Abstract: An emergency escape breathing apparatus comprising a relatively rigid and transparent face mask attachable to the head of the wearer, a pressurized bottle supply of air or oxygen-enriched air adapted to be fed to said mask by a flow control assembly. Said assembly includes a rupturable diaphragm valve and a pressure-reducing reservoir, the valve at one end being connected to the mouth of the pressurized bottle, at the other end being connected to the reservoir inlet, a flexible hose at one end being connected to the face mask and at the other end being connected to the outlet of the reservoir. The assembly is adapted to provide conditions of pressure and gas content within the mask for respiratory requirements for predetermined brief periods of time to bridge the emergency interval. Accordingly, the face mask has a functioning exhalation valve and may also be provided with filters to eliminate inhalation of toxic elements in the ambient air and/or aid or substitute for said exhalation valve.