Is a gas-mask as a spacesuit possible?

I'm writing a short story about space faring race of people. I want to emphasize how technology has allowed a casual approach to space, making it seem like only a minor inconvenience or hazard.

One way I'd like to show this is with space suits that are as minimal as possible. I'd like for it to be just a gas mask to go with their regular attire; something lightweight to use in emergencies or as needed that creates an airtight seal. (Also suppose that their future™ clothing takes care of sealing up the remaining cavities)

My question is: would this work?

Humans have survived total vacuum with no lasting effect. But in each case this has happened, their lungs have always been at the same ambient pressure as the outside. Since this mask supplies pressure (not necessarily as much as 1 atm; not necessarily air), there will be a non-trivial outward delta-p. Is this viable? Painful? Fatal?

If the latter, is there anything I could do practically to make it work?

posted about 7 years ago

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