For years, the US Armed Forces has been using the M40 gas mask to protect against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. It’s not surprising for the military to use this particular model because this gas mask comes with so many impressive and effective features. If you’re wondering where to find a gas mask for sale, M40 models can be bought directly from its manufacturer (3M) and its distributors.
The M40 is a full facepiece respirator that can hold a single cartridge on either the left or right side. While it offers maximum functionality, the gas mask is also comfortable to wear so that users can breathe and move with ease.
Features
When you buy the gas mask (for sale) M40, you can take the full advantage of these features:
- Can be used with any 40mm NATO gas filter
- Includes accessories, including a spectacle kit, gray and clear eyepiece inserts, and butyl rubber second skin
- Integrated drinking device that allows the user to drink fluids without removing the mask
- For more protection from chemical agents, there’s a butyl-coated nylon hood that covers the neck and head
- Can fit into any carrying pouch or storage bag
- Dual eyepiece design that allows the gas mask to be compatible with optics and be easily folded for storage
- The dual ocular lenses also allow a wide field of vision, thus enhancing safety and wearer comfort
- Silicone material that permits exceptional fit testing results
- Optional butyl rubber second skin improves the gas mask’s durability and reduces decontamination costs
- Several design features ideal for first responders
- Two integrated speaking diaphragms that improves voice communication
It doesn’t end there. The M40 comes with several other features, such as three voicemitters, which allows the user to transmit his voice outside the mask. One voicemitter is at the front of the mask and the other two is placed on both sides. Since the canister can be placed on either the left or right side, left-handed shooters can easily place the canister on the right side, and vice-versa.
It’s great that the M40 is very lightweight considering that it has all these features.
History
While you can still find the gas mask for sale, M50 and M40 models have been around since the 1980s. The M40 is actually developed to replace its predecessor, the M17, which had been used by the military from the 1960s.
The M40 was officially released for military use in the mid-1990s. Over the years, this protective facepiece has been improved and redesigned several times so that it can provide the finest protection and effectiveness a gas mask could possible offer. Although the mask isn’t effective in oxygen deficient environments and in fighting ammonia, many continue to rely on the M40 for protection against radiological particles, biological agents and chemical pollutants.