In June of 1995, I found myself more and more exhausted, even though I was meticulous about medicating with three different inhalants several times a day in order to breathe. Blood tests showed none of the common allergies. Foods did not seem to make a difference. I read several brochures about asthma. All agreed: avoid cigarette smoke, perfume, paints, diesel exhaust, ozone, particulates, dust, dander, mold, pollens and cold.

How? I was the one who dusted and vacuumed. My grown children have dogs and cats. Could I ride a bus and avoid diesel exhaust or perfume? Second hand smoke is not a problem at home, but entering most buildings is an obstacle course with smokers at the doors. We live in a home lined with books. Summer in Chicago air pollution kept me imprisoned in an air conditioned room. Winter wind chill below 35 degrees kept me indoors as well. Driving a car made me sick. Shopping then cooking with a gas stove were ordeals.

Through the brain fog of fatigue, I glimpsed some hope. It was clear I couldn't function out of doors or in doors because of ordinary, pervasive airborne irritants. I reasoned a mask might help me to determine if avoidance makes a difference. With a box of five disposable dust masks, I conducted a twenty-four hour experiment and recorded the results. I changed a mask after 4 or 5 hours. Following is my diary entry:

"Remarkable changes after 24 hours: 6/19/95 6:45 AM, I can feel my diaphragm press on my intestines. This is a miracle I haven't experienced in years and didn't realize until I felt it. I can breathe deeply.

"Breathing in dust and pollution, I could not fully inhale. Lack of oxygen seems to have affected the resilience of my diaphragm and lower back, which has been rigid but now swivels when I walk. My feet feel spongier, as if I've had a foot massage. My stride is longer and feels stronger. I'm able to do the yoga sun worshiping exercise, which I haven't done in years because I didn't have the strength. I am energetic and can think clearly despite an Ozone alert.

"When I remove the mask to eat, drink, or shower, I have a heightened sensitivity to smelling offending particles and odors."

I had discovered a simple way to detect my airborne triggers.

This experiment was the inspiration for my developing masks that are comfortable under eye glasses, washable, light weight and airy, good looking, as well as effective in filtering what prevented me from living fully. "Now that I can breathe...." I kept hearing myself every time I could do something denied me before I began wearing a mask. "I can breathe!" What joy.

Now I enjoy children and grandchildren, teach literature, write articles, and run a business. Since April 2002, I am off all medications. When challenged–cough, feel tightness in my chest or mucus forming in my nose–I wear a mask, with no side effects.