I also have problems with breathing around new fabric. I hand rinse all my fabrics in as hot water as I can stand. Some are so heavily sized that the water looks like I have added too much soap!! Then they go into the dryer. I find this really helps me. If you are already doing that, then I think Monale might have a good solution for you. And if you can't find masks at the pharmacy, try a hardware store. Many people use them when staining furniture.