Posted on Apr 4, 2016
SSG Air Defense Battle Management System Operator
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I got issued a mask the other day...needless to say it's dirty. I don't know who was in it last, idk if I want to. But it needs cleaning and I don't want to destroy it.
Posted in these groups: A5377047 CBRNU s  army chemical corps regimental insignia CBRN NCOEquipment logo Equipment
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SFC Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
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Here is what you need to do:

Step 1) Tell your CBRN NCO that they do not accept a pro-mask that is dirty, and therefore should not issue a dirty mask. (YOUR CBRN NCO FAILED)

Step 2) Swap your currently issued Pro-Mask for a clean one. Make the CBRN NCO clean the dirty one.

As a 74D, this is unacceptable.
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SPC David Willis
SPC David Willis
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winner winner chicken dinner.
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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Let's get back to the basics here....starting with the Technical Manual which is typically issued in the mask carrying case.....review it for preventative maintenance, care of and cleaning of your protective mask....if all else fails, as a general rule of thumb, remove the filters and clean with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly....
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CPT Senior Instructor
CPT (Join to see)
>1 y
The issue maybe the M50 mask. When I got mine it doesn't have a TM. It has some quasi manual that doesn't cover everything.
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CPT Senior Instructor
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Is it the M50? I just removed the filters and placed it under the sink. From what I was told you don't care for it the same way as the M40. The manual it comes with is useless.
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1SG Vet Technician
1SG (Join to see)
>1 y
You have actually seen the mythical M50 mask in the Guard??? How the hell did your unit rate that? My last unit still had some M17's in their cage. I have two that I use for CBRN OPFOR when I do training. The last I heard is that the Reserve and Guard units won't get the M50s until the next major round of deployments...but that is just unverified water cooler talk.
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CPT Senior Instructor
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1SG (Join to see) - We had them for a while. I was surprised other states didn't have them. Then when I said there was a new mask out they just stared at me in disbelief. My state deploys pretty often. I just got back from the Middle East in August of last year. We had them there and still have them. I didn't think they were such a big deal.
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1SG Vet Technician
1SG (Join to see)
>1 y
I guess that makes more sense if you are on the clock more often then some units.
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SGT Ej P.
SGT Ej P.
>1 y
Gotta be careful with the filters, if one of them show blue on the indicator it's "contaminated" or have gotten wet and is now nmc, need to get it switched out... Plus not sure if you know but it is fully capable even with one filter in case your out and one breaks or gets nmc
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How to clean the gas mask/pro mask?
1stSgt Sergeant Major/First Sergeant
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remove filter and scrub with warm soapy water and hit with an alcohol prep pad for a final touch.
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SFC Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
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>1 y
No Alcohol will degrade the rubber warm soapy water that is it.

Being helpful is one thing but advice that can potentially cause the rubber to degrade is not a good idea
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CSM Michael Poll
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[login to see] (SL1) - Maintain Your Assigned Protective Mask
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1SG Vet Technician
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You should not have been issued a dirty mask. Was it properly fitted? I know I would not have put a dirty mask on my face.

Anyhow, soapy water, clean water rinse, bleach water (1 cupful /gallon of water), then allow to dry. Make sure to sanitize the drinking tube by pushing a canteen full of the solution through it.
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SSG Carlos Madden
SSG Carlos Madden
>1 y
They used to say that it should not be cleaned with baby wipes or alcohol. In a pinch couldn't solider's use those clorox bleach wipes?
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1SG Vet Technician
1SG (Join to see)
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I have. I think for minor wipes of long-unused dusty masks is fine. If this was dirty with visible debris and send, then that is an issue. Don't know where this case falls through
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SFC Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
SFC (Join to see)
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Let's stick with warm soapy water no Alcohol. bleach if dilluited properly follow your TM or CBRN NCO guidance
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CAPT Kevin B.
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Used baby wipes on mine. Helped reduce the depot stink.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
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I would start by returning the Protective Mask back into the NBC room and telling the NCO you will be glad to pick it up and keep it maintained once he issues you a properly maintained mask to begin with. Of course have your NCO with you.
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Capt Tom Brown
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No telling what's growing inside that mask. Probably never cleaned by anyone since it's manufacture. Would also question what the filter has been through by this time and whether it should be replaced. We were never gassed and used the carrying case/pouch as a kind of 'fanny pack' for misc sundries, chow, etc..
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Lt Col Aerospace Planner
Lt Col (Join to see)
>1 y
The new ones you get issued filters that are in sealed packs so that should not be an issue.
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SPC Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer
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I was recently tasked with cleaning all the masks after we came back from the field and went through the gas chamber. What is the proper way to decon these masks. Soap and water? bleach and water? (this is not my MOS, just tasked with the job)
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