What Are Those Smelling Salt Packets NFL Players Are Using?
What Are Those, and Do They Actually Work?
Those white smelling salt packets NFL players use are called single-use ammonia inhalants. Each packet contains a sealed glass ampule that releases ammonia vapor when crushed. You'll often see them on NFL sidelines because they're compact, individually packaged, and easy to carry.
If you've watched an NFL game recently, you've probably seen it.
A player walks to the sideline, grabs a small white packet, crushes it between their fingers, takes a quick inhale, and tosses it aside.
If you're wondering "What are those smelling salt packets NFL players are using?" you're not alone. That's exactly how many people first discover ammonia inhalants.
Those small packets are commonly known as single-use ammonia inhalants or smelling salts.
How Do Single-Use Smelling Salts Work?
Each packet contains a small glass ampule filled with an ammonia inhalant solution.
The glass ampule is protected by a paper sleeve printed with instructions to "CRUSH HERE" at the center of the ampule.
When the center is firmly crushed, the glass ampule breaks inside the sleeve, releasing ammonia vapor.
Unlike traditional bottled smelling salts, each ampule is individually sealed until it's activated.
Why Are NFL Players Using Them?
Many athletes choose individually packaged ammonia inhalants because they're compact, easy to carry, and activated only when needed.
You'll often see them on NFL sidelines, in athletic training rooms, and in gym bags because they're convenient to store and transport.
Rather than carrying a reusable bottle, each ampule is a sealed, single-use packet that's discarded after activation.
San Francisco 49er tight end George Kittle is one of the more outspoken ammonia inhalant users. Following the NFL's decision to prohibit teams from supplying them to players directly, Kittle crashed and NFL Network broadcast, saying “I honestly just came up here to air a grievance. Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL, and I’ve been distraught all day.”. Kittle later quipped “I considered retirement. We have to figure out a middle ground.”.
It was later clarified by the NFL Players Association that while teams weren't allowed to supply them, players were still welcome to purchase and use ammonia inhalants during games.
Are They Different From Traditional Smelling Salts?
Yes.
Traditional smelling salts are typically sold in reusable bottles that are opened multiple times.
The packets you commonly see athletes using are single-use ammonia inhalant ampules.
Each ampule remains sealed until it's crushed, making them convenient for storage and transport.
If you'd like to learn more about the differences, read our guide:
Smelling Salts vs. Ammonia Inhalants
Why Are More Athletes Choosing Single-Use Packets?
Many athletes prefer individually sealed ampules because they offer several practical advantages:
- Individually sealed until use
- Compact enough for gym bags and first aid kits
- Easy to carry without a bulky container
- Single-use convenience
- Available in multiple pack sizes
Where Can You Buy the Same Style of Smelling Salt Packets?
Snap Labs offers individually sealed crushable ammonia inhalant ampules in convenient 10, 20, 40, and 100-count packages. Each ampule remains sealed until activated, making it easy to store, transport, and keep individual ampules ready when needed.