A respiratory protection apparatus has a breathing mask with a regulator and a fast donning harness having at least a pair of extensible strap whose ends are connected to the mask. Each strap has an element which is inflatable by the pressurized breathable gas for extending the strap until it has a sufficient size for enabling the user to quickly don the harness over the head and deflatable to permit the strap to tighten, to urge the mask against the face and to maintain the mask on the face. An ear piece is connected to the harness or mask and is applied against the ear when the harness straps are deflated.