Gas Mask

[getnready]

I am looking to add gas mask to my prepping cache but its been years since the military. Retired from law enforcement but the gas mask we used were cheap, outdated and good for gas such as pepper spray, CN or CS. I've read some reviews, most suggest not to buy from military surplus. Especially the Isreali mask.
Suggestions welcome, tips on where to purchase on line and filter systems.

 

[tntboy13]

I'm also interested in this style of prep, thanks for the warning on the Israeli masks!

 

[Amy98]

Hi!

I have a thing with gas masks and just cannot wear them so I use 3M dust masks which, if you do your research, are very heavy duty and then I wear goggles which do me well.

 

[Roninsensei]

Get this with some sealed goggles. Works better in the field. And way lighter than a gas mask.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-6300-Half-Facepiece-Respirator/dp/B001BXRM5Q/ref=pd_sim_sbs_indust_2


Also you can get the filters that are better than standard gas masks for a quarter of the cost.

 

[WILD MAN]

I've been looking at getting these as stocking stuffers for the family, they are Israeli masks but they have good reviews...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AN9ZOEA...TF8&colid=2SXCV73D4KNDQ&coliid=I3DSIO5XQ1L11P

 

[HungryDogMtl]

If you're looking for something to protect you against tear gas and other chemical weapons then a paint mask isn't going to cut it and a half mask is less than ideal. Any skin contact with moisture is going to burn so a full mask is preferable as you can then seal up your head with a tight hood, leaving very little skin exposed. Also, if you didn't get the mask on fast enough you may vomit, so it's good to have a full mask with a vomit escape channel as well as a drinking tube attachment in case you need to be in it for prolonged periods of time. I'm in the military and already have my issued mask, so I can't recommend any civilian alternatives because I haven't researched any. I know that the mask itself is unrestricted and you should be able to buy it at army surplus, but the gas canister is and would be harder to get your hands on.

Personally, I am not too worried about biological and chemical weapons here at home, but I see the usefulness of having a mask available in case I had to get through tear gas being used in the wrong hands or by riot police. Realistically you should be able to hear that from a ways and avoid it altogether I would think. So unless you're planning on using tear gas as part of your weapon load, I wouldn't worry about it, although eye protection is always welcome.

just my 2 cents.

 

[Roninsensei]

Gas masks are an un-safe security blanket for most preppers. They wrongly think that its gonna protect them from most gas attacks including nerve, not knowing that most gas agents work with skin contact as well. As for tear gas, OC, and the like the main effect of them is in your eyes and lungs. The effects of the those on the skin is minimal in my opinion. As long as you can see and breath you'll be OK. How ever with nerve agents your gas mask is virtually useless, unless combined with a full bio-contam-suit however in an attack situation your better off carrying a shot of atropine with you. I've been a military contractor for going on 20+ years now and have been to 3 war zones now, 4 if you include Israel. The gas mask and half face masks are good for most fume and plague scenarios that's why I recommend them. 99% of our chemical companies use the half masks and they have proven themselves. Most masks for sale at army surplus are past their expiration date so they aren't much of an alternative.

 

[getnready]

Thank you guys for the input. Some realistic things to think about. I have researched the 3m mask and the ones you buy at home depot are not the same grade medical staff use!
I was just in a military surplus store and asked to see the gas mask they had. The owner told me the israeli mask are hard to come by. "They have been increasing issue to all there citizens right now". They had been able to purchase new mask previously.
I am going to think, explore this option alittle more.

 

[Mr.GP-5]

I recently purchased this gas mask from eBay, it's a GP-5 gas mask from the Cold War times. It's seemingly high quality, the mask fits tightly and definitely is air tight. I might replace the filter but it'll do the job for now, I'd recommend it!

 

[Cerberus]

So which Half face-mask for plague and fume scenarios and what filters would you recommend ?


Preferably I'd like one of those masks that filter both in and outgoing air. I heard they're easier to breathe in which is a must for me.

 

[Roninsensei]

So which Half face-mask for plague and fume scenarios and what filters would you recommend ?


Preferably I'd like one of those masks that filter both in and outgoing air. I heard they're easier to breathe in which is a must for me.

These

http://www.amazon.com/3M-6300-Half-Facepiece-Respirator/dp/B001BXRM5Q/ref=pd_sim_sbs_indust_2

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002MYLZSI/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

 

[Cerberus]

hmmm will this one do?:
MX/PF F950 http://www.honeywellsafety.com/Pages/SKU.aspx?id=30881&site=/europe

filter:
http://www.airqualityassuranceshop.co.uk/product.php?id=849

 

[Roninsensei]

Sure, just make sure the filter is the most thorough they make!

 

[Swen_in_ca]

yes, the surplus gas masks aren't the best but honestly for what the average person would need a mask for they will do.

After living for a week after the SoCal wildfires and the neighborhood being burnt to the ground and breathing all those toxic fumes, I bought a bunch for their protective ability in case I ever have to live through something like that again. With 137 homes within a mile radius of me burnt down I hate to think of how many years off the backend of my life that week cost me.

At the time being only $9 each and replacement filters being $15 each I just bought the masks. I have an assortment of the Czech Oe-10 and Finnish Masks.

as said, if you are trying to buy a gas mask like the real ones the surplus might not be the best. But really the only thing wrong with them are outdated filters. Having worked in a repair locker onboard ship and having been responsible for purchasing new up to date canisters. I learned that the outdated ones can still be used, as long as non opened. We only bought enough new ones so that we could pass inspection.

The Biggest thing with any mask is the seal.

 

[Gazrok]

Excellent advice
Roninsensei

Thanks! (and pretty affordable too). This is a main concern of mine, when protecting more than a few people. I need to get at least 10 of these....

Any particular goggles you would recommend?

 

[Roninsensei]

There are several just make sure they seal like these.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/906800-novad-aspirail-safety-goggles/1186732251.html

I actually use swim goggles like these.
http://www.aquasphereswim.com/us/products/eye-protection/adults/81
http://www.aquasphereswim.com/us/products/eye-protection/adults/67

However any of these will work.
http://www.aquasphereswim.com/us/products/eye-protection/adults


On this last list the Eagles can be made for prescription.

 

[Kenprep1979]

I am looking to add gas mask to my prepping cache but its been years since the military. Retired from law enforcement but the gas mask we used were cheap, outdated and good for gas such as pepper spray, CN or CS. I've read some reviews, most suggest not to buy from military surplus. Especially the Isreali mask.
Suggestions welcome, tips on where to purchase on line and filter systems.

i beleive DavyDean.com has masks amongst other survival /tactical items. never bought anything from them before tho so i cant reccomend him.

 

[Kenprep1979]

and if you have a beard like me you will also have a problem sealing them because of that.

 

[Gazrok]

On this last list the Eagles can be made for prescription.

Nice!

 

[getnready]

That will be the case with any type of gas mask or even the less complex N95 or 100!
Guess you guys better keep sheers and a straight razor handy!
Facial hair and even thick long locks can affect a good fit.