This is a list of most of the us military's protective masks, and a brief description about them. Many people on eBay like to collect these, and I hope that this guide might give them a little insight into what they want, or like. This is not a complete list, but rather a list of the most popular. If you have any questions please email me and I will be happy to help.

Chemical-Biological Mask: Field M40-series. The M40-series CB mask consists of a silicone rubber facepiece with a binocular eyelens system and an elastic head harness. Other features include front and side voicemitters (allowing better contact, particularly when operating communications equipment), a drinking tube, clear and tinted inserts, and a filter canister with NATO standard threads. The M40A1 mask provides respiratory, eye, and face protection against CB agents, radioactive fallout particles, and battlefield contaminants. The canister filter cannot be changed in a contaminated environment; the mask was not designed for that contingency. Additionally, the M40A1 mask uses a second skin for additional protection, and also has a quick-doff hood. The primary users include USA and USMC units, and the mask is selectively used by USN personnel.

Chemical-Biological Mask: Combat Vehicle M42A2. The M42A2 CB mask has the same components as the M40. In addition, the M42A2 CVC mask has a detachable microphone for wire communications. The canister on the M42A2 mask is attached to the end of a hose and has an adapter for connection to a GPFU. The M40/M42-series masks also use the same filter canister with NATO standard threads, both use a second skin for additional protection, and both have a quick-doff hood. The primary users include USA and USMC units.

Chemical-Biological Mask: Aircrew Aviator M45. The M45 aircrew mask provides respiratory, eye, and face protection. The M45 aircrew mask protects the user against all known CB agents and radiological particles without the aid of forced-air ventilation, while maintaining compatibility with rotary-winged aircraft sighting systems and night vision devices (NVDs). The mask provides a microphone, a drinking tube, closefitting eyelenses, front and side voicemitters for face-to-face and phone communications, and a low-profile canister interoperability hose assembly for both hose and face-mounted configurations. The mask also comes with a hood and a second skin. The M45 mask is used to support service personnel who cannot be fitted with the standard M40-series or MCU- 2A/P series protective masks. The primary users include USA and USMC units.

Chemical-Biological Mask: Aircraft M43. The M43 mask provides the required CB agent protection and allows for compatability with the AH-64 attack helicopter helmet, the display sighting system, and the optical relay tube. The mask comes with a portable blower/filter system that operates on battery or aircraft power to maintain positive pressure in the facepiece and an inhalation air distribution assembly for regulating the flow of air. Additionally, the mask provides for external voice or wire communications and a drink tube assembly. The primary users include USA AH-64 helicopter aviators.

Chemical-Biological Mask: M48. The M48 CB aircraft mask was developed for the AH-64 Apache helicopter aviators. It provides face, eye, and respiratory protection against CB agents and radioactive particles. The M48 mask has a lightweight motor blower that is mounted on the user during dismounted operations and is mounted to the airframe during flight operations. The motor blower provides filtered, breathable air that keeps the head cool and prevents the eyelens from fogging. While wearing the M48 mask, crewmembers can perform their missions in an NBC environment inside or outside the aircraft. The M48 will replace the M43 mask, which is worn by Apache helicopter aviators.

MCU-2A/P Protective Mask. The MCU-2A/P mask (with a serviceable canister filter installed) protects the face, eyes, and respiratory tract from CW and BW agents and radioactive dust particles. A properly worn mask provides USN and USAF personnel with a gas-tight face seal, which prevents unfiltered air from reaching the wearer’s respiratory system. An internal microphone may be placed inside the mask and connected to an external communications system through a connector on the front voicemitter. The major components of the MCU-2A/P mask include an outlet valve assembly, an outlet valve cover, a drinking tube, a nosecup, an inlet valve, lens outserts, and a canister. The accessories for the MCU-2A/P mask include a mask carrier, a protective hood, mask outserts, and a special canteen drinking cap. The primary user includes USN and USAF personnel.

MCU-2/P Protective Mask. The MCU-2/P-series protective mask is the eye respiratory protection equipment used shipboard for CBR defense. It has a single filter and two voicemitters—one on the front of the mask for speaking directly into a telephone or radio handset and one at the side to allow personnel nearby to hear. The mask has a drinking tube that connects to a canteen with an M1 canteen cap. The MCU-2/P is being phased out and replaced by the MCU-2A/P-series protective mask. The primary users include the USN and USAF.

M17A1/M17A2-Series Field Protective Mask. The M17A1/M17A2-series CB mask, with the M6A2 hood, protects against field concentrations of all known CB agents in vapor or aerosol form. The mask is no longer standard issue for military personnel; however, it could still be used for issue to civilians during missions such as noncombatant evacuation operations (NEOs).

Joint Service General Purpose Mask. The joint service general-purpose mask (JSGPM) will eventually replace the M40/M42/MCU-2/P-series masks. The JSGPM will provide face, eye, and respiratory protection from battlefield concentrations of CB agents, TIM, and radioactive particulate matter. It will also provide improved protection for selected TIC.