A customer since 9/2000, Kara Caulfield responded to the Repeat Customer Survey. Her experience provides a snapshot of how I Can Breathe! Masks can improve one's quality of life.

Date: 10/7/2006, 31 Female, Education: Bachelor's degree

1. Check condition or conditions which prompted you to seek a mask? Allergies, Asthma

2. What types of masks have you found improve your quality of life? All three. I use:

Silk comfort for pollen and fall leaves Honeycomb with carbon filter for perfume, fumes, and smoke

Cold Weather mask instead of a scarf in winter (prevents cold-induced asthma episodes)

3. Have you tried other brands of masks? Please indicate brands and experience.

The only other masks I've tried were dust masks at hardware stores. They did not filter nearly enough.

4. Why have you chosen to use an I Can Breathe! Mask? Good seal, good filtering, comfortable, adjustable loops, keeps mask away from mouth so it doesn't get damp and icky.

5. In what circumstances have you found each mask most useful?

Silk: dusting, cleaning, pollen, leaves

Carbon filter: I just recently went to a rock concert. I was amazed.

In the past, I would never have been able to go - but with the carbon filter, I was fine. (To give you an idea of the level of smoke - cigarette and otherwise - the carbon filter was brand new when I started the concert, but by the end it was completely dead. Next time, I'm bringing an extra filter.)

Cold Weather: I've always had to wear scarves but I never liked how they would be soaked next to my skin. I don't have to worry about that with the cold weather mask.

6. What is most difficult about wearing a mask?

I generally get one of two reactions from people: either they are curious and think it’s a fantastic idea (to stop second hand smoke) or they don't ask and assume something. Doesn't really bother me either way because I can actually breathe. Folks at work have responded well, and if I have to wear my mask at work for whatever reason, my boss calls me a 'ninja'.

The most difficult problem is probably finding where I put the masks...

7. Did you decide to seek out a mask or was it recommended to you by a health care provider or friend? I went looking for a mask. I was sick of not being able to do anything, being so weak when I did go out while being on maximum dose of asthma and allergy meds. Now, I have a job and can use public transportation to get there without getting sick.

8. Are you aware of any other non-invasive methods of reducing symptoms? I've heard having a teaspoon of local honey everyday helps with pollen allergies.

9. Any other remarks? Just keep making these masks! I'll be in big trouble if you disappear on me!

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This page was last updated on 02/21/08. 

I Can Breathe! Inc., 1/6/99-2006