Most Frequent Questions & Answers
Is the BlastMask NFPA compliant?
Do you offer discounts for fire academies, departments, or large station orders?
Our distributors certainly do! We are happy to make the connection and facilitate the conversation to get your discounted bulk order started.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, some of our distributors will ship anywhere in the world. If you are having trouble finding one that will ship to you, we will be happy to connect you to the right one for your country.
How do you clean it/can it be shared?
It can be cleaned just like an SCBA regulator. Hot water and soap work best, with a mild detergent used as needed. At our fire station we just run them through the dishwasher. Although we have tried to price them low enough, and worked hard to make them grant-eligible, so everyone can have their own. The idea is that anyone can train anytime and anywhere. But sharing is possible, just like we all share SCBAs. Our exact cleaning instructions are linked on our website and they come in the box with new units.
I'm really interested in Blast Mask, can you send me one for free?
Unfortunately we do not sell the BlastMask directly, so we don’t send out free samples/demo units. But I am sure that your local sales rep would be happy to bring a demo unit by for you to try out! So, you have a few choices –
- Reach out to a local sales rep from your preferred distributor and they will bring a unit to you to try out.
- Check out our social media for user feedback.
- You can always buy one unit to test out before you consider any larger purchases. We’re sure that the BlastMask will be your new favorite training tool!
Is this like the elevation/training mask?
They are completely different training tools. The Elevation Mask uses resistance to “simulate” training at altitude (a claim that is pretty hotly debated). The BlastMask is designed for firefighters to fit the equipment that we use and engineered with moving internal components to simulate the way an SCBA works. It is not designed for resistance, although it provides some – just like an actual SCBA. It is designed to realistically simulate breathing “on air” and lets firefighters train in their own equipment.
Will you make a Drager/Honeywell/Sperian/Survivair version?
We will most likely stick with just Scott and MSA, as they have been the most supportive of BlastMask. What most of our Drager/Honeywell/Sperian/Survivair customers are doing now is buying a cheap Scott AV-2000 or AV-3000 facepiece from eBay and using that and the BlastMask-110 for a dedicated training combo.
Why don't I feel much resistance when I first put it on?
We designed this to simulate the sensation of the SCBA. It is not designed for any type of resistance or “altitude” training. In fact, we’re pretty suspicious of the claims made by those companies. It has just a little added resistance, to simulate the adrenaline dump you get when you pull up to that house fire. If you just put it on and sit down, you’ll hardly notice anything (just like your actual SCBA). If you sprint up the stairs with a high-rise pack, you’ll know it is doing just what it is supposed to!
Is there supposed to be a clicking or rattling sound when I move the BlastMask?
What you are hearing is our custom designed internal diaphragm. And yes, it is engineered to be free moving. Its purpose is to give you some of the same sensory and audible cues as your actual regulator. What you will notice is that you start to sync your breathing with that “clicking”, and then can deliberately slow it down when you hear the tempo speeding up. That’s what will make your SCBA bottle last longer. And of course when you are working hard and breathing deeply, it will be moving and “clicking” like crazy!
My mask fogs up, what can I do about it?
There are several solutions. We have found that most people do not mind the fogging, and a lot even prefer it, as it simulates actual conditions. Masks fog, whether you’re fighting fire or scuba diving; that’s just what they do. However, we realize some people are not comfortable in the fogged mask with no bypass valve. There are many reasons for fogging, the two biggest being improper seal of the nose cup and weather conditions. Controlling your breathing also has a big effect. There are a variety of remedies available. But the one we found most effective is just wiping the inside of your mask with a layer of Dawn dish soap, let it dry, and wipe it off. That should take care of any fogging issues for about 3 weeks. We do not recommend any of the sprays. But, if you try one – make sure it is safe for the plastic of the lens and nontoxic (believe it or not, many aren’t).
