Posted: 11/15/2009 9:15:42 PM EDT
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finally getting around to getting one. I want one that will allow me to operate my carbine as well as possible. (I know it is never easy with a mask)
Any sources of good info out there? What is the best mask to get? How long do filters last? |
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I bought 4 of these and they were in great condition. Looks like the only one's he has left have scratches. These are $100+ masks that were bought by NYC after 9/11 and were subsequently sold at auction w/o ever being used. I think you can get a replacement shield for them and it may still be worth it.
ebay link found these thanks to a SF post by a member here several months ago |
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MSA Millennium
Capable of integrating with Hydration System, Speaker and other Comm's. You have the ability to put the canister on either side for Righty's and Lefty's. Most NIOSH and NFPA Tested Ensembles are tested using this Facepiece. Remember that this is a tight fitting facepiece and to ensure a proper fit and seal you should have it fit tested, otherwise it may be no good to you. 
And a Good Canister 
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Oddly enough, I'm a fan of the Israeli low cost gas mask. I've used them for years now and have a lot of confidence in them.
Tj Story Time My boss goes with me to the gun show for the first time. We split up and agree on meeting out front a hour later. I notice this guy has a sale on Israeli gas masks so pick a couple up. When we meet out front, we show each other what we bought. When I whip out the masks, he says: "You know something I don't know?" Laughing like I was a loony. I reply, "I don't know, you know how to paint cars?" 
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filter life depends on the agent it's exposed to, and the type of filters. I.E. for the old M17A1 style cheek style filters they could last as little as 15 minutes.... then you have to change them.... from the inside... sucks to be you. So rule #1, screw on 40mm NATO style canister style filters only.
but even canister type filters will not last forever, nasty stuff - hours, mild stuff days and days. Sealed filters will last for years, unsealed months. The current Canadian style M4A1 masks are set up to be used with rifles w/optics, most are not. Many "people" market the older CAF masks as the new ones so buyer beware. Personally I'd never buy a surplus mask except if I knew it's complete history. They are on the surplus market for a reason - old, worn-out, damaged, etc.... You can sometimes find the US military M40 series masks, but unless you know what to look for and how to properly inspect a mask for serviceability then I'd pass, besides most of those are well stolen... there are many masks for sale NIB from the manufacture/wholesalers but you going to spend some cash for a nice one, well over $100. but what's your life worth? but also, what are you expecting to get exposed to? CN/CS/Riot agents, almost any mask will do this, even older surplus ones... Blood agents, nerve agents, well without combat rated filters (many sold are only training or riot agent use only) they are of limited use... Nasty chemical spills near you house from the hwy or trains, well then your going to need some sort of self-contained air tank style mask. I would assume anyone thinking of a mask is just needing it for riot agents, if so then any better quality mask will work, provided it's serviceable (no dry rot, rips tears, holes, missing parts). I would recommend the screw on filters, and find some still sealed in the tuna cans or foil wrap (sealed this way they will last 15 years +/-) if filters are open to the atmosphere they are likely to last only about one months (activated charcole only lasts so long) I'd suggest if you buy surplus then you buy at least one spare for each mask you going to use, for spare parts. a full blown chemical war, well your going to need more then just a mask. |
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You should do your home work before using a gas mask. The first issue is can you physically wear the mask? The mask operates by using your normal breathing to pull the air through the filer media if you have medical conditions this might cause problems. Does the mask fit your face? The face comes in all shapes and sizes (long face, short, etc.), do you have dentures or a dental bridge, do you wear eye glasses, one size does not always fit all. You should have a fit test to determine in the mask fits you. There are two types of fit test qualitative and quanative. Quantative fit test use calibarated electronic testers to measure the inside and outside air pressures and give you a read out for you fit factor. Qualatitive fit test use a orderant such as banana oil. You use the banana oil to see if the gas mask wearer can detect it.
As noted in a nother reply you have to be carefull in what your exposure ma be. General chemecials, bilogicals, etc, as noted on the filter would be filtered, however, if you are exposed to low oxygen (below 16 % can kill you), carbon monoxide, or other highly toxic gasses you may find that the gas mask filter will not work. See the limitations noted on the filter. Filters that filter chemicals have a shelf life. Getting back to being physically fit to wear a gas mask I have to wear a resiprator for work an have to have an annual phycical that inculdes a plumonary function test. Those of you with beards may not be able to get an addequate seal to your face. Another pointer is you should do a fit check (not the same as fit test) to check your mask. Put your mask on and secure the straps. Put your hand over the inlet of the filter or both hands if your mask has 2 filters and inhale. The mask should suck in a little if you hace a good seal to your face. Next put your had over e exhaust valve on the mask and exhale the mask should expand a little. If your mask does not pass either of these test I would not use it because it is leaking and you could be exposed. I could go on, but I would highly recommend that you go to the OSHA and NIOSH web sites and read up on this. |
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Quoted:
You should do your home work before using a gas mask. The first issue is can you physically wear the mask? The mask operates by using your normal breathing to pull the air through the filer media if you have medical conditions this might cause problems. Does the mask fit your face? The face comes in all shapes and sizes (long face, short, etc.), do you have dentures or a dental bridge, do you wear eye glasses, one size does not always fit all. You should have a fit test to determine in the mask fits you. There are two types of fit test qualitative and quanative. Quantative fit test use calibarated electronic testers to measure the inside and outside air pressures and give you a read out for you fit factor. Qualatitive fit test use a orderant such as banana oil. You use the banana oil to see if the gas mask wearer can detect it. As noted in a nother reply you have to be carefull in what your exposure ma be. General chemecials, bilogicals, etc, as noted on the filter would be filtered, however, if you are exposed to low oxygen (below 16 % can kill you), carbon monoxide, or other highly toxic gasses you may find that the gas mask filter will not work. See the limitations noted on the filter. Filters that filter chemicals have a shelf life. Getting back to being physically fit to wear a gas mask I have to wear a resiprator for work an have to have an annual phycical that inculdes a plumonary function test. Those of you with beards may not be able to get an addequate seal to your face. Another pointer is you should do a fit check (not the same as fit test) to check your mask. Put your mask on and secure the straps. Put your hand over the inlet of the filter or both hands if your mask has 2 filters and inhale. The mask should suck in a little if you hace a good seal to your face. Next put your had over e exhaust valve on the mask and exhale the mask should expand a little. If your mask does not pass either of these test I would not use it because it is leaking and you could be exposed. I could go on, but I would highly recommend that you go to the OSHA and NIOSH web sites and read up on this. Nah, All some people have to do is buy the most expensive one on the market and stick it in the closet.
Next, you'll want them to actually go out in the field and try carrying their BOBS. 
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Lets say you have some of the MSA Millennium masks and filters. Some MZB’s launch CS tear gas at your home for meanness and to try to get you to come outside so they can take your gear:
How long does a gas mask filter last? How do you know when to change it? Can you change the filter w/o getting contaminated? Will tear gas ruin food? Will tear gas pollute your home? Will tear gas residue stay on you? How do you clean it up? Can you get a whiff of CS before putting on a mask and come out of the effects after a time? |