How do cigarette filters work?

How can a small mechanical filter trap particles from cigarette smoke? The answer lies in the multi-chamber system and the physical principles involved.

Legal note: This article describes mechanical function only. No health claims.

The principle: mechanical filtration by flow guidance

Teerlos works by purely mechanical filtration: smoke moves through chambers and narrow channels. Particles settle by inertia, condensation and adhesion.

The three phases

• Inflow: hot smoke enters the first chamber.
• Guidance: redirected and slowed.
• Deposition: via inertia, condensation and adhesion.
• Exit: filtered smoke reaches the mouth.

The four principles

1. Inertia (impaction): heavier particles hit walls during turns.
2. Condensation: cooling causes drops.
3. Adhesion: sticky compounds adhere.
4. Sedimentation: heavier particles settle downward.

Visible discolouration

After 1 cigarette slight yellow, after 3–4 darker brown, after 5 darker still, after 7 dark and saturated.

Why change after 5–7?

Deposition capacity saturates. After that efficiency drops.

Taste, reuse and handling

The system doesn’t chemically alter aromas. Reuse 5–7, then dispose; no cleaning needed.

FAQ

• Does it filter nicotine? Mostly passes through.
• Cleanable? Not recommended.
• Diameter? Universal for 7–8 mm.
• Disposal? Household waste, not biodegradable, do not litter.

Vital legal notice

No health-related promises. Filter is a mechanical product. Adults (18+) only. Smoking remains risky.