The Ultimate Gas Mask & Respirator Guide

Gas masks and respirators. We've all seen them in movies and TV shows, and some of you have seen or needed them on the job to varying degrees.

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But most people don't have a clue how to use one, when or why to use them, or what type to get.

Let's clear up some of the misconceptions and make sure that you can make the right decisions for you and your family and make sure you don't waste money or worse, get the wrong stuff!

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Article Summary (aka TL;DR)

Fire / Smoke Inhalation Protection: if you live / work in a tall / large building where long evacuation times are a concern.

Mira Safety CM-6M (adult) + Mira Safety MD-1 (child) + MIRA Safety VK-450 Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Filter Cartridge(s). Consider adding MIRA Safety MB-90 Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) for increased ease of breathing.

General Particulate Protection / Riot Control Agents:

Half Face: 3M series half-face respirator in: Small, Medium, or Large plus some 3M Gas/Vapor Filters and a pair of liquid-proof Goggles as a low-cost solution.

Half Face: Honeywell PPE - High-end half face respirators and goggles, plus real N95 masks. 

Half Face Upgrade: Mira Safety Tactical Air-Purifying Respirator Mask (TAPR) with filters + liquid-proof Goggles

Full Face: to upgrade, get full-face protection with a 3M Full Facepiece Respirator plus the 3M Gas/Vapor Filters.

Parcil Safety also has a great selection of full masks, and also carries Mestel products as well. 

Nuclear / Biological / Chemical Military Agents:

For full CBRN protection: Mira Safety CM-6M plus Gas Mask Filter NBC-77.

Best Bundle Deals:

For $150 get a full-face BreatheSafe Respirator which includes 2 sets of 3M filters.

Parcil Safety offers high grade half-mask + filter combo for $70 and full-face respirator + filter for $100. They also offer discounts for first responders, medical workers & military and 15% off for our readers, use code: BUGOUT15.

Why Do You Need a Gas Mask or Respirator?

Breathing is important, right? You can last about 2 minutes without breathing before you pass out, and then you are in real trouble.

There are a huge amount of reasons why you and your family would need gas masks or respirators:

• Smoke from building or wildfires
• Particulates launched during natural disasters, like earthquakes
• Biological outbreaks or attacks
• Chemical or Nuclear attacks
• Riot agents like pepper spray or tear gas

Anyone who lives in a multi-floor building, city, or an area that suffers from wildfires needs to have one that will protect against smoke inhalation at the very least. 

If you spend time underground in subways, it might not be a bad idea to have one either, fires do happen!

(Although carrying a gas mask around with you whenever you ride the subway might be a little odd...just saying)

There are four main types of threats we can use a mask or respirator to protect against:

How do They Work?

Gas masks and respirators are essentially filters. Filters remove particles. Particles of the nasty stuff floating around you don't want in your lungs or bloodstream.

Think of a vacuum cleaner and the bag. The bag collects all the dirt but the air passes through it nice and clean. Same concept.

To filter out gasses, the filters use something absorbent which attracts and captures chemicals as they pass by.

Easy, right?

As it turns out, no, not so easy. Not all filters are created equal, as we will see later on. If you want to filter out the really nasty stuff, you're going to need serious gear. A wet handkerchief or your shirt over your mouth isn't gonna cut it.

Types of Respirators and Masks

There are several different kinds of models, with varying functionalities and degrees of protection:

• Filtering Face Mask (Dust / Surgical mask)
• Half-Face Respirator / Escape Hoods
• Full-Face Respirator
• Full-Face Respirator plus Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

Filtering Face Masks

• Dust masks Inexpensive, easy to find, good for cleaning around the house or light construction work.
• Surgical masks Designed more to keep things out of the wearers mouth, like blood from a patient, or keep the doctors own spit from contaminating a patient.

Are either of these useful for our purposes? There are some robust dust masks that are worthy of consideration, but surgical masks are not going to adequately help protect your lungs from anything other than large particles or droplets.

Half-Face Respirator / Escape Hoods

• Respirators Easy to find in a big box store, and some offer protection from noxious gasses in addition to particulates.
• Escape hoods Single-use masks designed to be used for things like escapes from a burning building, last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

We're getting warmer here. There are some good half-face respirators out there. They don't protect your face, which could be a problem with certain serious exposures.

Escape hoods are cool...when someone else buys you one. They can be on the expensive side. If you live in a high-rise building they might be a good investment, especially if you have children.

Do you get them? Yes, you start here if you have nothing. We will discuss them further later on and help you decide what works for your situation.

Full-Face Respirators + PAPR

• Full Face Gas Masks This covers a wide gamut of mask types, and is a bit of a simplification but for our purposes is appropriate. What you will most often see is NBC or CBRN masks. NBC is Nuclear, Biological and Chemical. CBRN means Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear. 

Now we're getting to the good stuff. This is about as serious as you can get without having a SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus.)

If your funds allow it, this is where you want to wind up: with a high-quality mask and lots of filters to go along with it, and a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR).

Gas Mask vs. Respirator

Ok, so what is the difference between a Gas Mask and Respirator and when would you prefer one over the other?

As we saw, a Gas Mask is full-face protection that, when using the proper filter, will protect against vapors, gases, and particles. They offer the best levels of protection for the passive types of masks (un-powered or without an air tank.)

These are for when things are really funky, and you need the best protection you can get.

A Respirator is what you get from the hardware store, and depending on the kind they can protect against low levels of particulates, bacteria, and sometimes gasses.

Since they are cheap and easy to pack it is a smart idea to have them stashed around where they are easy to get to: put a couple in your car, in your emergency survival kits, around the house.

Which do you chose? Ideally a combination of both.

Respirators can be an inexpensive way to provide basic levels of protection against common threats while Gas Masks will be what you'd need when things go really bad.

Respirator Buyers Guide

We'll start with Respirators since they are easy to get a hold of and use, inexpensive, and good for a number of reasons that concern us such as bacteria, particles and some vapors.

There are two types we will look at: the soft kinds and the rigid half-face with replaceable filters.

Soft Respirators

Look for at least N95 or P100 ratings on whatever you buy. These give you the best bang for the buck at around $12-17 each. You'll get at least 99.97% of airborne particles along some aerosol oil resistance (pepper spray, etc.)

Typical Price: $12

Very comfortable and easy to use and store. Use for solid particulates and liquid mists in concentrations not exceeding 10X. DO NOT use for gases and vapors, asbestos,or abrasive blasting. Not rated for virus protection or source control. Technical data sheet.

$12Amazon

Half Face Respirators

Beefing up the area around the mouth allows half face respirators to protect against certain kinds of gases, along with the same items the soft ones deal with.

Best Budget Pick:

Typical Price: $14

Provides excellent protection against particulates and a wide variety of gases and vapors when used with the right kinds of cartridges and filters. The head straps are easy to adjust and help keep the mask comfortable. Can't go wrong with this one.

Comes in 3 models based on size: Small, Medium, Large.

$14Amazon

Typical Price: $28

If you need to wear your respirator all day or for longer periods of time, then upgrade to the series. It's more comfortable and durable than the series.

Comes in 3 models based on size: Small, Medium, Large.

$28Amazon

Typical Price: $70

The T-60/61 offer industrial-level function in an agile package. They are manufactured to be lightweight and tough enough to withstand severe conditions and continuous use.

They helps provide its wearer with powerful respiratory protection against airborne contaminants when used with the P-A-1/P-A-3 carbon-activated filters, or industry-standard bayonet cartridges. It is designed to pair well with prescription glasses, sunglasses, or safety goggles. 

See out full review of the Parcil Safety lineup here.

$70Parcil Safety

Typical Price: $200

The Tactical Air-Purifying Respirator (TAPR) is the first EN-140 certified half-face respirator mask specifically designed for special operations, security actions, and rescue teams.

Originally developed to suit the needs of the Czech Special Forces, the TAPR is designed to provide flexible, versatile protection for even the most challenging tactical situations.

See out full review of the Mira Safety TAPR here.

NOTE: Includes 2 filters, but the 40-mm kind used on gas masks (below) NOT the 3M type filters.

• Center Port TAPR Body
• Mesh Harness
• ParticleMax P3 Compact Filter
• P-CAN Compact Filter
• Carry Case Nylon Pouch
• Low-profile Exhalation Cap

$200Mira Safety

Full Face Respirators

Protecting your eyes as well as your lungs from toxic chemicals and particulates is really the level of protection you want to achieve.

There are several work-style respirators to chose from that use the 3M filter systems for good gas and particulate protection.

NOTE: These are NOT rated for fire / smoke protection.

Typical Price: $147

If you want full face protection but are not looking for a full on gas mask (like the ones below) rated for CBRN threats, than the FF series of masks from 3M are the way to go. Price effective and easy to find the filters you need. Also compatible with 3M Supplied Air System and PAPR Systems for next level protection.

$147Amazon

Typical Price: $149

The BreatheSafe Respirator / Gas Mask Kit will keep you safe no matter what dangerous substances are in the air. This face shield is compatible with all 3M style filter elements so that you'll be able to use it for years.

It is a great choice for professionals that need to breathe safely.  Here are some of the features of the BreatheSafe Respirator Mask:

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• Large, Optical grade viewing port - So you can read clearly and conduct your business effectively while wearing the mask.
• Medical Grade Silicone construction
  • Allows the mask to be cleaned thoroughly
  • Soft seal so it can be worn for long periods
  • Longer life than natural rubber
  • Non-latex so it is allergy free

Includes:

• The BreatheSafe Respirator Mask
• One Pair of P-A-1 Filters
• One Pair of 3M CN Filters
• Storage Bag

$149BulletSafe

Filter Options

Most masks don&#;t come with the necessary filters or cartridges, so you'll have have to grab some of those as well.

Don't confuse this type of filter with the 40-mm NATO style filters. They are not interchangeable as they have different connector shapes.

Typical Price: $27 per pair

These filters are your best choice for full respiratory protection from certain organic vapors, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methylamine, formaldehyde, or hydrogen fluoride, and non-oil and oil particulate concentrations.

$27Amazon

If you want to see the full range of reusable respirators and filters that 3M makes, check out this brochure from them.

Gas Mask Buyers Guide

Once you have gotten a handful of the less expensive options, and are ready to make the investment, it's time to get a real Gas Mask.

Here is what the folks at MIRA Safety suggest you look for when purchasing a mask:

For civil preparedness purposes, you would want a CBRN mask with the following set of features:

• Certifications

• Presence of a speech diaphragm

• Hydration system compatibility

• Compatibility with optics

• Whether the rubber is resistant to chemical warfare agents

• Fits 40mm 1/7&#; NATO filter cartridges

• Whether there are government and law enforcement agencies currently using the mask. This is an extra indicator of quality.

Buyer Beware!

We should mention here that there is a lot of bad information out there about gas masks, and a TON of inferior product that will fail when you need it most.

Do NOT just buy a random gas mask or filters and think it will work properly. BE VERY CAREFUL.

Best case scenario you lose a little money.

Worst case scenario you need to depend on that mask to save you and your families lives and it fails.

Make sure you ONLY purchase products from well known, reputable companies that are supplying public agencies such as law enforcement or the military.

What to Avoid

A good gas mask is going to cost some money. There is just no getting around it.

You can find inexpensive stuff out there but keep in mind that much of it is old surplus, which means they are very likely expired and won&#;t give you the protection you have to have.

Here is a list of masks to avoid:

• Israeli Civilian Mask
• Israeli Military M15 Mask
• Cheap Chinese gas masks
• M17 Gas Mask
• Czech M-10-M Protective Mask
• GP-5 Gas Mask
• Canadian C-3 Protective Mask
• Canadian C-4 Protective Mask
• Serbian M1 Gas Mask

Thanks to MIRA Safety for this list! To see more details about the list above, check out their article about it.

Who to Trust

There are a number of reputable companies out there:

Mira Safety, MSA, Avon, Dräger, Mestel and 3M are all manufacturers that you can rely on.

Let's take a look at some of the best models from a few of these for your consideration.

Our Top Choice

If you are looking for a lower priced mask but one that still has all the features you would expect for CBRN protection, then look no further than the CM-6M Tactical Gas Mask from MIRA Safety.

Approved by government entities in: The Czech Republic, Norway, Portugal, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Latvia, and Lebanon...some of which are good places to have a gas mask handy one might think.

For around $239 when purchased directly from MIRA you can get a CBRN rated mask with standard 40mm filter attachments and a 20-year shelf life with FREE shipping.

One perk of buying from MIRA is, you can get 2 filters for a steep discount with purchase of the mask - about $50 each, instead of $80 w/o the mask. You really can't find a better deal for a mask of this quality.

MIRA also makes the CM-7M, which is a military style mask, as well as masks for kids, exposure prevention suits, and much more.

$239Mira Safety

Entry Level Price

Mestel is an Italian company that is a part of US based Ocean Reef group and has been making gas masks since the 80's. They make several types of full-face respirators, and the SGE 150 is their most affordable.

The SGE 150 can handle things like tear gas and pepper spray, smoke, some chemicals and vapors. It's based on their design for the scuba masks they also make, therefore it is not CBRN rated.

You can find these online from between $130 to $180. Amazon has them for sale direct from Mestel, and eBay also has a lot of listings for new masks.

If you can spend the extra money, the SGE 400/3 and 400/3 BB are the better options. Amazon sometimes has them, but only in S/M sizes. Check around online for other sizes if you need it.

$220Parcil Safety$220eBay

Military Styles

If you want to roll like the military or police, look no further than the Avon series of masks. You can find them around online new for around $450-550 for new in a few places.

eBay has M50 and C50 available. They may or may not be new. We've bought a couple from there and they are in perfect shape.

Be careful that you don't buy the ones that are copies for paintball or airsoft. You'll know somethings not right because they are under $100.

The C50 is the better choice overall simply because it can accept the standard 40mm filters.

The M50 uses custom filters. They are available on eBay, but buy at your own risk.

$200eBay

Children and Infant Protection

Thankfully there are options available these days for children which are readily available for civilian purchase in the US.

Once again we go back to Mira Safety for help here, they have done a great job of sourcing and providing a variety of products for kids.

The MD-1 is the only dedicated, reusable children&#;s gas mask available on the market today. 

It&#;s engineered to meet the same strict standards as our adult masks, with a lighter weight, more compact size, and detachable hose for reduced weight and improved comfort. It uses the same NATO standard 40 mm filters as all other MIRA Safety gas masks and is also compatible with our Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR.)

Available in 2 sizes:

Medium: Children 2 to 6 years old

Large: Kids 6 to 12 years old

$180Mira Safety

From the CBRN experts at the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) comes a radical solution for a children&#;s gas mask. Combining a compact, battery-powered blower with a modern CBRN filter, this expandable hood can be deployed in a matter of seconds to provide hours of protection and easy breathing for some of the youngest members of your family.

Unlike most modern gas masks, which are designed for military use, the CM-3M Child Escape Respirator is designed to specifically suit the needs of small children and young teenagers.

$550Mira Safety

Models currently out of stock: may come back, may not..

For kids 18 months to - 6 years old the Mira Saftey CM-2M Size 1 will provide CBRN protection for a reasonable price of $165.

For kids aged 6 to 15 years old, get the Size 2 model.

Both sizes take standard 40mm filters. The tube for the filter is designed to be carried on their back or in a backpack, therefore taking the weight of the filter off their small necks.

We did a full review on the CM-2M mask here. Worth a quick read if you are considering getting one.

If you have infants under 18 months (or pets under 30 lbs) the KZD-6 is a protective enclosure rests them comfortably on a small cot.

It can protect against Poisonous substances, Biological aerosols, Radioactive dust, Iodine radionuclides & its organic compounds and Aerosols (dust, fog, fumes.)

It has a carrying strap which allows it to be carried over the shoulder while transporting from place to place.

Depending on the outside temperature, the child or pets can stay inside for up to 6 hours. There is a sealed glove which allows you to reach inside the enclosure without breaking the seal. This is helpful if you need to give the baby a bottle for example which can stored in one of the interior pockets.

The Best Gas Mask Filters

As long as you buy a filter with a 40-mm NATO threaded connector on it you will have a wide variety of filters to choose from.

Not all are equal, they are all rated for different protection levels, and some have longer shelf lives than others.

If you are looking for our list of favorite filters, check out this article: Guide To Choosing The Best Gas Mask Filters.

This is our top pick, if you only have one type of filter on hand, this is the one to get: smoke / CO / NBC protection.

Protection during structure or wildfires.

Transform your gas mask into a reliable, fully functioning multi-use smoke hood with these VK-450 filters.

Designed to overcome smoke & particulates (along with high concentrations of carbon monoxide), these advanced filters provide crucial hours of protection and clean air from some of the most common disasters faced by US citizens.

While most conventional gas masks and filters can protect you from hundreds of nuclear, biological and chemical threats, the VK-450 is one of just a few filters that can also protect you from carbon monoxide and minimize the risk of smoke inhalation. The VK-450 helps to convert CO into CO2, allowing you to breathe it out. So, instead of also keeping a single-use fire/smoke hood on hand, you can use your existing gas mask for smoke protection in case of a house fire or wildfire.

Of course, these filters still provide full protection from NBC threats, and they sport a truly impressive 13.5-year shelf life. They come individually packaged and are easy to stack, store and manage. 

$90Mira Safety

Our next favorite filter is the MIRA CBRN Gas Mask Filter NBC-77. Now it isn't the least expensive option in the short term, but in the long term it is because they have a 20 year shelf life, where most others have an much shorter useful life.

The most protective filter with the longest shelf-life.

The MIRA 40mm Filter is another top choice for its ability to filter most agents, including all NBC and CBRN agents, while affording users a solid 20-year shelf life. Uniquely, this filter includes a CBRN reactor, meaning the filter itself is capable of neutralizing particles that create harmful radiation, like iodine. This is a wonderful feature considering radioactive particles can still penetrate the skin and orifices if a user is exposed to such particles in the open environment (even if a mask is worn). 

Additional Features:

• Provides 20-year shelf life
• Compatible with all 40mm NATO respirators
• Rated to filter all known CBRN agents
• CBRN reactor neutralizes radioisotopes
• Constructed of high-impact plastic

If you are just looking for virus or bacteria protection (for diseases like COVID-19) then look at their ParticleMax P3 Virus Filter - 6 Pack.

Mira also offers two other interesting choices: the VK-450 Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Filter works not only NBC but smoke and carbon monoxide as well, at $89.95 a piece, and the affordable DotPro 320 40mm Gas Mask Filter offers full Spectrum protection from NBC/ABEK threats for only $39.95 each.

$80Mira Safety

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