Posted: 12/10/2007 6:23:15 AM EDT
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What are good ones out there? How do you tell what size is right for you, they have small. medium, large? Where to buy? |
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wow, where to begin here first and formost you need to consider some things.... a mask does you no good packed in bag buried in the closet. when you need it you need it NOW. if you don't plan to have it handy, don't waste the money. if you have never used a mask/respirator you really should be fit before buying. you NEED to know how to properly determine if it seals properly and how to don it quickly and safely. Don't expect to buy a mask, toss it in the corner and grab it "when the time comes" there are proper ways to store a mask to prevent dry rot of the rubber and proper storage of filters. learn it before you buy, each mask is different. DO NOT expect to don a mask and stay in the area. the mask is for one thing, short term getting your ass OUT. Mask filters are different, NATO milspec filters will not stop some common household chemicals, like chlorine, as a general rule. know what your filters are and their limits. a mask alone ONLY protects your eyes and lungs. MANY chemical agents are just as deadly by passing through the skin. ie.. nerve and blister agents. a mask is part of a system. if you have no training get some and DO YOUR RESEARCH prior to buying. You CAN get used/surplus masks that are perfectly fine IF you know what to look for and how to use them. stay away from the 50's-70's era masks. they are generally beyond service life even IF in good condition and filters can be hard to find and some of them are actually dangerous to use. my current masks are usgi M95 series. i chose these for a few reason. a: still current production 3m mask so parts can be had easily. b: durable with the second skin installed. c: standard 40mm filters in a large variety of types available d: filter can be installed on either or both sides <important should you need to fire a rifle.> e: hydration compatible should you be forced into extended wearing times f: easy to change filters with mask in place there are MANY masks that will meet these requirements for me but these were the best deal on the surplus market. if you decide to go cheap and order old masks, expect to order 3-4 to get one that works and seals properly. your better off spending a bit more for a GOOD system. |