Gas masks have a rich history that dates back centuries. In the 9th century, an early form of the gas mask was created in Iraq to protect people working in polluted wells.

Plague doctors in the 17th century also wore masks filled with herbs to protect themselves from getting sick.

However, the first respirator was not invented until the 18th century by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier. Miners in the late 1700s used primitive respirators to breathe in dusty environments.

The modern gas mask we know today was patented in the mid-19th century and was designed to filter dust from the air that the wearer breathed in.

During World War I, the use of gas warfare increased, which led to the development of more advanced gas masks.

Garrett Morgan invented a respirator that used a hood and hoses in 1914 to protect against smoke inhalation. This design was later upgraded with its own air supply.

In 1915, Nikolay Zelinsky developed the first gas mask that used activated charcoal to filter out toxic gases, providing soldiers with greater protection.

In 1943, the British Army developed a more modern gas mask that was lighter, less bulky, and more fitted to the face than previous designs.

This gas mask allowed for the use of a separate filter canister that could be replaced, providing greater convenience and better protection.

It was also effective against new threats of nuclear and biological warfare contaminants, making it the standard gas mask used in World War II.

Today, gas masks are still used in a variety of fields, including military, law enforcement, industry, and personal defense.

They are essential in protecting individuals from harmful gases and pollutants in hazardous environments. Advanced materials and technologies are continually being developed to improve gas mask design and enhance their protective capabilities.

WHICH GAS MASK DO YOU NEED?

To select the right gas mask, it's crucial to understand your specific needs. If you are a professional in law enforcement, military, a first responder, or in the industry, you may already have an idea of the kind of gas mask you require.

However, if you are an individual preparing for potential dangers, you need to consider what kind of threats you want to protect yourself from.

Are you concerned about a pandemic and only need a P100 level of filtration, or are you preparing for chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) threats, which require a more advanced mask?

Fortunately, there are gas masks that can safeguard individuals against various hazards.

The combination of the mask and the filter is critical to safeguarding you. It's important to understand both respirators and filters to select the right gas mask to meet your needs.

GAS MASK BUYERS GUIDE

To sum up, gas masks are not simple respirators that only protect against particulates in the air.

A gas mask is a full-face mask that, when combined with the right filter, safeguards against vapors, gases, and particles.

Gas masks are rated based on the threats they are designed to protect against, such as CBRN, Chemical Blowing and Riot Control Agents, or Specialty Ratings for specific HAZMAT or CBRN threats.

For civil preparedness, a CBRN mask is recommended, and you should look for certain features when researching, such as certifications, a speech diaphragm, hydration system compatibility, optics compatibility, rubber resistance to chemical warfare agents, and usage by government and law enforcement agencies as a quality indicator.

Numerous popular mask designs are available, and your choice will depend on personal comfort, the mask's fit, and your budget.

Here is a list of the most popular gas masks available.

AVON S10 GAS MASK

The S10 respirator is a widely-used gas mask that was first introduced in 1986 and served as the primary respirator for military personnel and first responders in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada.

It was also a NATO-approved gas mask and was adopted by several other NATO member countries.

It features a flexible silicone rubber facepiece, speech diaphragm, and an adjustable head harness for a comfortable and secure fit.

It also includes a drinking system, allowing the wearer to consume fluids without removing the mask

One of the unique features of the S10 respirator is its ability to use outserts. Outserts are additional lenses that fit over the mask's lenses.

The outserts of the S10 respirator can be conveniently attached to the mask's exterior using a click-on system, making it a more versatile tool that can be used in various situations.

This mechanism allows for easy and quick attachment of outserts, providing additional protection against bright flashes or even lasers depending on the type of outsert used.

The S10 respirator is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.

It features a durable construction and is designed to withstand harsh environments, ensuring it can provide the necessary protection in critical situations.

There is another model of the S10 Mask known as the SF10.

The SF10 gas mask is a protective mask that was used by the British Special Air Service (SAS). The main difference between the S10 and SF10 is the latter has dual filters and flat lenses.

The SAS used the SF10 mask in various operations, including the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

The S10 respirator was officially retired from service in 2013. Despite its retirement, the S10 respirator remains a reliable and effective gas mask that is still used by civilians for personal protection against hazardous agents.

Summary

Lightweight and compact design for easy storage and portability.
Durable construction suitable for use in harsh environments.
Flexible silicone rubber facepiece with a speech diaphragm for comfort and ease of communication.
Adjustable head harness for a secure fit and increased comfort.
Drinking system for easy fluid consumption without removing the mask.
Ability to use outserts for additional protection against bright flashes, lasers and in low light conditions.
NATO-approved gas mask with widespread use among military and law enforcement agencies.
40mm filter port for use with advanced filter technology to protect against a wide range of hazardous agents.
Versatile and useful in various situations where hazardous agents may be present.

Price: around $150

AVON FM12 GAS MASK

The FM12 gas mask was introduced in the 1990s as a successor to the S10 gas mask.

It was designed to offer superior protection to military and law enforcement personnel against various chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. It has since been adopted by many NATO countries.

The FM12 gas mask is constructed from a flexible and durable silicone rubber material, making it lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods.

It is designed with a speech diaphragm for easy communication, and the adjustable head harness ensures a secure and comfortable fit.

The drinking system integrated into the mask's design allows for easy fluid consumption without removing the mask, making it an ideal tool for extended use in critical situations.

The FM12 gas mask is equipped with a 40mm filter port, which enables the use of advanced filter technology to provide protection against various hazardous agents.

Additionally, the FM12 gas mask can be equipped with outserts. This added versatility make the FM12 gas mask a flexible and essential tool in various tactical situations.

FM12 Gas Mask

Summary

Lightweight and durable silicone rubber construction
Speech diaphragm for easy communication
Adjustable head harness for a secure and comfortable fit
Drinking system for easy fluid consumption without removing the mask
40mm filter port for advanced filter technology
Compatible with outserts for vision enhancement
Widely used by military personnel and law enforcement agencies
Standard issue in several countries

Expect to pay around $100-$200

AVON FM50/M50 GAS MASK

The Avon FM50 Respirator is a top-of-the-line personal protective equipment designed to provide reliable defence against various hazardous agents while ensuring the user's comfort during extended use.

The mask features a revolutionary cast flexible visor for wide, optically correct vision, which is also impact and scratch-resistant.

The close-fitting, curved conformal filters offer improved weight distribution and reduced breathing resistance, as well as enhanced protection against toxic industrial agents.

The mask also features an integrated Electronic Communication Port, which allows for an internal microphone for communication systems, and a high-flow hydration connection that enables quick and easy fluid intake.

The design and development by Avon Protection of the FM50 mask has resulted in the most advanced general service respiratory protection mask to date, offering significant improvement in comfort, usability, operational effectiveness, and protection.

Its revolutionary features make it an ideal tool for extended use in critical situations.

The close-fitting, curved conformal filters provide excellent protection against toxic industrial agents, and the integrated Electronic Communication Port allows for clear communication in loud environments.

In addition, the high-flow hydration connection enables quick and easy fluid intake, while the cast flexible visor offers unparalleled vision and impact resistance.

The FM50 Respirator is designed for optimal comfort, with minimal breathing resistance, heat build-up, and low re-breathed carbon dioxide.

Main Features of the Avon FM50 Respirator:

Revolutionary cast flexible visor for wide, optically correct vision
Impact and scratch-resistant visor
Close-fitting, curved conformal filters for improved weight distribution and reduced breathing resistance
Enhanced protection against toxic industrial agents
Integrated Electronic Communication Port for internal microphone for communication systems
Can be equipped with a flexible outsert The outserts can be quickly fitted and removed while wearing the mask, and come with a pouch for storage and cleaning. Available in various models, including clear, sunlight, mirrored, blueblocker, laser, and breach outserts.
High-flow hydration connection for quick and easy fluid intake
Most advanced general service respiratory protection mask to date
Significant improvement in comfort, usability, operational effectiveness, and protection

Overall, the Avon FM50 Respirator is a reliable and high-performing piece of protective equipment that provides excellent protection against various hazardous agents.

Its advanced features, comfort, and reliable protection make it the top choice for personal protection in hazardous conditions.

Price: $400-$500

Scott Safety GSR Gas Mask

The Scott GSR (General Service Respirator) is a military-grade gas mask designed for modern battlefield operations. It was developed in the early 2000s and has been adopted by various military and law enforcement organizations worldwide.

The GSR mask has a twin-filter design and features a low profile, lightweight construction for improved comfort and mobility. It also has a unique quick-release system that allows the mask to be quickly and easily removed in emergency situations.

It provides superior protection against a wide range of CBRN agents and features a voice projection unit that allows for clear communication in high-noise environments. Its comfortable design and excellent protection make it a popular choice for military personnel, first responders, and other professionals who require reliable respiratory protection.

Dual lens design provides superior visibility and distortion-free optics
Low breathing resistance for increased comfort and reduced fatigue
Speech diaphragm enhances communication capabilities
Multiple sizing options to ensure proper fit for different users
Can be used with a range of filters for different levels of protection
Compatible with various headgear and communication devices

Price: around $150-250

MIRA CM-6M Gas Mask

MIRA CM6 GAS MASK

The CM-6M CBRN Tactical Gas Mask by MIRA Safety is a reusable full-face respirator designed for professional use in industrial, agricultural, police and rescue squads, and civil defense settings.

Key Features:

Bromobutyl rubber construction
Hypoallergenic inner mask that ensures excellent tightness and avoids exhaled air contact with the visor to prevent fogging.
Full-face panoramic design with a large visor for a wide-angle view.
Helmet-compatible with a six-point rubber-textile head harness for a snug and lasting fit.
Compatible with CamelBak water bladders with a Type M adapter.
Integrated speech diaphragm ensures at least 95% intelligibility of speech.
Can be used with the 3M Safety 6878 Spectacle Kit.
Manufactured in the Czech Republic.

The CM-6M CBRN Tactical Gas Mask is a high-quality and durable gas mask designed for use in a variety of industrial and civil defense settings.

It provides superior protection against toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents, and is helmet-compatible, making it an excellent choice for riot gear or as a riot control gas mask.

Price: around $250

MIRA CM-7M Gas Mask

The MIRA Safety CM-7M Military Gas Mask is designed for use by military special forces, police squads, and rescue teams.

Its tapered design allows for cheek weld on rifles, and it has a recessed binocular visor for aiming with night vision optics and red dot sighting systems.

The mask's low profile cut also allows for integration with modern ballistic helmets and ear protection.

Another notable feature is that it is compatible with the same outserts as the S10 gas mask.

Overall, this gas mask is an excellent choice for those in the military or law enforcement who require reliable CBRN protection.

Key Features:

CBRN protection for military special forces, police squads, and rescue teams.
Tapered design to allow for cheek weld on rifles and other long guns.
Recessed binocular visor for aiming with night vision optics and red dot sighting systems.
Low profile cut allows for integration with modern ballistic helmets and ear protection.
Uses standard 40mm NATO filters.
Compatible with S10 outserts for additional versatility.
Adjustable straps for a comfortable, secure fit.
Made with durable, impact-resistant materials for reliable protection in harsh environments.

Price: around $270

Ensuring the Right Fit for Your Gas Mask: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ensuring your gas mask fits properly is crucial for its effectiveness. Follow these steps to make sure your mask fits snugly:

Loosen and pull the straps to the front of the mask
Place the chin in the chin cup and roll the mask onto the face from the chin up, ensuring the nose is in the nose cup
Pull the straps into place on the back of the head
Tighten each strap in order: middle, top, then bottom
Cover the filters with your hands and inhale deeply and quickly to test the seal. The mask should tighten around your face, and no air should get in. If necessary, repeat steps 1-4. Note that medium-sized masks are a good option for many people, but it is important to try the mask on for proper fit.

Gas Mask FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

If you're in the market for a gas mask, it's important to choose one that fits well and provides the right protection. Here are some FAQs to keep in mind when making your selection:

Can a gas mask be worn over glasses? Some gas masks have specialized inserts for glasses to ensure the seal is not broken. Contact lenses are the best option, but you can also purchase frames to fit your current lenses.
How well should a gas mask fit? It should make a tight seal with no leakage detected during a negative pressure test. Facial hair can interfere with the seal.
Can anyone use a gas mask? It's harder to breathe through a gas mask, so those with lung diseases, elderly, children, and others may have difficulty.
How long will a filter last and is it guaranteed protection? Filters have a shelf life and need to be replaced, and it's recommended to use other PPE for complete protection.
Will a gas mask provide oxygen if there isn't enough in the air? No, unless using a SCBA system.
Will a gas mask protect against fire? Only if the filter is designed to protect against smoke and carbon monoxide and the mask is designed to withstand high temperatures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right gas mask for your needs is crucial to keeping you and your team safe during hazardous situations.

It's essential to invest time and effort into researching and finding the best gas mask that fits your needs and provides adequate protection against potential threats.

Always keep in mind that a gas mask is only as effective as its maintenance and proper usage, so it's crucial to keep it in good condition and practice using it regularly. By doing so, you and your team will be better prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, and your gas mask will become a valuable tool in ensuring your safety and survival.

Remember, the best gas mask is the one that keeps you and your team alive.

GAS MASK BUYER'S GUIDE

Introduction