top of page
MCS.png

The Mask That Gave Me My Life Back

  • Writer: Teresa Peters
    Teresa Peters
  • Jun 10
  • 8 min read

Updated: Jun 11

Me wearing my respirator mask
Me in a restaurant wearing my mask with a drawing my grandson made for me! (The microphone should be in the circle of my mask to work properly.)

Before I found this mask, I still lived much as I did during COVID. Just going to get a blood test risked severe asthma and illness. I did go for walks; I had to ask people to stay at least ten feet away, and some people I still reacted to with asthma even outdoors. Many scented products, silicone, latex, and other chemicals can trigger severe asthma for me.


I've been living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) since 1975. All the medicines, supplements and doctors I went to never helped my health improve. What helped me was my research, experiments and reading mountains of books; this is why I share my stories with you. I found that what harms me can harm everyone.


Why This Mask Is Different


I tried countless masks to protect me from what causes so much harm - fragrances, latex, silicone, gardeners' products, people painting, but every one of them gave me severe asthma.


Then I found this one.


And it changed my life.


I find this mask made by MSA (see below for ordering information) comfortable. It is designed for people working in chemical labs or mines, and I'm thrilled that there are enough people like me who react negatively to latex and silicone for MSA to create this specialized mask.


I love that I can wear it and avoid most reactions; it makes my life so much better.


Important: MCS and Mask Sensitivities


Many people assume that if a mask filters chemicals, fragrances, smoke, or other contaminants, it will automatically be safe for someone with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).


Unfortunately, that was not true for me.


Finding a mask was far more complicated than simply finding one that filtered the air, since every mask contains silicone, latex or both, even those reported as free of these ingredients.


I asked so many questions and tried so many masks, only to get intense asthma.


It took me so many phone calls to find this mask that is truly silicone and latex-free.


What This Mask Has Allowed Me To Do


Since finding this mask, I have been able to:


  • Go to the movies

  • Visit an arcade

  • Go bowling

  • Attend parties and meetings

  • Eat in restaurants

  • Spend time with friends

  • Walk outdoors when the air quality is poor


We went to dinner on purpose as a test for my mask with our friend. He uses Tide laundry detergent, which triggers an asthma attack in me within minutes. Wearing this mask solved the problem. I felt great!


Incredible!


I have also worn this mask inside my home when a product unexpectedly contaminated the air. It has helped me stay safe while identifying and removing the source. I have even slept in it when necessary, and I find it comfortable once I adjust my pillow.


I have also put on my mask when I am having a severe reaction, and often it stops it in its tracks!


Things To Be Aware Of When Wearing Your Mask


If you have a reaction while wearing your mask, move farther away, move to a different area, or leave. There are some products that are so toxic that the mask will not work and can get saturated. If you stay, you are risking your health, and the mask cartridges can get clogged and stop working.


Having a reaction when wearing your mask, even when you aren't exposed to anything, means your cartridges have gotten saturated. Replace them immediately.


I always keep in reserve with me:


  • Two extra masks

  • Two extra sets of cartridges


I never want to be without my wonderful protective mask!


If you hear or feel a puff sound when breathing, contaminants have entered the mask when you set it down.


Usually, this disappears after a few breaths. If it continues, take this as a warning that the concentration of contaminants may be high. I have had this happen in my home when the VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) got very high for a while, but since I felt fine, I ignored it. If I did not feel fine, I would go outside, go somewhere else.


I also experienced this every time I would go to my physical therapy appointment. I realized it was probably the disinfectants being used throughout the facility. I do not need to go anywhere toxic, so I stopped going there.


Precautions: Arriving Home


We always take our clothes off in our garage, take a shower, and wash our hair when we get home to avoid contaminating our home. We also change into indoor only clothes that have never been exposed to fragrances as an extra protection.


Precautions: Wildfire Smoke and Air Pollution


Wildfire smoke can be extremely difficult for me. Without protection, I can become weak and short of breath within just a few steps. With this mask, I can safely spend time outdoors when the air quality is poor.


I still recommend avoiding smoke whenever possible, but having this option has made a tremendous difference.


I can also feel very ill outside when the air pollution is over 50.


I use the MyRadar Pro app with the Wildfires layer enabled. This is a phone app. I find it provides much more useful information than the standard weather app on my phone, which does not show the effect of wildfires. Now I know why I sometimes had asthma even when the standard weather app on my phone showed the air quality was good. I use both apps and believe the one with the worst air quality report to ensure I stay feeling well. This lets me know when it is best to wear my mask.


The Mask and Cartridges I Use


The mask is manufactured by MSA and sold through MSC Industrial Supply.


After speaking with representatives from both companies, I felt confident purchasing it. Everyone I spoke with was knowledgeable, patient, and extremely helpful.


Mask Information


Please note that my mask is a small size. Most people will likely require a different size.


This mask is made from Thermoplastic Rubber. I have absolutely no reaction to it! I have learned over and over that not all chemicals are harmful. It does not off-gas (create VOCs). I have found that almost everything I react to off-gasses creating VOCs. It turns out that VOCs higher than 500 are harmful to everyone and cause global warming. It was so good to realize what has been affecting my health so severely all these years.


Cartridge Information



MSC Industrial Supply:



They sell these masks internationally


You can reach their international number at 888-880-2048


A 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee


The mask comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.


If it does not work for you, it can be returned for a full refund within the return period.


Important Tip: Unwrap Cartridges and Mask Outside


The packaging used for the cartridges and mask gives me asthma.


Keith always unwraps new cartridges and masks for me outside or in the garage (or I can do this while wearing my mask), throws the wrappers in the garbage outside, and then lets them air out for a few days before bringing them into the house. However, I have found that airing them out is not needed. Recently, Keith unwrapped a new mask and cartridge set, and I wore them right away with no reaction to either product!


How I Check the Seal


A proper seal is essential.


To test the seal:


  1. Place your palms completely over the opening of the cartridges

  2. Try to breathe in

  3. If you cannot breathe in, the seal is good

  4. If air enters, adjust the mask until it seals properly


If sealing becomes difficult, the mask may need cleaning or replacement.


How I Clean My Mask


I clean my mask using Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Soap and water, or use any soap that is safe for you. Don't use any Dr. Bronner's essential oil soaps. Essential oils are very toxic.


I soak the mask in water mixed with Dr. Bronner's Baby Soap and then gently wash it using the same soap.


I avoid scented soaps (which are most soaps) because fragrances can trigger severe reactions for me and contain high VOCs.


Fortunately, I have found I only need to clean my mask if it becomes difficult to seal.


IF Your Mask Itches


When the VOCs are high in our home, I will need to wear my mask for hours. It takes time for our air purifiers to remove all VOCs.


I have found that if my mask begins to itch, the VOCs are in the normal range! Every time I check my VOC meter, when this happens, the VOCs are below 250.


Hear Me Roar!


This mask that gave me my life back muffles my voice a lot, so I work to talk louder or yell. In large groups or noisy places, people can't hear me.


My husband Keith found this voice amplifier on Amazon for me. It works so well!


I found out that when the sound gets soft, it is because it needs to be recharged. Each charge lasts a long time. When the light is flashing, you need to recharge it.


In small rooms, such as bathrooms, I turn it off to prevent feedback. At restaurants or gatherings, I often place it on the table between myself and others.


Like anything new, it takes practice, but it has helped me communicate much more easily while wearing my mask.


The model I use is:


SHIDU Voice Amplifier Teachers, Megaphone Speaker Portable PA System with Microphone Headset



Final Thoughts


This mask gave me something I had almost lost: freedom.


For years, I had to avoid places, activities, and social events because of severe asthma reactions triggered by fragrances, chemicals, and poor air quality.


Today, I can safely participate in many of those activities again.


Now I can go to restaurants, parties, movies, and other events that were once impossible for me.


For me, this mask did far more than filter the air.


It gave me my life back.


And for that, I am deeply grateful.


My Experience


Everything in this article is based on my personal experience living with severe Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) since 1975. I am sharing what has helped me in the hope that it may help others. I am not a doctor, and what works for me may not work for everyone. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.


_________________

I am never an affiliate for any product I recommend. I share these recommendations only because they have genuinely helped improve my health, and I hope they can do the same for you.

_________________


Stay Connected


If my story resonated with you, I'd be grateful if you could give it a heart at the end of my blog or stars! Your support means the world to me. I always love hearing from you; please leave me a comment below.


I have had so many miracles happen, and I am so thankful. I am working to share what I have learned through my blogs, social media posts, and YouTube so that you can also heal. You can see my videos on YouTube here:


Yet now, I find myself faced with increasing toxins in America that are making it difficult for me to stay healthy, and this is true for our Earth and all of us. 


We need to work together to solve this issue. Our lives and our planet depend on this.


If you would like to be notified when we have new content, please sign up here.



Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating
bottom of page