Our well-being to a large extent depends on how much air we breathe. Unfortunately, we have to inhale polluted air saturated with microorganisms and not very useful substances. And 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 effects of the penetration of harmful substances and allergens into our bodies, as well as to make acceptable the quality of the inhaled air, we are offered a nose filter for allergies (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 network regarding filters, in accordance with the features of the choice.
Nose filters - what is it?
Such filters or, as they are called, invisible respirators, are miniature designs inserted into the nasal passages. The device is designed to filter air, it is completely invisible to others, it is easy to insert and clean without assistance. Allergy filters for allergies (reviews confirm this) do not cause any discomfort, it takes only some time to adapt to their presence in the nasal cavities.
According to the manufacturers, the device is quite capable of holding up to 98 percent of a wide variety of microparticles entering the nasal passages along with the air we breathe. These are pathogenic microorganisms that cause various diseases of the respiratory system. This also includes allergens (pollen, mold spores, animal hair, chemicals) and various components of household dust. As well as carcinogens formed in the air that pollute smog, ashes, household and industrial dust.
Varieties of filters
The following varieties of these devices are found on the shelves of Russian stores and on the pages of network resources: Japanese NoseMask and Pit Stopper, there are also English models WoodyKnows. Sanispira appliances are also featured. There is also an option called "Dobronos" of domestic production. For some types of filters, the design provides for the possibility of replacing the filter material itself. The different types of these nasal filters are designed to cleanse inhaled air, remove allergens and help treat a runny nose.
Indications for using filters
These invisibles belong to universal devices that make life easier for people suffering from various diseases. For example, frequent respiratory infections. Also, this device is useful to 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. Allergic nose filters are also used by people living in areas with adverse environmental conditions.
Health workers can also use them to replace gauze dressings and masks, which cause some inconvenience when wearing. 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 fits your size. For very young children, for example, filters are produced that suit their size and do not impede their breathing.
Principle of action: how is air purification?
Air entering the nasal passages, necessarily overcomes the installed device, where there is a disposal of filtering materials. All excess air components remain on the membrane and then are removed by rinsing under running water. Typically, the filtering component of these devices are substances such as: polypropylene, cellulose sponge, spunbond, polyester. Spanbond is an elastic thin film that retains all particles penetrating the nasal passages from the outside, the size of which does not exceed ten microns. All mucus and secretions are collected on the cellulose sponge, which allows for free breathing through the nasal filter.
Terms of Use
Before using the Invisible Respirator for the first time, carefully read the instructions that accompany the device. The efficiency of the filters, and therefore the effectiveness 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 packaging. If you use a device designed to be worn with a “wet” nose, then immediately before use, it should be slightly moistened in water, squeezed out and only then inserted into the nasal passages. Insert a respirator so that the fastening jumper fits snugly on the lower nose.
She should not be in a free position and move in different directions. Inhale deeply with your nose several times, this provides the necessary tightness of fit for domed surfaces of the device inside the nose. The filter should be worn no more than twelve hours. Filters that are designed to be worn in the absence of secretions can not be removed all this time. After removal, they must be rinsed well. Those models that are designed for a "wet" nose, you need to rinse as they become contaminated with ordinary running water. Filters must be dried at room temperature, avoiding heating radiators and exposure to direct sunlight for four hours (this is the time required to completely dry them). How are nose filters arranged?
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 presented by a number of several details, such as:
- Locking arc with which the filter is held in the nose. This handle is made of transparent plastic, and this makes it almost invisible on the face.
- Dome-shaped internal retainer. Due to this form, the device is well held in the nasal passages.
- Filter material.
- Outside retaining part.
When the device is inserted into the nose, only the arc retaining device remains visible from the outside.
How to use nose filters?
Features of use
People who use nasal filters for the first time may experience slight discomfort, which can manifest as burning, tickling, or fullness. According to customers who tested the samples on themselves, the inconvenience of wearing is a very individual thing. It all depends on the device of the nasal passages and 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 the foreign objects in his nose. If a patient suffers from an allergic or catarrhal cold, he needs models designed to be worn with 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, the effect of air purification will be lower. The use of invisible respirators for pediatric patients (from 4 to 12 years old) is possible only under the control of adults, it is not worth allowing children to insert them themselves.
Allergy nose filters can be worn both at home and outdoors daily. And you can use the device only if necessary, for example, if you are traveling in nature or in possible contact with animals and chemicals. The Japanese actively use nasal filters when riding a bicycle to delay the dust being raised by a filter membrane. This eliminates the appearance of cough and other signs of respiratory manifestations.
Pros and cons
Filters for the nose appeared on the shelves not so long ago, they have not yet received widespread distribution, but those who tried to use them speak of a well-deserved reputation of the invention as a device that greatly facilitates the lives of many people. The main advantages of such filters can be identified as follows:
- The air entering the body undergoes a very effective purification. According to research, invisible respirators retain about 98% of microparticles not exceeding 10 microns in size.
- The air flow has one hundred percent permeability. This means that the volume of all inhaled air completely enters the lungs, but at the same time, components harmful to human health 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 holds well 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 absolute advantage. Their use does not make refuse makeup and will not spoil your appearance.
This useful invention has its drawbacks, but there are not many of them compared with 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.
In the manufacture of filters using hypoallergenic and durable materials. These devices are universal in application, as different size models 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, a significant decrease in the intake of antiallergenic drugs can be attributed to the pluses, 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-allergenic drugs.
Safety measures when using
Before using nasal filters, consult an ENT doctor. This is especially important if there are polyps in the nose, there are acquired or congenital septum curvature, 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 the use of filters for young children is necessary only under the supervision of adults.
Storage rules
Filters that have not been used and are stored in their original packaging are unlimited. Those devices that have already been used have restrictions on the duration of use. Filters designed to be worn for discharge from the nose can be used for a period of time from 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 use, one package consisting of three pairs of nasal filters is enough for a month of use, and if used periodically, then for a much longer period. Japanese nose filters for allergy sufferers are the most popular.
Kinds
In our market, these devices are mainly represented by Japanese models (although there are other options, as we wrote above), so in the description we will focus on them. 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 green. The filters themselves are in transparent plastic cases. All information that is placed on the packaging is printed in Russian. Only the whole package is allowed to be sold, that is, without opening it. In order for the nasal filters to fit in size, not to create discomfort and to perform their main function efficiently, one must carefully approach the choice of model.
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 package of raspberry color includes 3 pairs of filters. The next size is Nose Mask - S. Designed for adults with narrow nasal passages and children, the filter size 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 size of the nose filter is 8.5 mm. There are 3 pairs in a black package. Also on the shelves you can find Pit Stopper nose filters, the size of which is 6.9 mm. They are used for discharge from the nose by children and adults with narrow nasal passages. Three pairs of devices fit in a yellow box. One pair of respirators can be used with a dry nose for 7 to 10 days. And the filters used for the common cold are from 5 to 10 days.
It must be remembered that the filters used for the common cold increase by one millimeter during wear. According to many users, Japanese filters have some advantages over other options. The most popular positive factors are: aesthetic qualities of miniature devices, comfort in use, efficiency and satisfactory quality.
Domestic manufacturer
As we already noted, there are domestic filters for the nose "Dobronos" (reviews of them are also positive), presented in two forms: from dust and another option from dust and pollen.
The design is the same as in previous models, there are no fundamental differences. Protects against allergens (dust, pollen and pet hair). Immediately before use, the nose filters must be moistened with water and squeezed. One filter can be used within 5-7 days. As a positive result - the disappearance of allergic symptoms (sneezing, itching in the nose, swelling of the nose).
Dobronos nose filters for dust
Purify the inhaled air from road and street dust. Apply in a dry state. One filter can be used for 5-7 days. Both options exist 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 nose filters.
Total
Filter reviews are only good. The devices perfectly protect against dust and pollen, reduce allergy symptoms, and prevent complications.
We looked at allergy filters for the nose. Reviews were also provided.