Abstract: A quick-connect and disconnect securing mechanism is provided for allowing one wearing a protective mask to quickly connect to and drink fluids from a standard drinking fluid container while minimizing the risk of contamination of the fluid or the wearer. The device enables a secure connection of a gas mask to a chemical-biological warfare resistant water pouch to provide safe drinking water in contaminated environments. The securing mechanism is designed to interface with a variety of currently available coupling devices that are typically attached to a protective mask, and particularly for mask drinkstraw systems, and is particularly well suited for an AVON™ type fitting.