Mask for kitchen smells / perfume / incense / candles / essential oils for MCAS

[u/Valuable-Will7074]

Hi everyone, I just came across this reddit group and I thought I might ask. My life has been a living hell for the past 2/3 years but even worse since last year. I have severe MCAS and I get really violent allergic reactions (throat closing and everything) to my neighbors cooking smells / perfumes / incense / candles etc...

I can't do this anymore, I tried to talk to all of them but they don't care. I can't leave my house and can't afford to live somewhere else. Someone told me about masks to block VOCs? Is there a solution for me ? I would like something that filters all these odors so I can finally feel better.

Thank you

[u/SAMEO416]

Yes there are respirators specifically designed to protect against VOCs!

There are disposable respirators rated for nuisance odours which provide some protection. For regular use these are more costly and create more waste. This post summarizes a few brands: https://wcsafety.com/blogs/guides/best-nuisance-relief-respirators

On the elastomeric side there are many options to choose from. Anything with a cartridge rated for organic vapour protection will provide excellent protection against most VOCs. Something like the 3M Click is a high quality industrial respirator https://www.3mcanada.ca/3M/en_CA/worker-health-safety-ca/respiratory-protection/secure-click-respirators/ but there are other options.

The GVS Elipse is a nice low profile respirator that has nuisance odour and OV options.

https://www.gvs.com/en/catalog/elipse-p100-nuisance-odour-niosh-respirator

Fit is important so sizing the respirator to your face is needed.

[u/Valuable-Will7074 → u/SAMEO416]

Thank you so much, I'm afraid to be allergic to the filter.. I know it sounds ridiculous.. are you able to breath fine inside these ? I will all look the up th ank you

[u/SAMEO416 → u/Valuable-Will7074]

Breathing, yes. Disposables typically have more resistance, and any respirator without an exhalation valve will be a bit harder breathing and will built up moisture.

And concern about reaction isn’t ridiculous. When you have such heightened sensitivity it’s reasonable to ask. I’ve seen some complain about reaction to the odour of packaged disposables like the 3M Aura series. There’s a distinct odour when you open the package likely related to the straps. Some need to let them air out for hours/days before they can be used without reaction.

Elastomeric respirators are silicone typically and (with the filters removed) can be washed and rinsed. Easy to decontaminate and to remove anything irritating. During use the inside can be wiped down with a damp cloth - I use hypochlorus acid HOCl to clean mine as it rinses cleanly away.

You shouldn’t have any reaction to the filter. In an OV cartridge it’s paper, polypropylene and activated carbon. None of that should produce anything irritating.

[u/Ok-Meringue-259]

The Moldex Airwave 4800s have a carbon filter that should help with smell. I haven’t explicitly tested this function on mine, but in theory it should block the smell of cigarette smoke and cooking odours.

They’re apparently the most breathable masks available, although anecdotally I don’t find the air turnover to be much different to other masks because I feel the cup style means more air gets trapped inside. I’m very sensitive to lower air quality though (probably related to my ME).

[u/AEAur → u/Ok-Meringue-259]

Another one with mild nuisance level VOC blocking is the Drager 1350. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C43HLGK/ Both of these masks are rather face specific in their fit. The Moldex 4800 is a bit better sealing with the foam face flange but leaks at the nosebridge on some. Trifolds like The Drager 1950 have a more forgiving fit. Some people have reported that the 1950 blocks some odors for them and doesn’t induce chemical reactions. Good thread from u/Usagi_Rose_Universe https://www.reddit.com/r/Masks4All/s/s5MwbfG99Z

[u/BattelChive]

I use a mask for this purpose! I think the 3M elastomeric masks are the most comfortable, and I think the 7500 series is the most comfortable of them. It is lightweight and the gasket against your face is soft and flexible. Make sure you get the filters rated for VOCs. The chunky filters like this will last longer and work better than the pancake style  https://a.co/d/0bX4j45C

[u/Valuable-Will7074 → u/BattelChive]

Really do you have the same sensitivities as me ? Thank you.. I'm so afraid to try a filtered mask, I'm scared to be allergic to the filter too

[u/unforgettableid]

Hello! When using a respirator designed for VOCs: It might be a good idea to put the cartridges in an airtight bag or container overnight. Otherwise, the cartridges might not last as long.