Any firefighters out there? Whiffs masks.

[Rumble]

I was wondering if any firefighter had experience with the Whiffs line of masks? Would a civilian be able to learn to use them in a pinch?

http://www.whiffs.net/products/index.html

I had emailed them some time ago but they would only sell to firefighters because there could be a chance that a civilian would not be able to breathe properly with this particular mask (they do make a civilian version). I'm more interested in the Pro Mask.

As well, if any firefighter out there is willing to order one for me to play with I would greatly appreciate it.

Cheers!

Burton

 

[csp20108]

You might want to consider this one instead:

http://www.evac-u8.com/

I have one but I've never used it. It's a little more epensive, but I think it's main advantage over the whiff mask is the active filtration of smoke and toxins. I don't think I would trust Nomex to filter out smoke, especially when they don't even mention it's filtration abilities in the little blurb. Nomex is great at heat insultation, however.

 

[Rumble]

Thanks for the reply.

The Whiffs mask is using a proprietary filter to do the filtering; not relying on the Nomex. The Nomex is for heat resistance only. I could order the Evac product for escaping a fire (much like the Whiffs civilian mask).

http://www.xcaperfilter.com/mask.html

The main reason for my interest in the Whiffs Pro mask is for prolonged exposure/clean up. An emergency would not provide enough time for the Pro mask to be deployed but for the aftermath, or for any situation where smoke/dust/firefighting is involved, it would be suitable. Too bad it won't be sold to civilians for fear of legal liabilities (which is understandable).

That doesn't mean I wouldn't mind playing with one.

 

[EHS]

Rumble,

What do you mean by prolonged exposure/clean up? Are you anticipating a continued high heat environment, or are you just concerned about what's left after the fire is gone?

EHS

 

[Rumble]

EHS...both.
Although I'm obviously not a fireman, that won't rule out a situation where I might have to do something pro-active before the professionals arrive. As well, as you mentioned, maybe after an incident it could be useful.

Doesn't hurt to have if you need it.