a respirator assembly has a respirator mask and a separate bracing device . the bracing device has a pressure element mountable over a frontpiece of the respirator mask , which bears against that frontpiece to hold the respirator mask against the face of a user . the bracing device also has two connection portions , each having one end attached to the pressure element and the other end being for attaching the bracing device to a helmet worn by the user . the connection portions are extendable . thus , shortening or distending the connection portions reduces the distance between the helmet and the respirator mask and thereby causes the pressure element to bear against the frontpiece of the respirator mask , compressing the user &# 39 ; s head between the helmet and the mask and thereby holding the mask against the user &# 39 ; s face .