Out Of The Wrapper

Your questions are always welcome. Lots of folks here enjoy helping, and sometimes it's hard to search and find what you need. We are always improving and trying to bring the best information to people. We have plenty of folks here who know quite a bit. A lot of this stuff we have already thought of through the years...

Yes, it matters because it will effect the life of the filters, but not the same way it would if you were to use them by breathing through them. Also, it depends on the packaging. How hard would it be to open the sealed package? If it takes longer than 10 seconds, I would think of another way to do it. For instance, I unwrapped my filters and attached them to my mask, this took about two minutes as I fumbled around! Then, I took the entire mask and sealed it in a Foodsaver bag and vacuum sealed it.


Notice, I marked the edge with a sharpie and notched it so I can rip it very easily with my bare hands to open. In 3 seconds I can have my mask ready to dawn.


This shows a mask set without being vacuum sealed, and one already set and good to go. Unwrapping and sealing will not decrease the effectiveness of the filters. Only long term exposure would cause degradation.

 

I would train with the mask and learn how to properly wear it in a timely manner, repetition is your friend in training.... and then learn to seal it for proper use. The only way you will get a good seal is if the canister is installed as well why you are finalizing this training. Once you are complete with learning how to use it, put it in a zip lock bag to protect it from dust and so on. Once you learn how to dawn the mask quickly and use the filter... as well as doing a filter swap (which you can practice with the same filter), I doubt you will be as concerned about having the filter pre-installed.
Good luck and breath well

 

Vacuum sealing is a great idea!!

 

That is typically why you do not see combat troops with facial hair.... it obstructs a good seal with the mask.

 

And the Israeli mask is a little different. It's a matter of preference, but you can seal this up in a vacuum bag as well. The filters are sealed, and I keep mine this way until I am ready to deploy, then I attach it. The respirators I showed above are more for everyday use I keep in the vehicle and such.

This Israeli mask also is a part of my NBC readiness kit, and the leg packs are standard for this setup (for me). I keep a Tyvek body suit inside, heavy rubber milspec gloves, nitride gloves, the mask drink tube, a canteen with attachment for drinking, duct tape, and a K-8 Nuke rad detector.

 

Some of the civilian/commercial masks are designed that way to maximize airflow so you can breathe easier, and to maximize the use of the filters. They are more long term (generally), but each filter TYPE is rated separately, so pay SPECIAL attention to what the filters are rated for, i.e. aerosols, gases, etc. With military masks, you have a supply (logistics) channel to keep you fueled with what you need, so changing filters isn't a tough thing to do. Also, military filters are mostly designed to permit the firing of a weapon, so they typically couldn't have a filter sticking out on both sides.

Knowing how a mask works (basics) will help, too. You will have a place for your breath to exhale, and one or two places for a filter to attach (inhale). Upon dawning you will also clear your mask.

Clear your mask:

1)Hold your breath and close your eyes. You stopped breathing in an attack, right?
2)Put your mask on.
3)Put your hands over the exhalation vent to seal it.
4)Blow out hard. You will feel the air escape around the edges of the mask.
5)When you are almost done with your exhale, remove your hand to clear the filter and keep exhaling.
6)Before you take a breath, put your hands over the filter vent(s) to prevent air from coming in the filter(s).
7)Suck in, you should feel it tighten around your face, and no air coming in.

Your mask is now correctly sealed and you can open your eyes, breathe normally.