In the haze of college dorm rooms, makeshift devices like toilet paper rolls stuffed with dryer sheets—affectionately dubbed “sploofs”—were the go-to for masking the telltale signs of cannabis use. Brandon Shroyer, then a student in Oregon, was all too familiar with these rudimentary tools.
“We’d crank up a steamy shower, stuff a wet towel under the door, spray Febreze everywhere, and exhale through a toilet paper roll stuffed with dryer sheets,” he recalled.
But the inefficacy of these methods, coupled with the risk of disciplinary action, highlighted a glaring need for a better solution.
This realization sparked the inception of Smoke Trap—a personal air filter designed to effectively eliminate smoke and odor, offering a discreet and efficient alternative to traditional sploofs.
Engineering a Cleaner Exhale
Smoke Trap’s advanced filtration system is where true innovative technology comes into play. Unlike DIY sploofs that merely mask odors, Smoke Trap employs a combination of HEPA filters and activated coconut carbon to neutralize them.
- HEPA filtration: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are renowned for capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This makes them exceptionally effective against smoke particles, which typically fall within this size range.
- Activated coconut carbon: This component excels at adsorbing volatile organic compounds and odors, ensuring that the exhaled air is not only smoke-free but also scentless.
Together, these elements create a device that eradicates smoke rather than simply concealing it.
Design Meets Functionality
Recognizing the flaws in both commercial and makeshift air filters, Shroyer focused on developing practical improvements that addressed real-world use. One of the first issues he tackled was moisture buildup—a common cause of clogged filters. To counter this, he added a hydrophobic pre-filter screen inside the mouthpiece. It acts as a barrier, keeping saliva and condensation from reaching the internal filter. The result is better airflow and a longer-lasting filter that doesn’t get soggy after a few uses.
Another key design decision was the move toward sustainability. Instead of creating a fully disposable product, Smoke Trap uses replaceable filters that can be swapped out without discarding the entire unit. The filters themselves are 100% recyclable, reducing plastic waste and giving users a more environmentally responsible option.
The physical design is also deliberately straightforward. With a compact shape and a rubber mouthpiece for comfort, Smoke Trap is easy to use without calling attention to itself. The focus is on functionality—no gimmicks, just a filter that does what it’s supposed to do.
Built for the Real World
Since its launch, Smoke Trap has resonated with a broad audience—from college students to urban dwellers seeking a discreet smoking experience. Customer feedback has been instrumental in refining the product. For instance, users highlighted the need for longer-lasting filters and better airflow, leading to the development of the Smoke Trap+ model. This version boasts a larger filter surface area and enhanced airflow, catering to frequent users.
Also Read: ICBC’s Global Influence on Cannabis Policy and Culture
Future-Proofing the Filter Game
While Smoke Trap has already made significant strides in revolutionizing personal air filtration, Shroyer remains open to innovation. “I’ve experimented with various prototypes, but I won’t launch anything unless I’m 100% confident it adds real value to users,” he stated. According to Shroyer, any future developments will continue to prioritize effectiveness, sustainability, and user satisfaction.
In transforming a simple dorm-room hack into a sophisticated, eco-friendly device, Smoke Trap exemplifies how innovation can stem from everyday challenges.
