I recently became aware of an innovative product called the ReadiMask that is being exclusively distributed to the global law enforcement and corrections markets by Security Equipment Corporation, best known for its SABRE® OC (pepper) spray.
The ReadiMask is manufactured by Global Safety First, which will continue to handle distribution and sales to the general public.
The patented ReadiMask is the world’s first and only adhesive self-sealing disposable multipurpose safety respirator. Available with and without an integrated anti-fog eye shield, the ReadiMask is affordable, virtually weightless, and features a compact flat configuration that makes it easy to carry in a cargo pocket or stow in a tac vest or go bag.
It fulfills a longstanding need for not only the professional, but anyone concerned with personal preparedness.
Security Equipment Corporation provided me with its SABRE-branded Adhesive Sealing Particle Respirator with Anti-Fog Eye Shield for evaluation. It provides both eye and respiratory protection from airborne particulates and biohazards in one package. The eye shield is flexible and allows eyeglasses to be worn over it.
The full-face mask is designed to conform to the face with a comfortable fit. The hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesive securely seals the mask to your face without irritation, providing an effective complete perimeter seal for improved protection from hazards.
According to Safety Equipment Corporation, the ReadiMask “substantially reduces exposure to pepper spray, bacteria, spores similar to anthrax, blood-borne pathogens, viruses, smoke particulates, hazardous particulates, pollution, spit & bodily fluids, mold, asbestos, dust, debris, etc.”
This is confirmed by testing conducted by Nelson Labs, the leading provider of microbiology testing. At the time of this writing, the ReadiMask is undergoing National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certification.
The ReadiMask with eye shield reduces your risk in a fire by protecting your eyes from the smoke and filtering soot and other particulates. But it does not protect you from carbon monoxide and other toxic gases that are formed in fire.
The eye protection and filtration of soot and other particulates give you some time to escape a fire before the gases build up to lethal levels. It should not be relied upon as full protection in a fire.
The ReadiMask uses a special polypropylene air-purifying filtration material and a hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesive at the perimeter of the mask to seal the mask and filter more than 95% of airborne particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter.
The high-tech filter material reduces breathing resistance, making it easy to breathe. The eye shield is constructed of polyester and designed to protect the eyes from irritants and airborne particles, but is not ballistic impact resistant.
The yellow ReadiMask offered to the public by Global Safety First is designed for high visibility and is very popular with travelers. It has a reflective strip on top to allow first responders and other rescuers to easily spot the wearer.
The ReadiMask is easier to use than traditional masks. It has no elastic straps or nose clips to contend with. It’s simple and quick to don. The mask comes individually packaged in an easy-to-open, heat-sealed polyester package with double tear-notches and a hang notch.
Simply tear the package to open, peel away the paper strip covering the adhesive, press the mask onto the center of the forehead, then seal the top, sides and bottom with your fingers for a complete seal. Your face should be dry when putting on the mask to ensure a secure seal. Complete instructions are printed on the ReadiMask packaging. Security Equipment Corporation also has an instructional video on its website.
I found the ReadiMask exceptionally comfortable compared to other masks. The transparent eye shield offers excellent visibility, with no restriction of peripheral vision. The eye shield is very flexible and doesn’t interfere with wearing eyewear or using shoulder-mounted weapons.
Breathing was easy with the mask, with no noticeable breathing resistance. There was no interference with communication when the mask was worn. My mask did not fog during my testing, but the manufacturer states that, although the ReadiMask was developed with the most advanced anti-fog eye shield on the market, slight fogging may occur, depending on the amount of humidity in the air.
The manufacturer has a video that shows the mask being worn underwater and remaining secure to demonstrate its adhesiveness. I didn’t try it. The mask is easily removed without discomfort. Facial hair (specifically beards) impacts integrity of the seal, as is the case with most masks.
The ReadiMask is available in gray and yellow and comes in three sizes: Small (fits children 5+), Medium-Large, and XL. The ReadiMask and all its components are manufactured in the U.S.A. It has a five-year recommended shelf life, with a “best used by date” printed on the package.
The ReadiMask is NTOA Member Tested and Recommended. It’s an exceptionally versatile piece of kit that should be part of everyone’s personal protective equipment.
Suggested retail for the SABRE ReadiMask Adhesive Sealing Particle Respirator with Anti-Fog Eye Shield is only $12.00.
SOURCES
SECURITY EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
(800) 325-9568
www.sabrered.com
GLOBAL SAFETY FIRST, LLC
(610) 240-0900
http://readimask.com
NELSON LABS
(800) 826-2088
www.nelsonlabs.com
SPECIFICATIONS, SABRE READIMASK RESPIRATOR
(Adult Size Medium-Large)
| HEIGHT | 9.5 inches |
| WIDTH | 8 inches |
| THICKNESS | 0.045 inch |
| WEIGHT | 0.6 grams |
| PACKAGE DIMENSIONS | 6.875×5.5×0.175 inches |
| FILTRATION MATERIAL | Polypropylene |
| EYE SHIELD | Polyester |
| ADHESIVE | Hypoallergenic, Non-Latex |
