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 our 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 U.S. Department of Defense 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 warfare 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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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There’s also a new smaller P3 Virus Filter (P100 European equivalent) that comes in packs of 6. A good deal if you aren’t looking at radiological or nuclear protection.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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We’ve also done a full review of the CM-6M.
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 the 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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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 afterward.
For when you need CBRN protection AND the ability to easily shoot a rifle…check out the CM-7M. See our hands-on review here.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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And if you want the full protection suite for really bad times…check out Mira’s CBRN Poncho.
Or their CBRN Hazmat Suit.
That you can couple it with some decontamination gloves and even Thyrosafe for protection against your thyroid absorbing radioactive iodine.
Check out our Best Hazmat Suits for more info on the full protection suite.
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, which 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 adjustable 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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Surgical & Cloth Masks
Your current best bets for affordable and timely masks…
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 the 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 time and does not have a lot of gaps.
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See the full review and our runner-up choices in Best Reusable Cloth Face Masks.
5. KN95 Masks
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.
Check out All KN95 Masks Here.
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.
There are a TON of acronyms 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 oilproof 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.
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Easy to keep in your bug-out bag or vehicle. Plus, I use them for minor woodworking 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.
6. 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 reusing the “shell.”
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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 them on.
For filters… there are the ones I’m wearing that are P100 plus Organic Vapor Relief.
Which basically means it blocks some smelly stuff.
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There are 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 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’s why I combo it with some simple goggles that give me a nice seal.
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And also some earplugs. 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.
7. 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!
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8. 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 expired in 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.
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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!
9. 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.
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These are made for NATO is 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.
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What’s your take on the Mestel? Rate it below?
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.
Our bearded staff have worn 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 be to shave…or go with a hood.
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Or a budget pick would be a disposable fire hood…
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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…
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this helped you choose the best respiratory protection for your intended use.
For cheap and accessible protection that gets the green light from the CDC:
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If you want to up it to available KN95 masks…
And for full-face and half-face respirators…
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And if you need all the bells and whistles of protection (and shooting ability)…check out MIRA.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Combined with their 20-year shelf-life filter.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Or their new P3 Virus Filter.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
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If you’d like a little more protection in a reusable format…get the 3M Half Face Respirator.
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Combined with the 7093 P100 filters with smell reduction.
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Need other prepping help?
70 Leave a Reply
"I go over N95 masks further down the list, which are the gold standard but are currently reserved for health professionals. "
Anyone can buy and have N95 masks, they aren't currently reserved for health professionals. For example (wont let me post a link so you will need to interpret this), wxw DOT wellbefore DOT coxm FORWARD-SLASH collections FORWARD-SLASH niosh-n95
Before retiring/forced out under disability, I was a HazMat Team member. We were fitted with the Survivair 4000 Full Face Respirators, and issued two. One set up for standard 40mm filter cartridges, and the other with Adaptor for use with the PAPR HEPA Unit. Though I was able to retain my masks, the PAPRs were kept on the Response Vehicle, so I couldn't take it with me.
95's and 100s are worthless against viruses for the most part. More viruses are smaller than .3 microns than larger.. Considering there's evidence that CoVid may have spread through microdroplet into the eyes (your tears drain right into your nose).
What's the biggest threat we'll likely face in a SHTF situation? If it's nuclear, we're pretty much screwed unless you live somewhere with zero fallout, and the chance of very long isotope half lifes is very high. If it's chemical, it'll depend on what chemical and the same goes for biological.
The main reason I see for a mask is use against tear gas and other irritants the corrupt dictatorial government will use against us when they attempt to disarm us.
You should know that the Covid virus is .12 microns. So face masks won’t work. Like cloth, n95 and others.
virus filters???
Yes, came here for beard coverage. Us guys in SWFL are all competing (as it seems) for Ernest Hemingway look-alike contests. Thanks for the article
FYI, the Parcil T-60 and PD-100 masks can use their own proprietary filters, or, if you twist off the filter adapter, they will also take standard 3M bayonet filters
I call BS. I have the O2 tactical mask, and it is ridiculously uncomfortable. It crushes your chin right below your lip if you can get it to seal above the nose. And good luck wearing glasses with it, they are pushed up by the nose ridge. What a joke and waste of $225 x 2. . . and I preordered the damned thing! All hype - and I seriously wonder what troll or dwarf they fitted this thing for. Trying to talk with it on is even more painful. Lesson learned. I DO NOT participate in crowd funding crappola anymore - every single one has been a let down in one way or another.
Your very own commitment to getting the message throughout came to be rather powerful and have consistently enabled employees just like me to arrive at their desired goals.
This is an outstanding post that’s filled with so many useful nuggets. Thank you for being so detailed on 12 Best Gas Masks, Face Masks, Respirators, & Filters .
What is your opinion of the Israeli gas hoods for children ? ( or Mira safety cm-3m)
Check and make sure they don't have the breathing valves, because those aren't effective for coronavirus prevention.
A nearby industrial complex vents organic solvents. They variously smell like acetone, gasoline vapor, or an organic drying agent. Venting will typically start at about 4am, so It is pretty easy to sleep through and wake up with a headache. 1) Please can someone recommend an inexpensive detector with an alarm? 2) Can someone recommend a half mask that would take carbon filters that would be usable for a week or more without having to change cartridges? Being able to pack both a particle filter and carbon filter, or two carbon cartridges, per side, would be an advantage. 3) Can carbon cartridges be set out, placed in an oven, blown with a hair dryer, or be left in the sun to get them to out gas so that they may be used again? Who sells replacement cartridges for a reasonable price per hour of use? This will probably drive the decision for which new mask to get. 4) And on a bit of a different topic, can a 3M8577 be washed and reused? They seem fine after being carefully washed in the sink with a mild soap and rinse, then dried, but do they still work? Thanks in advance for your considerate replies.
Your best bet would be get a large induct carbon filter and a duct fan and filter the air in your room that way no mask and big carbon filter can 5aje a lot of stuff out of the air and no there's no way to refresh carbon filters other then maybe reactivate them with sodium hydroxide however I'm not certian that would purge the carbon fully or at all good luck
Last I heard (I’ve been meaning to get myself one to poke fun at the largely useless mask mandates at my school) the Russian GP-5 gas masks like the one shown under “what not to get” actually reportedly come threaded for 40mm filters so you could theoretically use them with modern NATO filters.
Nato filters don't fit. They won't make an airtight seal. Although some nato filters have a standardized thread. You could definitely use them against the virus
Miras are not actually made by Mira. Someone on reddit did a pretty amazing deconstruction of Mira's claims:
https://www.reddit.com/r/gasmasks/comments/f1jx7v/on_the_topic_of_mira_safetys_products/
I bought a Trend Stealth Air for my mother since her school district is reopening later this month and not requiring masks or distancing of any kind. Its N100 rated, very light and comfortable and available on Amazon. I got one for myself as well and would recommend it.
The Israeli NATO Surplus Gas Mask is going for $169 on amazon, uhhh no. No way I'm spending that much for a $40 mask so I ordered a Mira, coupon code gave me $50 off.
Get an mc-1 gas mask with a cff3 filter. Yes, It may be a surplus mask and filter but it still works for some things and is safe.
For all of these filter replaceable masks, what are the guidelines for replacing the filters time frame/use? I have not seen anything so was curious.
24 hours usually for most filters.
I am a freelance photographer and have ended up getting gassed and pepper sprayed on accident while covering the unrest. I have a full mask coming in (SGE 400/3), but it wont be in this weekend. Do you think a respirator and goggles would work as a makeshift? If I have swimming goggles, they should protect my eyes and I am hoping a respirator will protect my rose and mouth. Any thoughts?
O2 Canada Curve 1.2 is not source control! That is, it does not filter the air exiting the one-way valves out, only the incoming air, and by wearing it you do not protect other people from virus transmission. I strongly suggest removing it fro this list Eric. We have a responsibility not just to protect ourselves, but others.
Thank you for your excellent article. Do the full face mask respirators filter exhaled air? I am asking in case a person is an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19. If the air is unfiltered, are there any post-market modifications that can be done? Thanks!
You can get the Half Mask, Particulate filters (P100 or 7093), and some safety goggles or glasses ( but make sure the glasses have the sealing so nothing gets in. I use this respirator when I'm out shooting photos or when I'm at a the grocery store. One of my friends who works in the emergency room that deals with Covid patients recommends that mask setup if you can find it. Hope this helps!
Wear A Mask Now masks are from a company that failed it's tests. Not FDA approved.
Any data available on prescription lenses / glasses capability masks for those of us 4-eyed old ground pounders whose last set of Rx optical inserts for our M17s are long out of focus?
glue the lenses on he mask?
Curve seems to have hit capacity. I ordered in early April. Was order 20,XXX. In early May the website said they were finishing up packing order numbers <10,000
counldn't you get a new filter for the russian gp-5 surplus mask, and if so it would work right? Also, couldn't you stick cotton fabric in the part where the filter goes and it would be better. Its not supposed to fell good its made to save your butt.
Cyka, blyat! All you need is a bottle of vodka, semechki, some shell casings/bolts, and a GP-5 and you're good to face all the terrors of the Exclusion Zone.
I managed to fit a 40mm Israeli tube and a M65 80's filter on my GP-5 ... passed a "crop-dusting" test. Standard cotton rounds for makeup will fit in the tube and even in an original tube to add some grip.
Only issue with the GP-5 is that it's not made for humid climates as your head can't vent properly. Should be fine as a "temporary" solution with a different filter as you stated ... and a good way to scare the locals during Covid-19.
Its expired and wont work, also asbestos could still seep through. For your saftey get a standerdized nato filter like an FP-5 or cff3 or get a modern gost filter.
You failed to cover the Avon FM50, FM53 as well as the MSA Millennium CBRN Riot Control gas masks
Hey guy, where you did buy your 5. Russian Surplus Gas Mask and also filter for this?
This was falsification. This is just falsification. Remember it! Real modern russians gas mask now other - this are similar in appearance to your MIRA Safety CM-6M Gas Mask but also more other special-modded filters for different impurities.
Sorry, my friend, but you nothing know at russians gas mask.
Russian Gas Mask Filter Bottom, Yum! --- just remove it!! this is a patch of pack or instruction. :)
The Filters have equal construction - it is coil dust and filters cloth. and you have the civil variant of this from the 90th.
Just curious, how would you rate the military's M40 promask? You can sometime's get them at Army Surplus stores for fairly cheap.