Ask Adrien: Call 888-313-0123. Please indicate permission to publish your question with your name. 

Preface with disclaimer from Adrien: I am not a scientist.  I am an educator and writer who has sensitive , hyperactive lungs, and I used to experience episodes of fatigue, chills, and mental fog.  Wearing a mask improved my energy level, creativity, and overall quality of life.  After a frustrating search for comfortable, effective, good looking, washable masks, I designed my own and created a business to share my joy in life restored.  Answers to questions are from my experience or from reading, and are not meant to be advice nor replace professional medical care.  Sources with links will be given where appropriate. 

3-1-05 More than one person has asked: What do you know about ionizer air purifiers that generate ozone?        

See a news release Jan 20, 2005 from the California Air Resouces Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/nr012005.htm   Based on this information I would not recommend purchasing such a an "air purifier." Adrien

4-1-00 Dear Adrien, 1st question: Are the filters compatible with all of your masks? In particular, can I use the same filters on both the silk and honeycomb masks?  2nd question: Are the masks (silk and honeycomb) washable? (I assume the filters must be removed first.)  Thanks! Becky

Dear Becky: 1st answer: The Honeycomb fabric is porous and the mask is contoured to provide the best seal. I started out by putting the filter in a silk mask. But at the gas station, I could smell the fumes so realized the seal wasn't adequate. When I contoured a silk mask to seal the filter, I couldn't breathe because the silk itself is a good filter so the combination was too much. That's when I realized that a porous mask that didn't need washing often would be best for travel so I designed the Honeycomb Mask. In the winter, if I'm wearing a cold weather mask and encounter diesel fumes, I have slipped a filter inside the cold weather mask and it helps. But the Honeycomb mask works best with the filter and warms as well.  2nd answer: Except for the disposable carbon filter, which you indeed must remove to wash the Honeycomb frame, all I Can Breathe! masks are washable and last a long time. Though I have used hot water to wash each mask, like any fine garment they last longer if washed by hand in cool water with a detergent that leaves no residue to clog the material. Hydrogen peroxide may be used to sterilize the mask, then wash. I roll my masks in a clean towel to blot the water, then smooth them out and open to hang dry. The cotton mask may be washed in hot water. Each of my masks has gone through a washing machine and dryer, and survived. However, I don't recommend machine wash if you want the mask to last a long time. Thanks for your questions. Best regards, Adrien

Question before: "It's nice to discover your site. I have worn masks for many years during times when pollens, molds, etc., that I am allergic to are present. Usually I just buy paper dust masks and they generally are helpful. I always feel there must be better masks available and I don't need a heavy-duty respirator. I would like to find a mask that I can wear comfortably while bicycling, (which is what I do for excercise), that doesn't get as hot as the paper masks...also I ride a motorcycle and either wear a bandana or mask most of the time when riding. I am wondering if your silk mask might be what I've been looking for. Have you or any of your customers worn it when excercising? If so was it comfortable and helpful? If you can give me any information I would be grateful. From the picture it looks like your mask doesn't interfere with glasses which is always a problem for me with the paper masks. The ear loops look like they would be more comfortable than the head strap on the paper masks, too. I seem to have lots more allergy symptoms during the year now, so I really would like to find a comfortable mask to wear for outside activities, excercise, and also around the house and at night if needed." Bill Cruchon

Response after trying silk mask: "Just wanted to write and tell you how pleased I've been with your excellent, lightweight silk masks.  I purchased one of them and discovered immediately how comfortable and effective it was, so I ordered several more. The mask works wonders during times when substances I'm allergic to are in the air.  I've worn it for bicycling, motorcycling, working in the yard, and sleeping.  For years I tried other masks and always found them hot, uncomfortable, miserable to wear.  Your silk mask is so comfortable that I hardly notice that I'm wearing it and it does a great job of filtering out pollens and other irritants. Thanks for inventing such a great product! Bill" Cruchon

How do I know what mask to wear?

Do you know your own triggers? The fastest way I know for becoming aware of personal sensitivities is to use the Trigger Detection Diary for one week and masks for 24 hours.

In my own experience with asthma, I take anti-inflammatory medication every day. I carry an albuterol emergency spray and two kinds of masks, a Silk Multipurpose and a Honeycomb Mask with an activated carbon filter.

If I encounter an unfamiliar exposure and start to cough, or my throat suddenly feels dry, or my lungs tighten, or my nose begins to clog, I put on the silk mask. If I am comforted, fine. If not, I switch to the activated carbon. I personally would rather reduce exposure than open my sinuses and lungs to further trauma with albuterol. If the masks don’t work, I plan to use the spray. I haven’t needed the spray in over two years, but I use masks every day.

For known irritants which I detect from smell or the beginning of mucus in my nasal passages, I use the silk mask for dust and dander. For perfumes, fabric softeners, "air fresheners," diesel soot, cigarette smoke and formaldehyde, I use the carbon mask. In cold weather, I add a Cold Weather Mask to my pocket. When the wind chill gets uncomfortable, I put on the mask.  I love winter in Chicago (except for ice).  

My reasoning is that if an airborne trigger is assaulting my nasal passages or lungs, I want to reduce exposure to the irritant. If my first reaction were to use rescue medication without reducing exposure by running away or wearing a mask, then I would open my lungs further to the substance that assaults them.

An example of strategic use of masks:

Example: I am in line at a checkout in a grocery store. Suddenly I have a coughing fit. I can: 1. Run outside, waving to the checker in sign language that I need fresh air (if the pollution outside is low that day!). 2. I could stand my ground and take two puffs of albuterol, and move away from the register. 3. I could whip out of my pocket a silk mask. If coughing persists, I quickly switch to the carbon mask. If coughing continues, I move away and puff albuterol.

This example actually happened to me September 22, 1999. The coughing subsided with the carbon mask and I could breathe again. I suspect I got a strong whiff of printer’s ink from the cash register. I explained what happened to the checker, paid my bill, went outside with my groceries and removed my mask.  9/25/99

Last update 02/21/08     I Can Breathe! Inc.