Men with beards have a bit more trouble finding a gas mask that will seal appropriately in order to function effectively. We are about to provide useful information and talk about how you can get a gas mask to seal the right way, while reviewing 5 of the best gas masks for beards.
A gas mask model that I highly recommend, is the 3M 07163 Full Facepiece Respirator. It works great with beards, since it has the ability to tighten around the face without suffocating the wearer, ensuring that it seals properly without letting facial hair get in the way.
One thing you should know before we get further into analyzing how to wear a gas masks when you have a beard, is that there is a right way which is also pretty easy and convenient. That said, many people tend to either sacrifice their beards and shave them in order to put on a gas mask, while others might even not try one because they don’t want it to mess with their beard.
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Will a gas mask seal with a beard?
The short answer is yes. If you are in need of a quality, protective head gear such as a gas mask, having a beard should not prevent you from acquiring it. You should always keep in mind that protection must be your number one priority and go for it.
If you are concerned about air seeping through the gas mask because of your beard, then you can rest assured that there are ways that you can avoid this. One thing I should mention though, is that you ought to invest in a quality, flexible gas mask ideally made of silicon so that you are able to fit it properly on your face.
In addition to this, please show some faith to the ways we suggest and do not compromise. You don’t have to shave your beard and change your look because of a gas mask, because you can get it to seal properly without much effort.
How to get a gas mask to seal with a beard?
The way I consider the best and most effective when it comes to sealing a gas mask while having a beard, is by applying plain vaseline both on the beard and the mask. I know it sounds funny, but it helps preventing the air from getting into the mask.
In order to achieve complete sealing, you should first apply vaseline of your beard, sort of like gluing it on you face to make it as thin as possible. This way, the thickness of the beard will be minimized, and the hair are not going to be an reason for air leakage.
After this, you need to apply vaseline in the interior part of the gas mask. Make sure that you rub decent amounts of vaseline on the surface that covers the jaw, so that it assists in keeping the beard thin and glued on the face of the user.
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Wearing a gas mask with a beard
While in the beginning it might seem a bit odd, or even uncomfortable for some people to wear a gas mask with vaseline applied on their beard, you are going to get used to it pretty fast. Vaseline, works as a glue between the face and the beard, leaving no room for hair to block the mask from sealing properly.
Best gas mask for beards
In the list below, we recommend the best gas mask for beards, and review 4 more masks that we found out that work great with beards. Before you purchase any of these masks, make sure that you read as many reviews as you can, and check for their features and specifications.
1 – Top pick – 3M Full Facepiece Respirator
- Full Facepiece
- Respiratory protection
- Eye Protection ; Series number - 6900
In my opinion, the 3M Full Facepiece Respirator is one of the best gas masks in the market, especially when it comes to people with beards. The reason why, is because of its flexibility and tight appliance around the face, which makes it impossible for air to get through.
We are talking about a significant high quality gas mask, which can be used for a variety of purposes, as it can protect the user from hazardous gases, fumes or even fiberglass and heat. Make sure that you take full advantage of its excellent straps, in order to make adjustments fit the mask tightly on the head. One of the best investments regarding gas masks for sure.
2 – Second choice – SAS Safety 7650-61
- Silicone seal provides excellent facepiece seal,...
- Silicone nose cup is soft and comfortable for all...
- Polycarbonate lens with wide field of vision...
- Wide viewing area provides distortion free...
- 5-Point strap option includes center strap to help...
The SAS Safety 7650-61 is my number 2 gas mask choice, which I highly recommend if you are working or you are about to visit places with contaminated environments. If you need a gas mask for your workplace, investing in a high quality respirator like this should be your priority because of the daily exposure to pollutants.
Regarding the adjustment on the head, I would say that the particular gas mask model is one of the best choices for men with beards. It sits tightly on the head, it has adjustable straps, and a very strong structure that guarantees both stability and durability.
3 – Honeywell RU65001M
- Silicone skirt offers exceptional durability and...
- Nose cup prevents fogging
- Wide viewing area offering distortion free...
- 5-point head strap and replaceable, polycarbonate...
- NIOSH Approved
Moving on, if having a beard has somewhat prevented you from wearing a gas mask before, make sure that you try the Honeywell RU65001M. We recommend the particular mask because of its ability to “stick” on the user’s face, surrounding the jaw while keeping the air out of the interior effectively.
What is more, fogging stops being a problem any more, because of the nose cap that is implemented on the gas mask. The pressure points are significantly reduced because of the high quality straps, which you can use to control the adjustments regarding the sealing of the mask.
4 – Holulo Organic Vapor Full Face Respirator
- Material: High quality silicone, Style: headset,...
- Type: Activated carbon mask,Standard:...
- Protection Object: organic gases and vapors,...
- Apply in paint, chemicals, polish, CS...
- Mask*1,Cartridges with activated carbon*1 pair...
For people with beards AND limited budgets, there is a solution. The Holulo Organic Vapor Full Face Respirator is a great gas mask, which is made of silicone for maximum flexibility and appropriate sealing.
One thing that you need to keep in mind, is to change the filter cartridges regularly if you use the mask too often. It can protect the user from all types of gases and fumes, such as chemicals, and can serve multiple purposes, from home activities to contaminated working environments.
5 – GVS SPR457 Elipse P100
- Compact, lightweight and flexible design
- Adapts perfectly to the face and offers a full...
- Large central non-return valve which allows for a...
- Protects against dust that can cause lung...
- Lightweight, non-slip strap that is easily...
As our last recommendation, we have a half mask respirator model, which works great with beards. The GVS SPR457 Elipse P100 is a reusable gas mask, which is both minimal and highly effective.
It has a nice, simple design, great levels of breathability and wears comfortably on the head. The mask has the ability to fit tightly around the head of the user, which helps keep the beard glued in the inside part, without letting excessive hair interfere with the sealing.
Conclusion
Finding the appropriate gas mask for beards might seem like a challenging task, although it is not so hard. You need to know how to wear a gas mask properly when you have a beard, and choose one of the best gas mask models that we recommend in our list for better results.
Protect your breathing!