Maybe this will help NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic

I don't see a full blown, full sized mask as a reasonable option for most people. I do see N95 masks and having a mask for smoke (like the hot shield as mentioned in a previous post) is a great idea for those living in a high risk for wildfire environment... however I just use handkerchief…

A tool is only useful if you have it with you, and this tool is only useful if you have it avalible immediately to don as soon as there are indications of contamination. That means that you need some type of detection device, and must have the mask ready for use in an instant. Since the most likely place you’d need it would be in town, at work etc you’d have to find a method of carrying it all the time… That’s just not my thing.

I have numerous APRs and a couple SCBAs at home, acquired thought-out my career in emergency response (you’d be surprised what gets thrown away) I mostly kept them for teaching and as antiques but they are all still functional… however all I carry are N95 masks in my truck and one in my EDC backpack and that’s as far as I go. How far you go is a decision only you can make… Like I said if it makes you feel better, go for it just don’t neglect the training.