What kind of Gas Mask should I buy?

Myself | 14 February 2003 | Sreaming_Gerbil

[Screaming_Gerbil]

Hi all:

I presently have several Israeli Simplex Gas Masks that I bought from The Sportsman's Guide a few years ago. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/

Doing an Internet search for Gas Masks, I see that there is a wide varaiation in prices - excluding the WWII Surplus masks, is there a real difference in how well they would work?

I see that Safer America has the Draeger Kareta M Gas Mask for $199.00, the MSA Millenium Gas Mask for $339.00, and others in between. http://www.saferamerica.com/saProducts.asp?categoryID=13

I see that Platinum Defense seels the Israeli Gas Mask model 4A1 for $179.00. http://www.platinumdefense.com/noname1.html

By contrast, I see that CheaperThanDirt is selling the German Style CZECH Gas Mask Brand New with Sealed Filters for $24.97. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/product.asp?sku=MLT%2D9106&mscssid=XDAVGPDJHF6H9L3RGAT0WR79N9BL67M4

Any opinions anyone care to share?

[RobRoy]

I recommend the white ones down at Home Depot. I think you can get them a dozen at a time for a modest price.

If you are in the US, I would worry more about slipping and killing myself in the bathtub than even being injured by gas. Even after the first attack.

[Cagey]

And, in case you're planning a vacation this summer.....

[Salgak]

1. You don't need a gas mask.

2. If you WERE in a situation where CBW protection was needed, you likely wouldn't don the mask quickly enough, and as you didn't mention the remainder of MOPP gear (The charcoal-impregnegated undersuit, the overboots, the gloves, the oversuit, and the head cover, amongst others) you're STILL not protected against blister or nerve agents, or vector-spread biological threats.

3. If it makes you feel better, go out and buy a good first-aid kit. It will do you far more good than a gas mask EVER will. . .

[Blood of Tyrants]

Save your money. Many types of gases will poison you through your skin. It is better to be right with God and trust Him.

Personally, I will not alter my life one bit on the vague rumor of an impending terrorist attack.

[AppyPappy]

You need a gas mask like an elephant needs a bicycle.

[mr.pink]

What kind of Gas Mask should I buy?

Buy whatever type that comes with a rifle.

[aShepard]

And, please don't forget to get protection for your gerbil!

[Rockitz]

I got a great Israeli-made respirator at Fry's Electronics for only $80 (regularly $100) with a 20 year shelf life filter good for N.B.C. It is a full face mask with a drinking tube. It is model 4A1. The website listed is http://www.homefrontsecurity.info

[Cagey]

"We interrupt your regularly scheduled broadcast to bring you this public service announcement....You have 17 seconds to clear and don your gas masks."

[SJSAMPLE]

All that foreign import stuff (Israeli and German surplus) is JUNK. If you're serious, go with the SCOTT M95. It is the shiznit. Uses standard 40mm canisters on either side. Has a drinking tube. Even better than the Current M40 GI issue.

[Tribune7]

What kind of gas mask should you buy?

Many factors should be considered.

What is your escort wearing? What is the occasion? It would be in extremely bad taste, for instance, to wear the Czech model to a funeral. A British Ypres classic, however, would certainly provide the proper tone of somber respect.

Are you getting married? Well, the Soviet arctic warfare special would be appropriate, even if you are not, shall we say, pure. Think of your parents.

Fortunately there are a wide variety of masks available in a variety of styles and colors. While bargains can be found, remember, don't shop by price alone.

[Revolting cat!]

8 out of 10 terrorists recommend:

[Rockitz]

Israeli Gas Mask model 4A1 for $179.00.

Wow! I got a screamin' deal!

[berserker]

Don't waste your money.

[berserker]

Post 10: Picture from American Idol?

[equus]

You're supposed to get masks that are N95 or better. That's rather expensive.

I live in NYC. So think about it. Am I going to spend all that on a gas mask and carry it everywhere I go? Because if I don't, it's highly likely should there be an event it'll be when I'm away from my home. And most likely I won't be "warned" in time anyway--esp biological agents.

Maybe a gas mask would be useful if you thought there was going to be bombs--and therefore smoke, etc, in your area...

I had a fight with a friend last night about this. He said, get a mask and hazmat suit. I said, if that's the point I'm at, I'm getting out of NYC.

This stuff is useful for firemen, hospital personnel, and policeman, who may have to go INTO a contaminated area.

Meanwhile, if you look around at what is done in other places, it is mainly bombs. Therefore, my attitude is, keep quiet, live my normal life, but sort of lay low. Don't take the subways and don't be in crowded places at high noon, so to speak.

[Britton J Wingfield]

The "Advantage1000" is based on the military MCU2/P mask, which was quite comfy and well designed. I wish I would have kept mine :|

Having a single lense to look out of makes a big difference.

The Czech ones from cheaper than dirt are probably fine for emergancy use, but you wouldn't want one in the field, since you can't change the filters without taking the mask off. I'd still probably go with one of those, or the Israeli ones, simply because they are cheap and I doubt you'll likely need one.

I'm getting one for working in my dusty attic.

[DCBryan1]

Buying a gas mask is probably not necessary, YET:

If you do choose to buy a gas mask, comfort and ease of mind tend to be the number one reason people buy one.

I would suggest as a citizen of the US, something that the US miltary uses.

I would purchase an M40, and M40a1, and M42, or the US Navy's MK 5, or MPU20C. They are the most readily available and economical. DO NOT BUY RUSSIAN, CHINESE, E. EUROPEAN, ISRAELI, or CANADIAN gask mask! You cannot get parts for them!

Be sure to get LOTS of filters, about 10 per mask, and get the inspection book (Technical Manual or TM) on the components with a go/no-go on the condition of the mask.

Be sure to get all compontents to mask, including spares. (Spare lenses, spare hoods, spare straps, spare fasteners, etc).

If you want THE BEST get MSA (Mine Safety Appliances) full face, full NBC protection gas mask. Albiet, they are VERY expensive, but proven. Here in Arkansas, we have the Pine Bluff Arsenal (National Chemical weapons storage and disposal) and NCTR (National Center for Toxilogical Research). All personnel wear MSA gear, not US military, because the WORK, RESEARCH, and choose to BE in the deadly and toxic environment, so they wear the best.

Hope this helps. Buying a gas mask is like buying an 5 fire extinguishers for your kitchen. Its kinda over kill, but it sure makes you feel better.

[Ajnin]

All the gas masks in the world won't do you any good unless you have a MOPP suit that protects your entire body. You will also need the proper filter for your gas mask which you may not be able to find on the open market.