Posted on May 20, 2022
Do beards actually break the seal of gas masks?
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Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 5
I will tell you for a fact from direct observation and extensive MIST (Man in Simulant) testing that beards will absolutely compromise the mask seal. The Air Force doctor they are citing can call up to Aberdeen Proving Grounds and, assuming he has a clearance, get all the test data he needs.
The standard issue military "gas mask" is a negative pressure air purifying respirator in that it operates by the wearer breathing which creates a vacuum (inhale - negative pressure) inside the mask. Nature abhors a vacuum and air will enter from ANY break in the seal no matter how slight. Ask any mechanic or anyone that has ever done a vacuum test on anything.
When working with SOF, this can be offset by using a powered air pump along with a biased outlet valve installed on the mask. These are generally battery powered, so not provided to the rank and file because you would need to keep truckloads of batteries on hand. Logistics nightmare. Or, as an expedient, we would put a small package of Vaseline in the mask carrier to quickly slap on any facial hair and help affect a seal, but it certainly isn't perfect.
Regardless, yes, even a few days stubble can compromise a mask seal and a full beard will most definitely compromise the seal. And you can take that to the bank.
The standard issue military "gas mask" is a negative pressure air purifying respirator in that it operates by the wearer breathing which creates a vacuum (inhale - negative pressure) inside the mask. Nature abhors a vacuum and air will enter from ANY break in the seal no matter how slight. Ask any mechanic or anyone that has ever done a vacuum test on anything.
When working with SOF, this can be offset by using a powered air pump along with a biased outlet valve installed on the mask. These are generally battery powered, so not provided to the rank and file because you would need to keep truckloads of batteries on hand. Logistics nightmare. Or, as an expedient, we would put a small package of Vaseline in the mask carrier to quickly slap on any facial hair and help affect a seal, but it certainly isn't perfect.
Regardless, yes, even a few days stubble can compromise a mask seal and a full beard will most definitely compromise the seal. And you can take that to the bank.
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I used an OBA with my regulation beard for hours during the Trident Sea Foods factory fire in Akutan, Alaska back in '82 (I think), and I had the taste and smell of smoke coming in my mask. Just sayin.................................................
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If I were going into a situation where a gas mask was required I wouldn't take any unnecessary chances, even if the odds were extremely slim. My luck is I would be the exception and it would cost me my health!
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PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln
Cpl Vic Burk I've worn a full beard and moustache since getting out of the service. When the pandemic hit I had to be fit tested for an N-95 and had no problems getting a seal.
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Cpl Vic Burk
PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln - Whatever works and you are comfortable with! I was referring more to a chemical attack and not really thinking about COVID or anything like that.
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PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln
Cpl Vic Burk - Point taken. I think it would work basically the same, as we are talking about obtaining and keeping a seal with a mask.
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