Allergy Masks for Allergy Relief

Allergy masks are protective masks designed to filter out allergens in the air, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. They help reduce allergy symptoms and improve breathing for individuals with allergies.
Category
Product
Where to get
Available for purchase at pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online retailers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Allergy Masks FAQ


Image credit: allergystore.com

Can wearing a face mask reduce allergies?

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in November, 2021, has found that for some people, the symptoms of seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis can be lessened by wearing a face mask. The study was conducted in Israel in April 2020, coinciding with both the start of the pandemic and the onset of spring allergies.

Should you wear a surgical face mask if you have allergies?

Studies show that wearing a surgical face mask reduces the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Wearing a mask to relieve symptoms associated with pollen and ragweed is not a new concept. Before COVID-19, people with severe allergies used masks, but only occasionally and typically only on days with extremely high pollen counts.

Can wearing a face mask reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms?

Wearing a face mask during a high pollen count can help. As well as acting as a barrier to pollen and reducing the amount of pollen inhaled, research suggests that wearing a face mask may reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms by increasing the temperature and humidity of the air breathed in while wearing a mask.

Can wearing a mask for pollen worsen allergies?

So far, no studies have supported the claims that wearing a mask for pollen can worsen allergies. As discussed in the article’s other FAQs, masks of any kind generally catch pollens quite well. However, health experts recommend disposable surgical masks over other types. That’s because these are sold in packs.

Do face masks affect pollen allergy symptoms?

Unlike countries such as China, face masks are not traditionally worn in Europe, since the air quality is relatively normal. There is therefore no data or any reliable information on the possible influence of masks on the symptoms of people with a pollen allergy.

Allergy Masks References

If you want to know more about Allergy Masks, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

Local Community Action: Making Public Spaces Safer for Asthmatics

Share ideas and examples of how local communities can work together to make public spaces safer for those with asthma.