While not effective for all allergy triggers or symptoms, face masks are able to filter out many of the allergens that you’re exposed to.

Face masks have been widely available in the Western world since the COVID-19 pandemic, and many people have continued to wear them when they’re ill and need to go in public.

New research has shown that masks are more than just a helpful way to protect yourself from COVID-19 and other infections. They can also help reduce allergies by blocking allergen particles.

Wearing masks might benefit you if you have allergies to pollen, mold, dust, pets, and other substances.

A young Black woman wearing a face mask while enjoying a beautiful spring day in the park. Share on Pinterest
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Research has suggested that face masks can help reduce some allergy symptoms. Pollen particles range in size from 10 to 100 microns (µm). Standard surgical masks block particles as small as 3 µm.

N95 masks, as well as other medical masks, can block particles as small as .004 µm. That means that the standard masks that have been widely available since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic can block pollen particles.

Masks can also block many other common allergens. For instance, mold particles typically range between 3 and 13 µm, mold spore particles range between 10 and 30 µm, and dust mite particles range between 100 and 300 µm.

Although some common allergens can have smaller particles, such as pet dander, which has particles that range in size from 0.5 to 100 µm, masks will still block most particles.

But masks don’t protect against all allergy symptoms. For instance, there’s no evidence to suggest they provide benefits for people with eye allergies.

All masks can provide some relief from allergies. Even cloth masks can help block some particles and can reduce symptoms. But N95 masks are the best option for many people.

While N95s are superior, cloth surgical masks are proven effective at filtering for allergens. They’re also widely available and can be disposed of after each use. This ensures you’re always wearing a clean mask that’s free of any allergen-build-up.

Masks can protect you from infections such as COVID-19 and from allergens. Wearing a mask can also offer benefits such as:

  • Blocking pollution: Masks can help filter out smoke, smog, and other air pollutants. Experts associate long-term exposure to air pollutants with multiple negative health effects. Reducing the pollution you breathe can help reduce these health risks.
  • Protecting people who are immunocompromised: People with compromised immune systems benefit from wearing masks because it reduces exposure to bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful toxins. This can make wearing a mask a good idea year-round, even if there’s not an outbreak in your area.
  • Preventing the spread of germs to others: You can carry bacteria and other toxins without them making you ill. However, children, people with compromised immune systems, people who are already fighting infections, and others, could get ill if you pass the toxin to them. Masks can protect against infectious diseases spread by airborne transmission and respiratory droplets.

Other alternative allergy treatments

Masks aren’t the only outside-the-box way to treat allergies. Check out these articles for more allergy treatment tips.

Face masks can help block the particles and triggers that cause irritation and allergy symptoms.

Masks provide enough protection to block common allergens, including pollen, dust mites, and mold. However, they’re not an effective choice for all seasonal or other allergies.

Any mask can help reduce allergy symptoms, but N95 masks are often the best choice, followed by surgical masks. Talk with your doctor to see if they think routinely wearing face masks may help reduce your symptoms.