In recent years people have realized that gas masks are not just for yearly gas mask qualifications and to keep service members safe, they are also useful tools to have on hand in situations such as wildfire smoke, chemical spills, or the recent BLM protests where clouds of CS gas were used. Everyone should consider acquiring and training with a quality gas mask for this reason. While most first responders will have their station-assigned masks, having a high-quality reusable one can provide protection for yourself and family should the need arise.
There are many different features of a gas mask to look for. These include how many filter ports, what type of material the seals are made of, the level of impact resistance on the face shield, communication needs, and head harness style preference. There are some masks that can be refilled with a spare canister of the filter of your choice, allowing you to quickly swap out filters for changing environments or varying chemicals. The more filter ports you have, the less air resistance you will experience while wearing your mask.
A gas mask can protect against a variety of things such as particulates, chemicals, and nuclear fallout. Some of the best ones will even allow you to see through a dense cloud of smoke or haze. The most important thing to remember is to wear your gas mask when needed, and not to let it collect dust or mold while in storage.
The Trudsafe is a highly-rated industrial gas mask that is used by painters, warehouse workers, and assembly and mechanical technicians. It is incredibly comfortable and lightweight, making it easy to wear for extended periods of time. The best feature of this mask is that it has passed extensive testing before being sold to the public. This is a great feeling to have as it lets you know that the product is reliable and can be depended on in an emergency situation.
This is a full mask that will cover your entire head and mouth, including the nose. It is very durable and has an anti-fog lens. It has a wide field of view and is compatible with most helmets. It has dual 40mm filter ports on both sides, so you can choose which side to run a canister with depending on the situation and your preferences. It will provide protection from ozone and organic vapor, as well as tear gas and pepper spray.
The M50 is an all-around excellent gas mask that is the military standard in several countries. It’s affordable, comfortable, and can be refilled with a variety of filters. The only drawback is that it can be cumbersome to use in high-stress situations. There are other options on the market that are a little more user-friendly, though. best gas masks