are also available) is possible for people of any age category. You just need to find a model that suits you in size. For very young children, for example, filters are available that fit them and do not obstruct their breathing.
Operation principle: how does air purification work?
Air penetrating into the nasal passages necessarily overcomes the installed devices, where it is neutralized by filter materials. All excess air components remain on the membrane and are then removed by rinsing under running water. Typically, the filter component of these devices are substances such as: polypropylene, cellulose sponge, spunbond, polyester. Spunbond is an elastic thin film that traps all particles that penetrate the nasal passages from the outside,whose size does not exceed ten microns. The cellulose sponge collects all the mucus and secretions, allowing free breathing through the nasal filter.
Operating Rules
Before using the invisible respirator for the first time, carefully read the instructions that accompany the device. The effectiveness of the filters, and, consequently, the efficiency of air purification, depends on how correctly they are installed, how often they are changed and whether they are processed correctly. One pair of filters is carefully removed from the package. If you are using a device designed to be worn with a “wet” nose, then immediately before use, you need to slightly moisten it in water, wring it out, and only then insert it into the nasal passages. Insert the respirator so that the fastening bar fits snugly against the lower nose.
She should not be in a free position and move away in different directions. Inhale deeply through the nose several times, this ensures the necessary tightness of the domed surfaces of the device inside the nose. The filter should be worn for no more than twelve hours. Filters that are designed to be worn in the absence of secretions can be left on all this time. After removing them, rinse them well. Those models that are intended for a "wet" nose should be washed as they are contaminated with ordinary running water. Dry the filters at room temperature, avoiding radiators and exposure to direct sunlight for four hours (this is the timerequired for complete drying). How do nose filters work?
Filter design
Different models of nose filters have slight differences in their appearance, but their design is almost always the same. As a rule, it is simple for all filters and is represented by a number of several details, such as:
- Fixing arc, with which the filter is held in the nose. This headband is made of transparent plastic, making it almost invisible on the face.
- Inner dome retainer. Thanks to this shape, the device is well kept in the nasal passages.
- Filter material.
- Outer fixing part.
When the device is inserted into the nose, only the arch holding the device remains visible from the outside.
How to use nose filters correctly?
Features of use
People who use nasal filters for the first time may experience mild discomfort, which may manifest as burning, itching or a feeling of fullness. According to customers who have tested the samples on themselves, wearing discomfort is a very individual thing. It all depends on the structure of the nasal passages and the psychological mood. But, as a rule, they adapt to the device in two to three hours, after this time a person usually gets used to foreign objects in his nose. If the patient suffers from an allergic or cold rhinitis, he needs models designed to be wornwith a "wet" nose.
If during the period of illness, nasal filters are used (reviews about them are mostly positive), intended for use with a “dry” nose, then the effect of air purification will be lower. The use of ste alth respirators for pediatric patients (from 4 to 12 years old) is possible only under the supervision of adults, do not allow children to insert them themselves.
Allergy nose filters can be worn both at home and outside daily. And you can use the device only when necessary, for example, if you are going to nature or in case of possible contact with animals and chemicals. The Japanese actively use nasal filters when cycling to trap raised dust with a filter membrane. This eliminates the appearance of coughing and other signs of respiratory manifestations.
Pros and cons
Nose filters have hit the shelves not so long ago, have not yet become widespread, but those who have tried to use them speak of a well-deserved reputation as an invention as a device that greatly facilitates the lives of many people. The main advantages of such filters can be summarized as follows:
- The air entering the body undergoes a very effective purification. According to studies, ste alth respirators trap about 98% of microparticles that do not exceed 10 microns in size.
- The air flow is 100% permeable. This means that the volume of all inhaled air completely enters the lungs, but at the same time harmfulfor human he alth, the components remain on the filter membrane. The Japanese nose filter is especially famous.
- Due to the small size of the devices and the anatomical shape, the nasal filter fits perfectly and does not cause discomfort. The device does not affect speech, does not interfere in the expression of emotions (you can cry and laugh as much as you like), does not interfere with eating. Compared to masks and conventional respirators, nasal filters have an undeniable advantage. Their use does not make you give up makeup and will not spoil your appearance.
This useful invention also has disadvantages, but there are not so many of them compared to the advantages of using it. The main disadvantage for most buyers is the cost, three pairs of nasal filters cost about 600 rubles or more.
Hypoallergenic and durable materials are used in the production of filters. These devices are universal in use, as models of different sizes are produced, which are selected depending on the width of the nasal passage. Their use in young children and pregnant women is not satisfactory. In addition, the advantages include a significant reduction in the intake of anti-allergic agents, since the filters perfectly retain allergens. As a result, the symptomatic manifestations of allergies are significantly reduced, which means that there is no need to use anti-allergic drugs.
Safety precautions for use
Before using nasal filters, you should consult an ENT doctor. This is especially important ifthere are polyps in the nose, there are acquired or congenital curvature of the septum, or frequent bleeding is observed. People with asthma should also use nasal filters with caution and only on the advice of a doctor. In addition, we remind once again that small children should only use filters under the supervision of adults.
Storage rules
Filters that have not been used and are stored in their original, undamaged packaging have an indefinite shelf life. Those devices that have already been used have limitations in terms of use. Filters intended to be worn for nasal discharge may be used for a period of 5 to 10 days, provided that the wearing time does not exceed 12 hours per day. Dry nose devices can be used for 7-10 days. Thus, with daily wear, one pack of three pairs of nasal filters is enough for a month of use, and if you use them periodically, then for a much longer period. Japanese nose filters for allergy sufferers are the most popular.
Views
In our market, these devices are mainly represented by Japanese models (although there are other options, as we wrote above), so we will focus on them in the description. Japanese companies produce only four types of nasal filters, differing from each other in size and some features in their use.
For Russian consumers, manufacturers produce devices in special packages of black, yellow, raspberry and greencolors. The filters themselves are in transparent plastic cases. All information that is placed on the packages is printed in Russian. It is allowed to sell only the whole package, that is, without opening it. In order for nasal filters to fit in size, not create discomfort and perform their main function with high quality, the choice of model must be approached carefully.
An option called Nose Mask - L ("Nose Mask"). The size of this nasal filter device is standard and is 9.2 mm. Used by adults. The crimson package includes 3 pairs of filters. The next Nose Mask size is S. Designed for adults with narrow nasal passages and children, the size of the filters is 7.8 mm. Used for use with a "dry" nose. The green package contains 3 pairs of filters.
Pit Stopper, size L. Recommended for use by adults with a cold. The nasal filter size is 8.5mm. There are 3 pairs in a black box. Also on the shelves you can find Pit Stopper nose filters, the size of which is 6.9 mm. They are used for nasal discharge in children and adults with narrow nasal passages. Three pairs of devices are placed in a yellow box. One pair of respirators can be used for dry noses for 7 to 10 days. And the filters used for a cold are from 5 to 10 days.
It must be remembered that the filters used in case of a cold, in the process of wearing, increase by one millimeter. According to many users, Japanese filters have someadvantages over other options. The most popular positive factors are: aesthetic qualities of miniature devices, comfort of use, efficiency and satisfactory quality.
Domestic manufacturer
As we have already noted, there are also domestic filters for the Dobronos nose (reviews about them are also positive), presented in two forms: from dust and another option from dust and pollen.
The design is the same as the previous models, there are no fundamental differences. Protects against allergens (dust, pollen and pet hair). Immediately before use, nasal filters must be moistened with water and wrung out. One filter can be used for 5-7 days. As positive results - the disappearance of allergic symptoms (sneezing, itching in the nose, swelling of the nose).
Dobronos nose filters against dust
Clean the inhaled air from road and street dust. Apply dry. One filter can be used for 5-7 days. Both options are available in two sizes.
Which model to choose and whether to use them at all, you choose. For our part, we tried to tell as much as possible about such a novelty as nasal filters.
Result
Reviews about filters are only good. The devices perfectly protect against dust and pollen, reduce allergy symptoms, and prevent complications.
We reviewed nasal filters for allergies. Feedback has also been given.