A respirator 1, particularly suitable for use by military infantry combat usage, comprises an oro-nasal mask 2 configured to surround a wearers nose and mouth, a visor 3 pivotally mounted to the oro-nasal mask, a peripheral face seal 4 to surround a wearers face, and a gas-impermeable layer/membrane 5 which extends between the peripheral face seal and the visor in use. The peripheral face seal comprises a resilient reinforcing element 32 (e.g. a steel band or bead) which may be embedded in a portion of the seal. The mask may be connected to the seal by at least one strap (22, Fig 3) on either side of the mask and/or one strap may be provided on the mask, extending through the gas impermeable layer/membrane for connecting the mask to a helmet having suitable connection elements.
