Described herein are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for providing hydration to a user from a fluid reservoir or bladder, where the fluid is provided on demand by the user activating and controlling a user interface that communicates wirelessly with a control assembly operably connected to a pump and the fluid reservoir.

A collapsible respiratory mask includes a flexible main body having a face-engaging flange that provides a continuous seal against a wearer's face and viewing windows that provide full peripheral vision to maximize the wearer's field of view. Filter panels are provided on opposite sides of the mask that allow for single-use disposable or replaceable assemblies, and each comprise a multi-layer assembly sewn around the perimeter with a fluorescent thread. A urethane gasket encloses the perimeter with the fluorescent thread viewable from inside of the gasket under ultraviolet light. An inner nose cup guides air that is inhaled through the filter panels past the viewing windows and into a separated air compartment inside of the nose cup, creating an airflow that minimizes fogging on the interior of the viewing windows. The mask is equipped with straps configured to enable a wearer to don the mask alone or with a protective helmet by attachment to a rail on the helmet.

Described herein are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for providing hydration to a user from a fluid reservoir or bladder, where the fluid is provided on demand by the user activating and controlling a user interface that communicates wirelessly with a control assembly operably connected to a pump and the fluid reservoir.

A face mask that covers at least the nose and mouth openings of a user. The face mask includes a body and one or more straps for securing the facemask to the head of the user. The body includes a support portion and a central portion, wherein the central portion is circumscribed by the support portion. The central portion is made from porous material, such as polypropylene, and is dome shaped. The central portion further has an opening for receiving a straw.

A head garment, which may comprise a nose covering portion, a head covering portion, and/or a neck covering portion. The nose covering portion may comprise a nose bridge portion, an upper lip portion, and a throughhole The head covering portion may be affixed to the nose covering portion and positioned to, when the head garment is worn by a user, cover the user's forehead and the back of the user's head. The neck covering portion may comprise an upper edge with a fastener portion that is configured to engage with a corresponding fastener portion on the lower edge of the nose covering portion, to releasably affix the lower edge of the nose covering portion to the upper edge of the neck covering portion, and disengage from the corresponding fastener portion on the lower edge of the nose covering portion, to form a mouth opening between the two edges.

An infinitely adjustable training mask for simulating the increased breathing resistance level at higher altitudes including an air-impermeable mask body covering the nose and mouth of the wearer, an infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly extended through the mask body, a replaceable particulate air filter to provide respiratory protection when the wearer inhales, and a drinking device for hydration and consumption of foods. The inhalation resistance assembly contains a stationary aperture component and a rotating dial aperture component for adjusting the sizes of the overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures to achieve the desired breathing resistance level. Upon exhalation of the wearer, the exhaled air is discharged through a flexible one-way check valve controlled exhalation channel. A replaceable particulate air filter which can be easily placed inside or removed from the internal cavity of the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly helps to reduce inhalation exposures to airborne particles during outdoor training sessions. The drinking device enables the wearer to conveniently hydrate or consume foods without taking the mask off, thus allowing maximum amount of wear time to improve training efficiency. A strap is connected to the mask body to be positioned about the head of a wearer to securely maintain the mask during training.

A method and apparatus is disclosed for constructing a mask. The mask is formed of a first mask segment overlayed on a second mask segment. The first mask segment has an article cutout on a right side. The second mask segment has an article cutout on a left side. The article cutouts extend toward a center of the mask. The mask segments are coupled together such that a passage extends between the mask segments and between the article cutouts. A user who is wearing the mask may pull either or both of the article cutouts across the center of the mask to create a hole for entrance of an article. When released, the hole may close or may enclose around an article extending through the hole.

A personal protected-air system includes first and second rings, and a sleeve coupled on each end thereof to one of the rings. The first ring includes a port for receiving filtered air under pressure, a manifold in fluid communication with the port, and vents in fluid communication with the manifold and the interior region of the sleeve. The sleeve includes a transparent region. In use, the second ring fits over a user's head, the sleeve encases the user's head, and the first ring rests on a top portion of the user's head. The second ring includes an air passage providing fluid communication between an ambient environment and the interior region of the sleeve.

There is provided a receptacle device for a mask, the receptacle device comprising: a valve; a body portion surrounding the valve; an anchor portion; and a securing portion; wherein the anchor portion and the body portion define a channel therebetween, and the channel is configured to releasably engage the securing portion; and wherein the securing portion is configured to engage the mask.

A technique for controlling an actuator of a protective mask configured to assume selectively a closed state for respiratory protection and an open state is described. A respiratory flow resistance of the open state is reduced compared to a respiratory flow resistance of the closed state. As to a method aspect of the technique, at least one information signal indicative of an environment of the protective mask is received. A control signal is sent to the actuator of the protective mask for assuming selectively the closed state and the open state depending on the at least one information signal.