As an asthmatic, you can imagine I have lots of problems in the sewingroom. When I work with any of what I call fuzzy fibers (fleece, wool, fur, toweling, burlap and some others) I wear a surgical mask. I prewash everything that's washable and store anything that isn't in plastic bags. This helps cut down on some of the problem. Going into a quilt/fabric shop can make me miserable if there isn't good air circulation. There's a surgical mask in a zip lock bag in my purse and I do use it. I have two of those tall, thin air purifiers we bought years ago from Sharper Image or Brookstone - can't remember which - and they do make a difference. The long collector blades are good because they don't have to be cleaned off as often as one with a small filter. We have one in the bedroom and one in the sewingroom. I hope you get some relief from your respirator issues.....breathing is a good thing.