9 Best Gas Masks, Respirators, & Filters [2020 Hands-On]

From wood dust to viruses, smoke, 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.

*April 2020 Update* Lots more info on viruses, limited supplies, and making your own mask during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Best Gas Masks & Respirators

1. 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.

2. 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
• Cloth Masks

The CDC also released a video of the US Surgeon General showing how to make a cloth mask from a t-shirt.

3. O2 Canada Curve 1.2

The Curve 1.2 ($69) is a mask that we’re currently testing that protects against particulate matter down to .1 microns (remember N95 was .3 microns).

We like it because it has reusable filters (5 for $7.99) and a silicone seal that can work with a little bit of facial hair.

Plus…it’s shipping relatively quickly (check their site for the latest delivery time).

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. More updates coming soon.

4. 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.

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.

5. 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!

6. 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!

7. Mestel Full Face SGE 150

This is my primary pick for most potential users.

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 Mira down in the next pick. 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?

Now…ready to go down the rabbit hole?

8. 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.

Kind of looks the same as the Mestel right?

Nopes.

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 the Mestels. 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.

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.

*Update* Currently masks and filters are sold out but I spoke with them and new supplies are slowly rolling in. Available for backorder (see details on their site).

9. 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.

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…

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.

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.

If you’re gas masking on a budget…

But be sure to pop in a new filter!

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.

Need other prepping help?

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• Best Tasting Survival & Camping Food
• Essential SHTF Gear List

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