From wood dust to viruses, smoke, tear gas, and even nuclear fallout… we’ve got you covered.
We’ve researched, asked experts, and hand-selected the best gas masks and respirators for a variety of safety and prepping scenarios.
Then we tested them for fit, function, and value.
And for the extreme ones… we even gassed ourselves and tested rifle shooting ability.
So get ready for lots of pics and even some videos.
By the end you’ll know the best protection for your purpose.
*February 2022 Update* Info on CBRN suits added.
*August 2020 Update* More info on CDC/FDA guidelines, supplies, KN95 alternatives, and making your own mask during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
*September 2020* Wildfire recommendations added too. Quick link to Parcil Respirators (#2 below).
Best Gas Masks & Respirators
I go over N95 masks further down the list which are the gold standard but are currently reserved for health professionals.
So I’m prioritizing the list based on what you can actually get right now.
1. MIRA Safety CM-6M
MIRA makes gas masks, safety equipment, and tactical gear in Texas…used by the US DoD and plenty of other countries.
The CM-6M is rated for CBRN which is NBC with a little extra Radiation protection snuck in.
But doesn’t the “N” already stand for “Nuclear?”
Yes…NBC masks can protect against traditional nuclear fallout from nukes. But now the extra “R” protects against dirty bomb isotope fallout.
It does that with different materials…in this case…butyl rubber which is much more resistant to fallout, chemical warefare agents, and toxic industrial chemicals.
It’s also very comfy and you get the choice of attaching the filter on either side depending on your rifle hand dominance.
However, the CM-6M was more designed for a full field of view rather than rifle shooting.
I found I had to tilt my rifle a little to get a good view through my optic. With un-magnified optics it will be a little easier.
Plus you might get thirsty right…but can’t remove your mask?
The mask comes with a drinking straw!
Which attaches nicely to the canteen.
As for filters…you can run standard 40mm filters. Or better yet…check out MIRA’s very own.
They can be stored for up to 20 years instead of 5 years. Which probably turns out to be a better deal if you aren’t likely to use them.
A good rule of thumb is two filters per person per day.
There’s also a new smaller P3 Virus Filter (P100 European equivalent) that come in packs of 6. A good deal if you aren’t looking at radiological or nuclear protection.
As for the CM-6M…they might be the best choice for you if you value extreme protection from almost everything out there…and want a comfy large field of view.
2. MIRA Safety CM-7M
Need something made for shooting?
The CM-7M might fit the bill.
Also ambidextrous in filter attachment. The main change that makes shooting easier is the depression at the cheek.
Unfortunately it means you have to switch to the bug-eye design…but field of view was still very adequate.
It also comes with the drinking straw attachment although in a different area.
Check out the inside…
And for these…I’d recommend sticking with the MIRA filters.
Now…we wanted to do some sort of test.
Amazingly, Amazon sells some Pepper Spray Grenades.
Now don’t get too excited…it was a little underwhelming…
Less grenade…and more upward spray.
But the two MIRAs passed with flying colors. And yes…the pepper spray was in the air and got all over our Tyvek suits.
I found out the hard way when I touched my eyes and lips afterwards.
For when you need CBRN protection AND the ability to more easily shoot a rifle…check out the CM-7M.
And if you want the full protection suite for real bad times…check out Mira’s CBRN Poncho.
Or their CBRN Hazmat Suit.
That you can couple with some decontamination gloves and even Thyrosafe for protection against your thyroid absorbing radioactive iodine.
3. PD-100 and T-60 Respirators
Want to step it up a little with full-face protection or a comfy half-face respirator?
These are the in-stock ones to get to protect more against wildfire particles.
Let’s check out the full-face PD-100 first that comes with a set of N95 filters.
Installation of the filters is really easy…just twist them on.
The first thing that struck me was that it was actually really comfortable with a wide view.
Plus there wasn’t any fogging (although I was only standing and writing at my desk for a few hours).
The name of the game is fit and the PD-100 has adjustment straps that auto-lock for a snug seal by yourself.
And a view inside shows the soft rubber.
A very nice mask that gives a good seal and comes with a set of N95 filters already.
And one that came in a few days.
Don’t need full-face protection? Check out the T-60 half-face respirator.
It comes with and utilizes the same twist on/off N95 filters as the PD-100.
The T-60 has a softer feeling rubber seal that’s even more comfortable than the PD-100.
However, with the filters on I felt a little droopiness until I really tightened down the straps.
There’s a top plastic strap part that conforms to your head and can be easily cinched down.
Then a neck attachment that’s easy by yourself.
The T-60 is a more comfortable respirator if you’re not looking to fully cover your eyes.
But if you go the T-60 or PD-100 route…be sure to get the correct kind of twist on/off filters (PA1 Dual Filters) and not “bayonet” style ones.
4. Surgical & Cloth Masks
Your current best bets for affordable and timely masks…
According to the CDC on April 3…cloth masks can help.
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Check out in-stock surgical masks.
As for reusable cloth face masks…we’ve concluded our own hands-on study over the last few months.
And our number 1 choice by a longshot is the Halo mask.
It passed our water penetration test with flying colors which can help determine effectiveness of filtering out aerosols.
As well as passing a fabric light test which can show if a fabric is tightly woven enough.
And the final test…the Halo is comfortable for long periods of times and does not have a lot of gaps.
See the full review and our runner-up choices in Best Reusable Cloth Face Masks.
Feeling DIY?
The CDC also released a video of the US Surgeon General showing how to make a cloth mask from a t-shirt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4
4. O2 Canada Curve 1.2
The Curve 1.2 ($69) is a respirator that we’re currently testing that protects against particulate matter down to .1 microns (N95 is .3 microns).
Once you get past the fact that it looks like a sports cup…it’s SUPER comfy.
There’s a thoughtfully designed rubber earpiece that won’t leave your ear all red after a few hours.
And an easy to self put on neck strap.
But my favorite part is the silicone seal that can work with a little bit of facial hair.
I ordered mine during the middle of the craze and it still came in around 2-3 weeks. Check their site for the most current shipping estimates.
It arrived in a nice box and came with 3 filters and a surprisingly helpful manual.
Another thing I love…they don’t try to make all their money on filter replacements.
It’s a nice 5 extra filters for $8.
And of course vanity eventually comes into play and there’s some replacement shells with different colors, lol.
I really think these replaceable filter type of masks are here to stay in the post-Covid world.
The Curve 1.2 is more comfortable and more protective than cloth, surgical, or even N95 masks.
It’s not much harder to breathe although you will have to work a little more to talk compared to a surgical mask.
And despite it being named O2 Canada… we called and their shipping warehouse is out of Chicago.
It might look a little goofy but so far the Curve 1.2 is comfy and has a great seal.
6. KN95 Masks
Background
You probably heard of KN95 masks instead of the regular N95 masks…so what’s the difference?
The N95 metric is for the United States while the KN95 metric is for China.
Both are rated to filter 95% of particulates down to .3 microns.
On March 24, 2020 the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) that allowed masks (and different metrics) from countries that did not include China because of an abundance of fraudulent masks.
However, on April 3, they issued a new EUA that allowed KN95 respirators for health professionals if it met certain standards. They also released a list of a few dozen FDA certified KN95 manufacturers (updated May 7).
Now that we got that out of the way…
Where to Buy KN95 Masks
I’ve ordered several KN95 masks from Aliexpress and half never made it here in over 6 weeks. And the others were fake like the picture above.
So I don’t recommend Aliexpress.
I had one sent over from relatives in HK that looks to be real since they verified with the manufacturer list.
Compared to the fake one…the real one doesn’t smell like chemicals, were individually packaged, had a better fit, and much nicer ear straps.
I’ve started my research of US-based companies that are importing from the FDA approved list.
1. Wear a Mask Now
I’ve talked with Wear a Mask Now and they said that they are importing from an FDA certified manufacturer.
Masks are in stock in Indianapolis and shipping out same day. I ordered on 4/29/2020 to test it out so stay tuned.
*Update*: Got it in about a week in a nice resealable bag.
Masks look good and also come with a little triangle of authentication.
I reached out to the company and they said that they are on the US CDC qualified enterprise list.
And what matters…it fits well with a good seal!
Plus they have a special 10% off coupon for our readers with code PEW10.
2. Safelife Defense
We’ve found some 25-pack KN95 masks from a Safelife Defense…a company whose flexible body armor we really dig.
They’ve listed their FDA owner/operator number of 10062984 and have several thousand in stock (as of 5/15/2020).
Currently the best deal for a large number of masks!
7. O2 Tactical TR2
Something new…that’s SUPER tactical.
Enter O2 Tactical‘s TR2 (tactical respirator).
But we’re loving the design, N99 expected protection with easy swap filters….and drum-roll…suitable for facial hair!
Plus you’re GTG for eye protection and it even has an optional mic for Peltor headsets.
We’ve just got one in for review…
And so far it looks as badass as it does in the promo pics.
However, for John’s facial structure and glorious facial hair there’s some room for improvement.
Mostly due to the bottom of the device resting above the chin but below the lower lip which puts pressure on the bridge of the nose.
This quickly becomes uncomfortable especially when talking.
We’re going to be testing this more and see if we’re wearing this improperly before we issue a verdict.
8. 3M P100/N95 Particulate Respirator
Probably what you think of when you first hear “gas mask.”
But…these are known as respirators and the 3M P100 above isn’t your regular dust mask or even surgical mask.
*April 2020 Update* P100 and N95 masks are also all sold out and Amazon is restricting sales to medical personnel. Scroll down for alternatives!
There’s a TON of acrynoms and numbers in the respiratory protection game.
If you’re getting something affordable and compact…get something with a P100 rating.
The more normal N95 is not oil resistant and only filters 95% of airborne particles .3 microns in size or larger.
While the P100 is oil proof and filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. If oil isn’t a problem…check out N100 Respirators as well.
The 3M P100 filter is my basic pick since it’s affordable and also has an exhalation valve so it doesn’t get too stuffy after long use.
Easy to keep in your bug out bag or vehicle. Plus, I use them for minor wood-working and renovation touring.
However, the good thing is that the CDC states N95 respirators “are capable of filtering out all types of particles, including bacteria and viruses.”
Still…you’re missing 5% protection there.
They are going in and out of stock all the time so use the N95 Respirator Search.
Or still try your luck with N100 Respirators.
If you have some of these masks…check out the CDC’s Guide to Decontamination & Reuse.
9. 3M Half-Face Respirator 7502
Boom…let’s amp it up a little.
This 3M Half Face Respirator uses disposable filters so you can keep re-using the “shell.”
The half face respirator is great for better protection of your nose and mouth since it creates a nice seal.
However, they are sized and I’m wearing a medium.
The attachments are also pretty comfy and intuitive…and don’t require someone to help you put it on.
For filters…there’s the ones I’m wearing that are P100 plus Organic Vapor Relief.
Which basically means it blocks some smelly stuff.
at Amazon
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
There’s also other form factors such as the 7093B P100 filters which are encased in plastic so they protect from water and wetness.
I’d also recommend the 3M 7093 for prepping since you don’t know your situation. But the other ones are good for regular work when you know you won’t get wet.
I have a big stash of the half face respirators to protect against big wildfires and disease outbreaks.
But you’ve still got your eyes and ears to take care of…
That why I combo it with some simple goggles that give me a nice seal.
And also some ear plugs. If you’re a shooter those foamy things are all you need. But we also have a guide for the Best Electronic Ear Protection too.
*Update* Since this is a big step up in protection and you’ll look a little too cautious (at least right now)…they are somewhat in stock.
If my above is out of stock or you need more sizes…use our 3M Respirator Search.
And if my main pick for eye protection is out try our Safety Goggles Search. Be sure to get one with a tight seal.
10. Russian Surplus Gas Mask
Ok…this is an example of what NOT to get.
Unless you’re doing some kind of cosplay…just don’t.
Russian surplus gas masks use a different filter threading so you probably can’t use new Western filters.
But that’s not the worst part.
They also can contain asbestos. And are usually liquidated once they expire. You never know how they were stored…etc.
I put it on without the filter and it definitely was super uncomfortable and claustrophobic.
I had to take out my contacts and clean them since something in the mask got in my eye.
So even if you are buying for fun…make sure to clean it out. Comes with a nice fabric bag though!
11. Israeli NATO Surplus Gas Mask
Now we’re getting into real “gas mask” territory.
These Israeli gas masks are popular with the prepping crowd since they are still affordable.
Plus they offer NBC protection…which stands for:
- Nuclear
- Biological
- Chemical
They sometimes come with a fresh-ish filter (this one is expired at 2008). And can take regular Western 40mm ones.
And surprisingly…decently comfortable despite the appearance. However, I did experience some fogging after a few minutes.
Visibility is also not bad with the two eye holes.
My recommendation if you want to go super budget with a full faced gas mask.
Make sure to pick up some new gas mask filters while you’re at it though.
I’ll cover those combined with the next pick!
12. Mestel Full Face SGE 150
This is my primary pick for most potential users (when it was in stock).
The Mestel SGE 150 and equivalents gas masks give you NBC protection and the ability to use regular 40mm filters.
Mestel is an Italian company of diving masks so it’s essentially a modified mask to fit NATO filters.
It has a huge field of view and is pretty comfy!
No fogging up. Guessing their background has some advantages.
Check out the inside…simple but to the point.
As for gas mask filters…I like the Mestel version for general preparedness.
These are made for NATO, are NBC rated, and last up to 5 years.
*Update*: Amazon is taking off gas masks and filters so sometimes the Mestel is gone or not named directly. If it is I’d take a look at Parcil or Mira. Or see the search for CBRN Filter.
It’s possible to go through 1-3 filters a day…so prep accordingly!
Those combo-ed with the Mestel SGE 150 are my favorite general prepping gas mask.
What’s your take on the Mestel?
What About Beards & Kids?
A little update for questions in the comment section…
What if you have a beard?
It’s just not going to have that airtight seal you want.
John, our resident social media guy/beard man, wore the CM-7M in our pepper spray grenade test and came out unscathed.
But that’s not the same as something more pervasive or harmful.
The CDC recently published a guide to acceptable beards (PDF). Great use of resources…and yes…the “toothbrush.”
Your best bet would to shave…or go with a hood.
Or a budget pick would be a disposable fire hood…
FireMask
Prices accurate at time of writing
How about for children?
The above Firemask will fit children as young as 3. Otherwise there’s one from Mira that totally isn’t scary at all…
Conclusion
Hopefully this helped in you choosing the best respiratory protection for your intended use.
For cheap and accessible protection that gets the greenlight from the CDC:
If you want to up it to available KN95 masks…
Or you want something with a quick shipping time, nice fitment, and refillable filters…
And for full-face and half-face respirators…
And if you need all the bells and whistles of protection (and shooting ability)…check out MIRA.
Combo-ed with their 20-year shelf-life filter.
Or their new P3 Virus Filter.
In a quieter time…
If you’re doing a general prep bag…or want to be 99.97% protected from general contaminants…get the 3M P100 Disposable Respirators.
If you’d like a little more protection in a re-usable format…get the 3M Half Face Respirator.
Combined with the 7093 P100 filters with smell reduction.
Need other prepping help?
Credit: Source link