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HOME BLOG CAN YOU STILL SMELL ODOURS THROUGH N95 MASK?

Can You Still Smell Odours Through N95 Mask?

N95 masks are made of several layers of synthetic fibre named polypropylene and designed to block at least 95% of the
airborne particles. If worn correctly, an N95 mask can provide the highest level of protection. But can you still smell
odours through an N95 mask?

You can still smell odours through an N95 mask. This doesn’t mean that your mask isn’t protecting you
against viral infections like COVID-19. Molecules responsible for smell are tiny compared to viruses. So, N95
masks can effectively filter out virus particles, but not gas molecules because of size.

Face masks are designed to protect against viruses mostly, so the chances of still being able to smell things through them
are high.

Why can I still smell odours through N95 mask?


You can still smell odours through N95 masks because the gas molecules are small enough to fit through the filters. N95
face masks are designed to stop viral-type diseases, such as COVID19, from spreading. While it can protect against
large and smaller particles, the filtration isn’t enough to stop gas molecules.

N95 masks can filter out dust, pollens, and virus-carrying droplets. All these particles are bigger than gas molecules
which is why you can still smell through an N95 face mask. Only an activated carbon mask or another similar respiratory
barrier can stop you from smelling odours.

In saying this, though, N95 masks are some of the best protections you can wear. They filter particles that range from 0.1
to 0.3 microns, protecting you from a huge range of viruses and other dangerous particles. N95 face masks actually
block 95% of airborne particles. So, while you still can smell through masks, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be wearing
them. You will always be more protected wearing an N95 face mask and smelling odours, than not wearing a mask.

Is it bad to smell odours through N95 mask?


Smelling odours through an N95 face mask isn’t bad. This kind of face mask can’t stop gas molecules from reaching your
airways. This means that many odours around you can still be smelt even with an N95 mask on. The extent of the odour
can vary depending on where it is coming from and what face mask you are wearing. If you’re wearing a reusable cloth
mask, you will be able to smell a lot of odours. An N95 face mask with the best filtration efficiency won’t completely stop
you from smelling odours. But you are still protected from viruses, which means smelling odours isn’t bad.
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N95 masks will block a certain percentage of the smell, but there will still be certain molecules small enough to slip
through the filter. If the smell of odours through your face mask is becoming too noticeable, you can change your face
mask to feel more protected.

There are certain bad odours that you can smell when wearing an N95 mask. This often comes from your own body,
especially when you’re sick. If you are sick, the bacteria from your breath can build up on the mask. In this case, you
should be changing the N95 mask regularly to help recover from sickness.

Are you still protected if you can smell odours through


N95 mask?
You’re still protected against viruses and other harmful particles, even if you can smell odours through an N95 mask.
Lots of people think that if you can smell food, smoke, or other scents through an N95 mask, then the mask is useless.
But this isn’t the case.
Viruses spread through the droplet particles. These particles are way bigger than gas molecules responsible for odours.
So, saying that a mask is ineffective just because you can smell an odour is not correct.

A mask won’t stop a gas molecule from passing through it because of its very tiny size. In a droplet, viruses are clumped
together, making the passing of droplets complex through the mask.

Should you be able to smell cigarette smoke through


N95 mask?
You are able to smell cigarette smoke through an N95 face mask. This doesn’t influence the level of protection you get
from wearing an N95 mask against viruses. What this does indicate is that you need a different kind of respiratory mask
to protect your airways against smoke if you’re around a smoking area.
Most odour particles within cigarette smoke are small enough to fit through the pores in N95 face mask filters. This is
why you can still smell the smoke while wearing this face mask. But there isn’t cause for too much panic. While an N95
mask won’t stop the smell of cigarette smoke, it can filter out a percentage of other harmful particles. The dust, ash, and
water droplets containing viruses that can all stem from a cigarette are stopped by the N95 mask.

Should you be able to smell alcohol through N95 mask?


You might be able to smell alcohol through an N95 mask. The number 95 in the name refers to the filtration efficiency of
the mask, indicating that this mask can filter out 95% of 0.3 microns.

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But there’s still a 5% leakage factor. And since odour-causing particles are small molecules, you’ll be able to smell things
like alcohol through an N95 mask. So, keep in mind that an N95 mask doesn’t offer protection against fumes and
chemical odours. This also includes gases that individuals may experience in a health care setting or a hospital.

Can you smell food through N95 mask?


You can smell food and strong scents through an N95 mask. The food odour particles are tiny molecules. Just like other
odours that we’ve mentioned, the molecules from your food that create the smell are small enough to fit through the
filters. So, your N95 mask can protect you from viruses that might be at the place you’re eating, but it won’t stop you
from smelling delicious meals! An N95 mask also won’t stop bad food odours from filling your nose. Good or bad, when
wearing an N95 mask you will be able to smell food.
If you found this article useful, check out our other resources, including ‘do N95 face masks protect against paint
fumes?’ We also have lots of other PPE gear for your painting and working needs. Find all your gardening and
construction needs at Canberra Diamond Blade Suppliers today!

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