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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38185] = { ‘id’: “38185”, ‘title’: “MIRA NBC-77 SOF 40mm Filter”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CBRN-Gas-Mask-Filter-NBC-77-SOF-40mm-Thread-1024×683.jpg”, ‘tag’: “EDITOR’S PICK FILTER”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/mira-safety/cbrn-gas-mask-filter-nbc-77-sof-40mm-thread/”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[49885] = { ‘id’: “49885”, ‘title’: “P3 Virus Filter (6-Pack)”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Mira-P3-Filter-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Best for Viral Threats”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/mira-safety/p3-filter/”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38187] = { ‘id’: “38187”, ‘title’: “Mira Safety CM-6M Tactical Gas Mask”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/MIRA-SAFETY-Full-Facepiece-Reusable-Respirator-Respiratory-Protection-Mask-System-1024×683.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/mira-safety/mira-safety-cm-6m-tactical-gas-mask/”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38185] = { ‘id’: “38185”, ‘title’: “MIRA NBC-77 SOF 40mm Filter”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CBRN-Gas-Mask-Filter-NBC-77-SOF-40mm-Thread-1024×683.jpg”, ‘tag’: “EDITOR’S PICK FILTER”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/mira-safety/cbrn-gas-mask-filter-nbc-77-sof-40mm-thread/”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38186] = { ‘id’: “38186”, ‘title’: “Mira Safety CM-7M Tactical Gas Mask”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mira-Safety-CM-7M-Tactical-Gas-Mask-1024×683.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/mira-safety/mira-safety-cm-7m-tactical-gas-mask/”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[52748] = { ‘id’: “52748”, ‘title’: “PD-100 Full Face Respirator”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/PD-100-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/parcil/pd-100-respirator/”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[52751] = { ‘id’: “52751”, ‘title’: “T-60 Half-Face Respirator”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/T-60-768×716.png”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/parcil/t-60-respirator/”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[52755] = { ‘id’: “52755”, ‘title’: “PA1 Dual Filter Set”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/PA1-Dual-Filter-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/parcil/pa1-dual-filter-set/”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[56732] = { ‘id’: “56732”, ‘title’: “Halo Mask”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Halo-Mask-e1596822586569-768×523.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Editor’s Pick”, ‘url’: “https://halolife.io/?p=rJEObAkRI”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38159] = { ‘id’: “38159”, ‘title’: “3M P100 Particulate Respirator”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/3M-Disposable-Particulate-Cup-Respirator-1024×791.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Basic Pick”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2XcDVQZ”, };

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.”

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38162] = { ‘id’: “38162”, ‘title’: “3M Medium Half Face Respirator”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/3M-Medium-Half-Facepiece-Reusable-Respirator-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2QXq93F”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38164] = { ‘id’: “38164”, ‘title’: “3M Particulate Filter with Organic Vapor Relief”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/3M-Particulate-Filter-with-Organic-Vapor-Relief-1024×513.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/3dJhcF8”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38168] = { ‘id’: “38168”, ‘title’: “DEWALT Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DEWALT-Concealer-Clear-Anti-Fog-Dual-Mold-Safety-Goggle-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2UQAYrv”, };

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!

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38171] = { ‘id’: “38171”, ‘title’: “Russian Surplus Mask”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Rubber-Mask-for-Respiratory-Protection-858×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/3LMYwGd”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38174] = { ‘id’: “38174”, ‘title’: “Israeli Rubber Respirator Mask NBC Protection”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Israeli-Rubber-Respirator-Mask-NBC-Protection-907×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Super Budget Pick”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2W5mcf8”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38178] = { ‘id’: “38178”, ‘title’: “Mestel Gas Mask Filter 40mm”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Gas-Mask-Filter-40mm-1024×768.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2wkh65p”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38176] = { ‘id’: “38176”, ‘title’: “Mestel Full Face Respirator”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mestel-Full-Face-Respirator-1024×768.jpg”, ‘tag’: “EDITOR’S PICK NBC MASK”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2PwUeql”, };

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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38336] = { ‘id’: “38336”, ‘title’: “CBRN Escape Hood”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Honeywell-CBRN-Escape-Hood-226×300.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/3Bdhilc”, };

Or a budget pick would be a disposable fire hood…

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38338] = { ‘id’: “38338”, ‘title’: “FireMask”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/FireMask-768×768.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/3LS13yU”, };

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…

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[49890] = { ‘id’: “49890”, ‘title’: “Mira Safety CM-2M Child Respirator”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Mira-Safety-Child-Respirator-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/mira-safety/child-respirator/”, };

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:

• Surgical Masks

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[56732] = { ‘id’: “56732”, ‘title’: “Halo Mask”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Halo-Mask-e1596822586569-768×523.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Editor’s Pick”, ‘url’: “https://halolife.io/?p=rJEObAkRI”, };

If you want to up it to available KN95 masks…

And for full-face and half-face respirators…

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[52748] = { ‘id’: “52748”, ‘title’: “PD-100 Full Face Respirator”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/PD-100-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/parcil/pd-100-respirator/”, };

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[52751] = { ‘id’: “52751”, ‘title’: “T-60 Half-Face Respirator”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/T-60-768×716.png”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/parcil/t-60-respirator/”, };

And if you need all the bells and whistles of protection (and shooting ability)…check out MIRA.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38186] = { ‘id’: “38186”, ‘title’: “Mira Safety CM-7M Tactical Gas Mask”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mira-Safety-CM-7M-Tactical-Gas-Mask-1024×683.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/mira-safety/mira-safety-cm-7m-tactical-gas-mask/”, };

Combined with their 20-year shelf-life filter.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38185] = { ‘id’: “38185”, ‘title’: “MIRA NBC-77 SOF 40mm Filter”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CBRN-Gas-Mask-Filter-NBC-77-SOF-40mm-Thread-1024×683.jpg”, ‘tag’: “EDITOR’S PICK FILTER”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/mira-safety/cbrn-gas-mask-filter-nbc-77-sof-40mm-thread/”, };

Or their new P3 Virus Filter.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[49885] = { ‘id’: “49885”, ‘title’: “P3 Virus Filter (6-Pack)”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Mira-P3-Filter-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Best for Viral Threats”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/mira-safety/p3-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.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38159] = { ‘id’: “38159”, ‘title’: “3M P100 Particulate Respirator”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/3M-Disposable-Particulate-Cup-Respirator-1024×791.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Basic Pick”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2XcDVQZ”, };

If you’d like a little more protection in a reusable format…get the 3M Half Face Respirator.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38162] = { ‘id’: “38162”, ‘title’: “3M Medium Half Face Respirator”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/3M-Medium-Half-Facepiece-Reusable-Respirator-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2QXq93F”, };

Combined with the 7093 P100 filters with smell reduction.

var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[38166] = { ‘id’: “38166”, ‘title’: “3M 7093 Particulate Filter (4 Pack)”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/3M-Particulate-Filter-Pack-of-4-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2XdEj1F”, };

Need other prepping help?

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