Abstract: A gasket apparatus for use with a self-contained breathing apparatus, comprising an inner gasket portion adapted to form an airtight seal with a substrate such as a human head or face, wherein the inner gasket portion includes at least one type of connector device formed thereon or attached thereto; an outer gasket portion formed partially or completely around the inner gasket portion, wherein the outer gasket portion is adapted to receive at least one type of connecting device thereon for connecting one or more items to the outer gasket portion without disrupting the airtight seal formed by the inner gasket portion; and an interstitial space formed between the inner gasket portion and the outer gasket portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides fire protective headgear that is capable of being put on and taken off quickly. The headgear has a face mask with a transparent visor connected to a surrounding flexible flange. A cap formed with a rear gap is attached to the flange with straps. A hood has a lip for sealing to the flange. A series of fasteners is assembled around the flange and a series of mating fasteners is assembled around the hood. To put the headgear on, the hood is draped forward over the face mask, the cap is draped over the hood, and the face mask is placed onto the firefighter's face. The cap is moved to cover the back of the firefighter's head and the hood is moved to cover the cap and cover the neck and shoulders of the firefighter.