W WILKEN Fire Escape Mask & Hood | 30-Min Respirator for Smoke & Carbon Monoxide | Single-Use Emergency Protection

This is a great safety item to keep around if you're regularly in a place where reaching a fire escape might be difficult, like apartments, high-rise buildings, or anything like that. It's very securely packaged together inside a box that's relatively easy to pull open and pull the mask out and pull it on, and once you've got the mask on, the filter does in fact significantly reduce smoke and CO2 that you're exposed to inside the mask, for plenty of time to get out of a dangerous situation. It won't provide oxygen that isn't there and you're not meant to wear it for any longer than you need to in order to make your way to the nearest fire escape, but it will give you some precious extra time you'll need if you're in that situation.By design it is made to only be worn and used once, so you can't really test yours yourself without making it useless and needing to buy another that you then can't test,, however that's not really a problem with the mask itself. It could have used just a bit more effort towards how to unpack/unwrap it in an emergency, though, since as it is it's a bit more complex than you might want.The mask itself comes vacuum packed into a plastic bag (as pictured) and doesn't lend itself to quickly and rapidly unpacking it while you're rushing. You will, as a result, need to pull it out and look at the bag and familiarize yourself with how to open it quickly. There are also 2 silicone plugs in both sides of the filter which you'll need to pull out, before it will actually filter and give you access to filtered air.The mask itself is more well-made than I expected, with a durable and thick Mylar outer shiny layer, clear PVC window for you to see through, and a cloth elastic band that pulls down and around your neck. It's sized well for me as a 'Large' head size, and based on my testing the elastic bands will work well for a child of an age old enough to walk, as well. And the straps on the sides/back are simple but they're made of a sturdy cloth that resists pulling well and easily can be tugged to fit the mask tight up against your face.As you can see from my picture and review date, this mask is rated to last just about at least 3 years from the date I got it.Overall, this is a great mask that hopefully you will never need, but if you do, you'll be glad you have it.I only review things that I personally use myself. I always give my full, honest, unbiased and unfiltered opinion on everything I review. I will not hold back or avoid describing any issues I have with a product. I write exactly what I think about things - the good, the bad, the ugly, and the questionable. If I get multiple of something it's because I regularly use and need both of them. And, I will update my review if something breaks, stops working as intended, or otherwise doesn't hold up as expected.

This does come in an easy to open and storable red box that seems handy and ready in an emergency fire. It seems to fit well, although I won't be testing if it works unless I have an emergency. It does seem like it would work well if needed although I am a little concerned that there are no certifications included with it to show that it has been tested by any reliable source. It's comes at a decent price that could possibly save a persons life, but without any kind of certifications it could be a gamble. I can neither recomend this item or dissuade anyone from buying it. I will update my review if I am ever in a fiery emergency and have to use it or just decide to experiment with it if my woodstove backs up really bad. It would have been nice if it came in a 2 pack so I could test one out before an emergency happens, but like I said it may be a gamble. I always tell people better to have and not need than to need and not have.

Just a really smart thing to pack in your travel bag, or keep in your bedroom. It could save lives!

obviously have not tested it but this is something thats nice to have. probably a good idea to have some of these around the house and in your vehicle for emergencies. nice that its pretty much universal for any head shape.

Junk—the nose cup is flimsy and unable to seal. The vacuum seal bag inside the plastic storage box permanently reshaped it. Zero chance I’d ever trust one without inspecting it first.

I just got this and there are no certifications on it at all. Not NIOSH, not EU, not even any Chinese certifications. And there is no branding on the storage container. This is not made by "W WILKEN". It is a generic escape mask with no brand name on it. Oh, sure, there is a green sticker that says "Certification", but doesn't mention any standard.This mask *could* work, but you have to completely trust that a **generic** escape mask will do what it claims. It could be excellent, but since I have no way to verify that it can really filter carbon monoxide, I really need a 3d party certification to justify trusting this device to meet well designed standards. And, yes, there are specific standards for escape masks. this mask doesn't even claim to meet any of them.If you do decide to get this mask, remember to crawl on the floor if there is fire. Superheated gasses rise, and the mask can't protect you from those temperatures. Even fire fighters in their full bunker suits have to get on the ground. And get two, so you can try one out ahead of time. You won't have time to learn how to put this on if there is a fire. You need to know ahead of time.

The Fire Emergency Escape Mask & Hood is a great item to have handy, especially in hotels, high rise office buildings or anywhere that an escape during a fire will take longer than you can hold your breath. I travel a lot and stay in many large hotels, often times on a high floor. Knowing the size and complex layout of many hotels, I make sure to pack my Fire Emergency Escape Mask & Hood in my luggage to have with me in the event of a fire. Luckily I have never had to use it, but knowing I have it in the event of a fire gives my added peace of mind knowing I can use it to help get out and protect me from the deadly and toxic smoke generated by fires involving today's modern materials (carpets, bedding, mattresses, chairs, sofas and more) which can give off very toxic chemicals when they burn.