There are four main types of air-purifying respirators we’re going to discuss in this blog. The first being full-face gas masks, escape respirators, particulate respirators, and powered air-purifying respirators or PAPRs.
Full-Face Gas Mask Respirators
Full-face gas masks are those that cover your entire face. Unlike the masks you see most doctors wearing, a full-face gas mask also covers your eyes. And unlike the hoods you see some folks wearing to protect themselves against covid, a full-face gas mask creates a seal. This means that no air can get into your mask without breathing it through the filter (if you have the correct fit and seal).
CBRN
Depending on the type of protection you’re seeking, you’ll find that some gas masks are rated to filter out more or fewer gases/vapors than others. For instance, used by the United States Military are CBRN gas masks. These masks filter out chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents. However, these same agents can harm you by seeping in through the skin. If you’re looking to protect against CBRN agents, you should probably also invest in personal protective equipment (PPE) to cover all exposed skin, including the top of your head.
NBC
Other well-known gas masks are those rated for NBC, which stands for nuclear, biological, and chemical. Unlike a CBRN-rated mask, you will NOT be protected from radiological agents. This particular mask is not rated to filter them out, and if you’re worried about a radiological attack, you should invest in a CBRN mask instead.
Escape Respirators
Escape respirators are pretty much what they sound like. Unlike a full-face gas mask intended to last hours, escape respirators only last minutes. In fact, some escape respirators will only last 15 minutes, others up to an hour.
The purpose of an escape respirator is to protect you long enough to get out of the contaminated area. If you were to get hit with toxic gas, the escape respirator should work long enough to get you to safety (such as a sealed-off bunker).
Yes, escape respirators are cheaper, but they don’t last that long. If you were to face unexpected time restraints, find your “safe zone” was contaminated, got lost, realized the contaminated zone would take longer than 15 minutes to an hour to escape, you might find yourself in a predicament.
Particulate Respirators
Even cheaper than an escape respirator, if you can’t afford to purchase or don’t think you’ll need anything more, is the particulate respirator. However, there’s a reason it’s cheaper, and that’s that it only filters particulates.
What are particulates? Particulates are airborne particles, such as infectious agents. If your mask is rated P-100, it is a particulate respirator. It is not an N-95 mask, but it can look like a surgical mask.
The difference between the N-95 and P-100 masks is that N-95 only filters out 95% of particles, and it’s not resistant to oils, but the P-100 filters out 99.97% and is oil-proof. Contrary to its name, it does not filter out 100%. It also doesn’t protect your eyes from those harmful particles. So while it is the highest rating given by NIOSH, it definitely won’t protect you against vapors or CBRN agents.
Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
Breathing through a gas mask isn’t all that easy. It’s definitely different than breathing without a filter. You’ll get used to it, but it’s still not the same. However, if you’re looking for an easier way to breathe while getting filtered air, a PAPR might be more your style. Of course, it will cost you, but it is easier to breathe in, especially if you have existing health issues that might adversely affect you when donning a mask.
Unlike the other respirators listed in this blog, a PAPR blows air through the filter, and that’s what makes it easier for you to breathe.
Air-Purifying Respirators (APA)
What does each of these respirators above have in common? Each is intended to purify or filter contaminants out of the air, so what you breathe in is safe. However, keep in mind, not all respirators are created equal. Some purify air contaminated by CBRN agents; others, such as those rated for NBC, don’t filter radiological gases.
The MIRA Safety CM-6M is rated for CBRN agents and offers a full view, hydration, using a drinking straw that will attach to your canteen, and the ability to place the filter/canister on either side of the gas mask so that you can shoot more comfortably.
If you’re a first responder or you want to protect yourself against possible chemical warfare, this is a mask worth considering. I point to first responders because it offers a speaking diaphragm necessary for our emergency personnel to communicate with one another. This particular mask allows the wearer to place their filters on either side to filter toxic chemicals such as mustard gas. It also meets NIOSH standards.
There’s a chance you aren’t going to know you’re getting attacked and have time to shave. If you’re typically rocking the beard, a standard full-face gas mask isn’t going to get you the proper seal you need. If this is a concern, you might consider a hood instead.
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