A gas mask is one of the most important pieces of survival gear for a first responder to have in their arsenal. It protects the face and eyes from CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) hazards, using a replaceable filter that helps clean harmful contaminants from the air. But the choice of which one to buy can be overwhelming as there are a lot of options on the market. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled this list of high-quality, military-grade gas masks for sale to help you decide which one is right for your needs.
The military-grade versions on our list are ideal for first responders who need to be ready to face any type of emergency situation. They offer full-face protection with a wide-view visor, a speech device, and threaded filter joints you can count on. The silicone material used to make this mask also ensures a snug fit and keeps it safe from deterioration for years to come. This option is easy to use and has all of the features you’ll need for a life-saving piece of gear.
It’s important to note that even the best and most effective gas masks will not prevent all chemical warfare casualties. This is because chemical weapons must be dispersed in liquid form to be able to attack the skin or respiratory system. However, thorough training and proper use of protective equipment can reduce the number of casualties.
In addition to reducing the number of chemical warfare casualties, military-grade gas masks are designed to be comfortable to wear for long periods. This is because they are based on ergonomics and comfort studies of the military’s own experience with their NBC (nuclear, biochemical, and radiological) protective gear. This includes the development of a padded nosepiece and mouthpiece, adjustable straps that allow a custom fit, and breathing resistances that are not too great.
Although these innovations have increased the comfort of the gas masks, they can still be difficult to breathe through. For this reason, some people cannot wear them, including those who have lung diseases like asthma or emphysema, and those who are claustrophobic. There are also special respirators available for infants and small children.
Another option to consider is a powered air-purifying respirator which uses a battery-powered fan to blow air through a filter near the user’s mouth. This is easier to breathe through than a simple gas mask, but it only provides protection against a specific set of chemicals, such as chlorine and hydrogen sulfide.
Another option for those who need the most extensive protection possible is a self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA. These are similar to scuba diving masks in that they contain their own air tank and can last an hour or so depending on the amount of air blown through them. They are much heavier than a standard gas mask and require specialized training to use properly. gas masks for sale