Self-defense spray, also known as pepper spray, is a suitable means of defense in various critical situations. Women and girls in particular can find themselves in a situation where they cannot handle an attacker and need help. In such cases, a defense spray for women is an invaluable lifesaver for health, property, or even life.
When to use a self-defense spray?
Emergency situations are not necessarily caused by an aggressive person. Equally dangerous, and in many cases even more dangerous, can be an enraged animal, for example a dog.
Imagine you are walking your dog and you are attacked by a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd. In such a moment, it does not matter who provoked whom. You may suffer the consequences of the fight as well. In such a situation, using pepper spray to ground troublemakers on the spot is also appropriate. An ideal companion for walks with your pet can be, for example, the Kaser Protect Anti Dog Lady Defense Spray. Thanks to its miniature size, it easily fits into a jacket pocket.
Do you have night shifts or do you move around outside after dark for various reasons? Most attacks take place under the cover of darkness. You don't need to master self-defense or martial arts and you can still give the attacker quite a scare. Women's pepper sprays are made for exactly such situations.
Evening jogging in parks and walks in deserted places also pose a certain risk, especially for women and girls. You definitely should not give up your favorite activities just because of fear. In such cases, however, a defense spray for women should not be missing from your gear.
How does pepper spray work?
The advantage of pepper spray is its effectiveness, spray pattern and intensity. The range of the active substance varies depending on the type of nozzle of the sprayer. The substances contained in the defense spray cause a rapid onset of effect, which can incapacitate the attacker for several valuable minutes. This means that for at least the next 5 minutes, they will not be capable of any action. You can use this time to escape, disarm the attacker, or call for help.
Defense spray for women causes excessive tearing of the eyes, irritation of the mucous membranes, temporary blindness (up to 5 minutes) and a stinging pain around the mouth. Pepper sprays can thus stop the attacker without causing them any permanent health effects. For this reason, they are considered the best self-defense option for women.
How to choose a suitable defense spray for women?
If you are browsing women's pepper sprays and considering buying one of them, you need to take several factors into account. Pay attention especially to indicators such as the active substance used, the method of its spraying, and the size or volume of the canister.
Active substances used in pepper sprays
- CS (orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile) – a chemical compound, acts after approx. 5 – 20 seconds, causes pain and redness of the eyes along with blurred vision.
- CN (alpha-chloroacetophenone) – a chemical compound, the effect starts after approx. 5 – 20 seconds, causes severe irritation up to conjunctivitis, burning in the nose up to a feeling of suffocation, irritation and swelling of the skin.
- OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) – a non-toxic extract of cayenne pepper, acts immediately, causes severe burning of the skin, respiratory tract and eyes, tearing, coughing and a feeling of suffocation.
- CR (Dibenzo-Oxazepine) – a compound, the effect starts after about 2 seconds, causes burning pain in the respiratory tract.
Types of nozzle – ways of spraying the active substance
The suitable choice of nozzle depends primarily on the actual use of the spray. There are two main spraying methods available on the market. Choose individually, according to your needs.
One of them is spraying in the form of a stream, the so-called „JET – STREAM“. It works on a similar principle as a children's water pistol, where, when used, a large amount of substance is sprayed out in a short time from a small opening of the sprayer. With this type, there is the possibility of selectively targeting the aggressor even in a small group of people. However, due to the precision of aiming and spraying, it is not at all suitable for use against dogs and other animals.
The second type, the so-called „FOG“, sprays the active substance in the form of a mist when used, similar to hair spray. The substance remains in the air for approximately 30 seconds, dispersing in the space in a wide circular cone without the need for precise aiming at the aggressor. It is the most suitable nozzle even against dogs and other animals. An example of this type is also the Kaser NATO defense spray.
We also know defense sprays for women, which have nozzles with gel and foam dispersion. These types are similar to the stream nozzle. Their advantage is relatively safe use indoors. They can be used in wind and rain.
Size and volume
Basically, we distinguish two types of defense sprays according to size – small and large.
Small kasers for women are ideal for everyday carrying, they easily fit into a pocket or a smaller handbag. If necessary, they can also be well hidden in the palm of the hand. However, a small defense spray for women is not suitable for people with thicker fingers. Due to the smaller volume, it also has a shorter range and a shorter spraying time. For women for whom carrying sprays in the classic design is not suitable, an ideal example is the inconspicuous OC Spray Pen defense spray.
Large defense sprays are heavier, bulkier and therefore more visible, but they have a large spraying range and can be used multiple times. In addition, they are comfortable to hold and easier to handle.
Women's kasers are available in a wide range that will satisfy even the most demanding customers. However, do not forget that if a defense spray for women is to really serve its purpose, you should always carry it with you.
