Baby, It's Cold Outside

By Barbara Day

I've been a runner for over 30 years. In the early '80s my family lived in interior Alaska , and I ran outside only if the temperature didn't go lower than 30 below. Yes, I said 30 degrees below zero. That's pretty darn cold! I wish I'd had access to the new BreathXchange Personal Respiratory Heat Exchanger (www.breathxchange.com).

The BreathXchange mask was a collaborative effort between mechanical engineer inventor Lee Bagby, P.E. and James Sublett, M.D., a board-certified specialist in allergy, asthma and immunology. The mask was developed as a way to help protect people with breathing problems from the side effects of cold air, but they are also beneficial to anyone who spends time in the cold and needs to stay warm. Raised in a cold climate, Bagby became an avid outdoor enthusiast. His passion for the outdoors, combined with his technical expertise, inspired the idea. In early 2004, Bagby was introduced to Dr. Sublett and his dream became a reality. Who could benefit from the BreathXchange mask? Essentially all people who work or play outdoors in the winter months could benefit.

How Does the Mask Work?

The BreathXchange mask contains a lightweight thermal conversion module that captures the vapor that is typically expended in the normal course of breathing. The module actually captures the warmth when you inhale. As you inhale the cold air, the module gently warms the air, returning heat into your body. This advanced technology allows you to constantly breathe in fresh warm air while trapping moisture to keep your mask drier. The BreathXchange mask keeps your core body temperature warm when you're facing extremely frigid outdoor elements.

Where Can You Find It Locally?

There are three modules available on the market: the full mask, half mask and shield. The BreathXchange full mask retails for $54.95. One size fits most people. The half mask retails for $49.95 and comes in two sizes – small-medium and large-extra large. Both are available in black only. The BreathXchange shield retails for $39.95. One size fits most people, and it comes in black, blue, forest green or orange; or you can custom order another color.

The modules are available locally at Allergy Zone, Bicycle Sport, Footworks, Jeffersonville Cyclery, Ken Combs Running Store and Quest Outdoors. 

Barbara Day, M.S., R.D., C.N., is a nutritionist with a master's degree in clinical nutrition, a registered dietitian and has over 30 years of experience in promoting healthy active lifestyles to consumers. She is the publisher and nutrition editor of Kentuckiana HealthFitness and Kentuckiana Healthy Woman and a runner, cyclist and hiker.