The iconic gas mask.
There’s one piece of survival gear we always associate with chaos, war, terror, and mass destruction.
Its image conjures up thoughts and feelings of spine-chilling events.
Disasters where the very air we breathe is not safe.
Where the air is poison.
And that’s exactly why you need one. The world today is not on a peaceful trajectory.
But that’s not all gas masks are for…
They are also necessary for many DIY projects. They can protect from paint fumes, chemical vapors, demolition debris, etc.
These are all things you should avoid breathing, which is another great reason to keep a gas mask handy.
But gas masks are expensive.
Some cost several hundred dollars just for the mask – filters sold separately!
That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find the most affordable high-quality gas masks on the market today.
Proven gas masks that won’t break the bank.
So today we’ll be focusing on how to find a high-quality affordable gas mask:
- Why Everyone Should Own A Gas Mask
- How Gas Masks Work
- 2 Types Of Gas Masks – Pros & Cons
- Important Full Face Gas Mask Options
- How A Gas Mask Filter Works
- 9 Best Gas Masks On The Market Today (FYI – number 8 and 9 are Gas Masks for KIDS)
Note: If you just want our top recommendations without the technical information, feel free to jump ahead.
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WHY EVERYONE SHOULD OWN A GAS MASK
In my opinion, too many survival articles begin by pointing out that water is the number one survival priority but it’s not.
I’m NOT saying that clean water isn’t essential for survival (it is), but it’s secondary to air.
Access to clean, abundant, breathable air trumps water every single time.
Why? Because while it’s a well-established fact you can only survive 3 days without water (less time in intense heat), you can only survive a few MINUTES without oxygen (and you’ll go unconscious well before that).
Most of us take clean breathable air for granted…which can be a deadly mistake.
But you might argue “air won’t just vanish” and you’d be right. Our entire atmosphere won’t instantly vanish.
However, just because air is breathable doesn’t mean it’s not deadly.
It’s possible to breathe highly toxic chemically infused air. The sort of air where even a few small gulps and you’re headed for an early grave.
Of course, this all depends upon the actual toxin involved and its intensity, but for the worst-case scenarios, your ultimate fate will be set in stone.
What really sucks in this situation is knowingly being forced to breathe the toxins in. Because you can only hold your breath for so long.
But at the same time, each breath brings you closer to your premature demise.
In other words “damned if you do, damned if you don’t”.
So if the thought of this horrible scenario frightens you (it does for me), you should be highly motivated to invest in a high-quality gas mask.
There are reasons why the military, police departments, and firefighters all have gas masks.
They prepare and practice rushing headlong into the worst disasters to assist their communities; even if it’s a chemical or nuclear attack. They’re equipped to survive even if the air is deadly breath.
So if you’re like me, and you’re serious about preparing, then you must invest in a quality gas mask for survival.
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HOW GAS MASKS WORK
A gas mask is simply, a small, portable, personal air purifying device.
It’s an invention with one exceptionally important task – providing detoxified “clean” air.
Similar in concept to a portable water filter that cleans water prior to drinking. The key difference being you can avoid drinking water for longer than 3 minutes!
And the gas mask has been around a lot longer than you realize.
The first known gas masks were made by the ancient Greeks. They were crude versions using sponges.
A few centuries later, a pair of Iraqi brothers produced a rough prototype of a 19th-century version of the gas mask. Ever since they’ve been used by soldiers, miners, doctors, and civilians under wildly different circumstances, but always to achieve the same end goal: clean air.
But these were very primitive. They didn’t work very well, at least not well enough to ensure survival. But to be fair, chemical and nuclear warfare were still yet to be invented.
The first practical gas mask, with real survival potential, was created by a Brit named Edward Harrison in 1916 shortly after the invention of chemical warfare during WWI.
Since then the gas mask has morphed into a symbol of the apocalyptic. But as menacing as they may look; they save lives.
That why you should add one to your survival gear in your home, or in your bug-out-bag.
But they do require research, preparation, upkeep. And a little bit of know-how to buy the right one.
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2 TYPES OF GAS MASKS – PROS & CONS
The first steps to making an informed gas mask purchase are to determine which style gas mask is right for you. And you do this by deciding what level of protection you desire.
Let’s start with the style first; you have 2 options:
1 – Air Purifying Respirator
If you want a down-n-dirty, quick-n-easy, cheap solution you could buy an air-purifying respirator. But take note, these respirators only cover your nose and your mouth.
While they do technically purify the air, it leaves your eyes totally exposed.
And yes, eyeballs are extremely vulnerable to chemical damage and biological infection. And to be blunt, you need your eyesight if you want any chance to survive a real chemical attack.
Stumbling around in the dark during an attack is a recipe for failure.
2 – Full Face Gas Mask
The second option is a full face gas mask. As you probably already guessed, this version includes eye protection.
These gas masks are the ones you normally think of when someone utters the word, “gas mask”.
They include a large filter attached below the mouth area and they cover the entire face. Your eyes are inside this mask and you can see out of glass or plastic plates.
My advice? You really only have one option.
Go with the full face gas mask.
Here’s a video showing you these different levels of respiratory protection :
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IMPORTANT FULL FACE GAS MASK OPTIONS
The next most important decision to make is what type of respirator do you want with your full face gas mask.
Here we have 2 basic options to choose from:
1 – Air Purifying Respirator
The first option called an “air-purifying respirator”.
These are the most affordable and simple full-face gas masks. The filter canisters on these units are replaceable and they screw directly into the mask.
It uses the power of your lungs to pull and push air through the filter.
This setup works fairly well as long as you get can get and keep a good seal. You see, air pressure always takes the path of least resistance. As you pull air in and push air out with your lungs YOU are creating this air pressure.
Now if you have a good seal around the outside of the gas mask, then the path of least resistance is the filter itself. Which is what you want.
However, if the seal breaks or fails for any reason, the path of least resistance is no longer through the filter; it’s through the breach.
The breach route will have less resistance than the filtered route (hence the term “path of least resistance).
And that’s the one big disadvantage to this type of gas mask: any prolonged leak makes it 100% ineffective.
If there is a gap between your chin and the mask, outside air will bypass the filter and enter through the leak. And you may die.
So just make sure that seal is absolutely airtight and you’ll be just fine.
Two notes of caution here:
1) If you have a beard, you’re going to have to shave it off because facial hair makes these masks difficult to seal.
Or, you can try what this guy in the video below did with his beard. He uses Vaseline to create a seal without saving off his beard.
2) Also, be careful what tasks you are performing while in the mask. You don’t want to accidentally run into anything that could break the air seal.
So try not to be clumsy or perform any unnecessary acrobatics if you can help it.
The bottom line is even if you initially establish a good seal, you still need to be diligent enough to KEEP a good seal.
2 – SCBA Masks
The second variety of mask is by far the most effective, and the heaviest. It is the type of mask that firefighters use to breathe in smoke-filled rooms. It is called the “self-contained breathing apparatus system” (or SCBA).
These masks require you to carry around a tank full of air (usually strapped to your back). But they provide the highest level of protection and security of any respirators on the market.
The tanks contain air and it keeps pumping it into the mask at a constant rate. This design keeps a positive pressure in the mask at all times, which essentially eliminates the need for a perfect seal.
Why? Because of physics. Air moves in one direction only. From high pressure to low pressure.
One simple way to understand this concept is by thinking about a flat tire. An inflated tire contains pressurized air. Or another way to explain it; it has more pressure in the tire than the surrounding atmosphere.
Hence, when you get a flat tire, the air moves from its higher-pressure environment (in the tire) to the lower pressure atmosphere (out of the tire); never the other way around.
So a gas mask filled with pressurized air will leak out, never in. As long as the gas mask maintains a relatively higher air pressure than the surrounding atmosphere leaks are not dangerous.
Ok, enough science for one day…
But the SCBA setup is not without its trade-offs: for one, it’s bulky, heavy and unwieldy in all circumstances. SCBA equipment is also a challenge to store in small spaces.
It takes up serious square footage in a regular-sized closet. Also, most tanks only contain about 30-60 minutes of fresh oxygen anyway and you can only refill them using special equipment.
So as you can see, there are upsides and downsides to each of your options. It is totally up to you to determine what kind of chemical or biological threat you plan to face, how much you are willing to spend, and how protected you want to be.
Bottom line:
Not all gas masks setups are equal. Some are glorified surgical masks while others are only used by serious professionals in the most dangerous circumstances.
Now at this point, I could cop out leave it at “just do your own research” but that’s why you’re here; looking for advice. So here’s my advice.
Invest in a full-face air purifying respirator and practice putting it on and getting a good seal.
And if you have a large and gnarly beard and refuse to part ways with it, good luck with that…
Here’s a short video covering the basics of using a full faced gas mask.
Ok, before you pull the trigger on a purchase we still have some more technical groundwork to cover. So stay with me…
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HOW A GAS MASK FILTER WORKS
The common full-face air purifying respirator gas mask uses filter canisters to keep the air you breathe, poison and disease-free.
There are three general types of filter designs:
- Particle Filtration
- Chemical absorption
- Chemical reaction to neutralize other chemicals
Particle Filtration
Particle filtration is the most common and the simplest of these three options (and it’s also the oldest). Just like the ancient Greeks who held sponges up to their faces, particle filters act to block foreign substances from entering your lungs.
Recall a time when you’ve pulled your shirt over your nose in an attempt to block the smell of a particularly repulsive fart. You were employing a crude version of particle filtration.
Very fine particulate filters are helpful against biological threats, like anthrax. However, these filters have a limited life.
They can only hold so much particulate matter before they clog, so you have to replace them after every 20-24 hours of use (always verify these numbers on any gas mask filter you intend to purchase).
If you are trying to prepare for a chemical threat, then you will have to take a different approach. While particle filtration is an effective system, it does little to purify the air of chemical agents.
For that, you will need to use an activated charcoal system for chemical absorption.
Most deadly chemical warfare agents come in the form of gaseous vapors (not particulates) and will slip straight through your particle filtration filter system and kill you.
Your best bet, whether you are trying not to breathe household chemicals or a neurotoxin, is activated charcoal.
Activated Charcoal
Charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon. So porous, in fact, that it chemically attracts gaseous or liquid substances strongly enough to trap the harmful chemical vapors. But it doesn’t catch everything.
Certain chemical agents aren’t chemically attracted to carbon and will pass straight through (such as sodium and nitrates just to name a couple).
This is to say that the activated charcoal will absorb some chemical agents while totally ignoring others. Chemicals that could be as equally dangerous.
The final type of filter option uses chemical reactions to neutralize. This is a very effective way of defending against one specific chemical agent or another, but you have to know exactly what you are up against so that the respirator is loaded with the right counteractive chemical.
For instance, in WWI during chlorine attacks, soldiers would be fitted with masks containing sodium thiosulfate, which would react with, and neutralize the chlorine in the air.
When you buy these filters they are color-coded to indicate which type of gas or acid they work to diffuse.
Unfortunately, for most people, this type of mask is ineffective, because it’s impossible to predict what kind of chemical will be present in any given attack.
No matter what type of filter you end up choosing, you will have to invest regular time and money in keeping them maintained. No filter lasts forever – in fact, most only last about 20-24 hours of use.
So every time you use your mask, you will probably have to replace the filter afterward. Filters usually cost about $80 each, and it is highly advised that you keep several on hand for each gas mask at all times.
They also have a limited shelf life, so you will have to check up on them every so often and replace them once they expire (even if you did not get the chance to use them yet).
To avoid any immediate shelf-life concerns – these high-quality MIRA Filters have a 20-year shelf-life!
A final note of caution: Don’t use any filters that were made during WWII or early. Back then, asbestos was considered the ideal filter medium. Now we all know that breathing asbestos is highly dangerous and will lead to asbestosis and lung cancer. You’ve been warned.
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9 BEST GAS MASKS ON THE MARKET TODAY
We have two competing terms to deal with; best and affordable.
Often times in life, you get what you pay for. But sometimes, you overpay for what you get.
Our mission is to show you the best and most affordable gas masks. Some will trend more toward the best and others more towards the affordable.
We cover a range of gas mask options but have thrown out the insanely expensive ones.
The key is:
To decide on your budget, your goals, and to take action today.
1 – MIRA Safety CM-7M Military Grade Gas Mask
MIRA SAFETY CM-7M MILITARY GAS MASK WITH MATCHING CANTEEN
With a MIRA Safety CM-7M Military gas mask, you’ll protect your eyes, face and breathing organs against:
- Nuclear Fallout
- Biological Threats
- Radiological Agents
- Chemical Gases
- Etc.
This mask also includes a drinking tubes system with a free canister.
Unlike other gas masks made of regular Butyl, this emergency mask is crafted from high-quality Bromobutyl rubber.
Making it suitable to use in the temperature range from -30°C to 70°C.
This premium MIRA mask is ergonomically designed and has a wide 180° wide view visor.
It also includes a sweat drainage system and a built-in speech diaphragm.
You can even use the drinking apparatus while wearing your glasses or even a helmet.
This affordable high-end gas mask includes features you’d normally have to pay over $400 for. Making this one of the best affordable gas masks; period.
Click Here To Check Today’s Price
2 – MIRA Safety CM-6M Tactical Gas Mask
MIRA SAFETY CM-6M TACTICAL GAS MASK WITH MATCHING CANTEEN
Here’s another excellent gas mask from MIRA Safety – The CM-6M Tactical.
The biggest difference between the CM-7M and this CM-6M is the face shield design.
The 7M has dedicated eye holes while the CM-6M Tactical is a fully open face shield. The full face panoramic design allows for a wider viewing angle!
It also comes with a pre-installed hydration system, along with a canteen.
Click Here To See Todays’ Price
3 – SGE 1 Gas Mask/Respirator 400/3
SGE 1 Gas Mask/Respirator 400/3
The SGE 400 is an excellent high-end (yet still affordable) gas mask.
It has the following high-quality features:
- Military NBC 40mm Gas Mask made in the USA with NATO specifications
- Full Face NBC Protection Gas Mask Respirator
- 40mm Filter Compatible with 3 Filter Ports
- Full Visibility Face Protection and Heat Resistant up to 800 Degrees Celsius
Click Here To Check Today’s Price
4 – Israeli Rubber Respirator Mask NBC Protection
Israeli Rubber Respirator Mask NBC Protection
Here’s a basic and affordable gas mask for protection.
If you’re not a gas mask enthusiast and just want to get something simple and cost-effective; this one’s for you.
It’s a simple proven design.
There are replacement filters are readily available, and it’s at a very reasonable price point.
I can’t say it’s the absolute best gas mask you can buy. But I do think it’s one of the best from a cost per dollar standpoint.
Allowing you to get several!
5 – DISKIN Full Face Respirator CBRN Respiratory Safety Mask
DISKIN Full Face Respirator CBRN Respiratory Safety Mask
The DISKIN Full Face Respirator is a CBRN gas mask. It’s designed to fit any standard 40mm Natio Filter Canisters.
The built-in mechanical speech membrane allows users to communicate effectively.
The DISKIN is a one size fits all for adults and it’s highly adjustable.
Finally, this gas mask won’t break the bank.
You can get this one and have money left over for extra filters or more survival gear.
Click Here To Check Today’s Price
6 – Full Face Silicone Respirator Mask NBC Protection
Full Face Silicone Respirator Mask NBC Protection
This mask offers full face protection from nuclear, biological and chemical threats.
It includes the standard 40mm filter threads. And the face shield is made with a polycarbonate scratch-resistant material.
This face mask also has enough room between the eyes and shield to accommodate eyeglasses.
You can buy with confidence with a 100% money-back guarantee. Making this super affordable gas mask a “zero risk” purchase.
Click Here To Check Today’s Price
7 – Holulo Full Face Respirator Respiratory Gas Mask
This gas mask uses high-quality silicone – which is both flexible and durable.
It also has an extra-wide anti-fog face shield. So you know you’ll be able to see what the heck is going on.
It’s also lightweight at only 1.5 lbs, which means you can comfortably wear it for extended periods of time.
It’s a solid gas mask at a fair price.
Click Here To Check Today’s Price
BEST GAS MASKS FOR KIDS
When it comes to fitting your children with a quality gas mask, your options are extremely limited. However, over the past few years, there has been a renewed focus on protecting children.
A couple of new gas masks for kids have recently been brought to market.
Your first choice (and best choice IMO) is the:
8 – CM-2M KIDS Tactical Gas Mask
CM-2M KIDS Tactical Gas Mask
The CM-2M KIDS Tactical Gas Mask is one of the only full-faced CBRN rating defense gas masks for kids.
It fits kids from 1.5 years till 15 years old – after that, they usually fit adults sized gas masks.
The CM-2M Children’s Mask is available in 2 sizes:
- Size 1: Kids 1.5 to 6 years-old
- Size 2: Kids 6 to 15 years-old
It even comes with a standard speech diaphragm and is made for CBRN defense and emergency preparedness.
9 – Kids Gas mask (Small Size) with Filter
Kids Gas mask (Small Size) with Filter
Finally, if you’re desperate for a kids gas mask but cannot afford the CM-2M, then go with this Generic (Small Size) Gas Mask with Filter.
It’s considered a youth gas mask to accommodate their smaller head size.
However, there’s a debate on whether it’s a “real gas mask” or just a toy. Here’s one question and answer:
Question:
Answer:It is. Doesn’t come with filters or the attachable canteen though but has the drinking straw inside.
Click Here To Check Today’s Price
FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE
Here’s the rub: when it comes to any gas mask, a little late can be too late. Even the most expensive, advanced, top-of-the-line gas masks can save you if you can’t deploy it fast.
If you put your mask on after you realize there’s a life-threatening chemical in the air, you’re probably already dead.
Real-life doesn’t happen like the movies. Every second of respiratory exposure, be it biological or chemical, is a second closer to death.
It’s also impossible to tell when or where you’ll need your gas mask.
Sure, soldiers and police often get a heads up. That way they can deploy their masks quickly.
Civilians don’t get such notice.
We are at work, or in our cars, or hanging out with friends most of the time.
And should word of a chemical/biological attack reach you while you’re away from home, you’re going to wish you’d taken it with you.
The best way to avoid this is to buy several gas masks and a set of filters for each one. Then store them in various places where you often spend time.
Keep one in your car, one at the office, one at the house, one in your get home bag, and one in your bug out bag.
If there is a place you spend a lot of time, stash a gas mask nearby.
Not only does this provide peace of mind, but it also increases your chances of surviving a nuclear or chemical attack by tenfold.
Will Brendza
P.s. Do you know where the closest nuclear bunker is from your home?
There are a lot of natural nuclear shelters in the US that are absolutely free. And one of them is near your home.
Click here to see the Closest Natural Nuclear Bunker to Your Home?
Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.
Allison says
Hello Will,
I have a family of five and am looking to get a gas mask for each of us and an additional one for my husband to store in his emergency bag at his office. I think the Israeli Civilian mask is what I’m leaning toward since I need to buy 6 of them. Can you please recommend a reliable source? I’ve read reviews from some venders that the filters have come already expired. Hoping to avoid the headache of returns. Also, I will need three for children. Age 6, 8, & 9. Do I assume they would all be in a youth mask?
Thanks!
Just In Case Jack says
Hey Allison,
The only source of Israeli Civilian Mask I’m willing to officially recommend is the one we are already linking to. In my experience, if the item you get is not what you expected, Amazon’s return system is handled quickly, easily, and professionally. I cannot say the same for other companies. However, feel free to so some Google searches online. Just call them before purchasing to ensure everything is on the up and up.
Found the following review comment on youth sizes for the Israeli Civilian Mask “I would say these will be a good fit till they hit 12 or 13yrs old, my two kids tried them on and think they are the coolest toys, here’s to hoping they never have to use them!”
Hope that helps.
lauren says
Are there suitable masks for infants?
Just In Case Jack says
Here’s one suitable for youth\
True infant gas masks are very difficult to find.
LaLadyWolfy says
Just… an fyi… you can buy masks if you have a big bushy beard… You just need to get a hood style one. My boyfriend had one, and it worked over his facial forrest.
But, I am looking for a reasonably priced mask. Not so cheap I might aswell be breathing paint thinner, but.. not… completely money eating? I know the israeli gas mask is a good choice… but what about british army s-10’s? Im unsure if they’re still suitable, as most are rather old (being from 1960+) but would they still be worth a look?
Just In Case Jack says
A British Army s-10 looks like a quality gas mask as well. I have no hands on experience with it tho. Mainly due to the fact that it’s difficult to find selling with any US merchants.
Splinter says
In that case what about the US M17 A1 and A2. It was the Army’s mask when an NBC war with the Soviet Union was considered inevitable. I went to Germany for NBC Officer and NCO school. The same school in the States used a VX chamber as part of it’s repertoire..
Ben Brown says
Hey Will, great post!
I would add that people should inspect their Israeli gas masks as soon as they get them.
They were handed out to civilians when Israel was under attack quite some time ago and any unused ones are being sold online. They are still quality gas masks only there are two problems which I found when I tested out two that I got my hands on.
They were:
1. The 40mm filters that they came with had expired, and
2. One of mine had cracks in the mask.
It pays to be a little careful. If you find the faults, return it, as it is not what you paid for.
Regards,
Ben Brown.
Wynter says
Very good information although it’s important to differentiate “air” and “oxygen”. Systems like the SCBA mentioned are filled with regular old air and not oxygen. Granted most people probably know what you meant but the dangers of breathing from an oxygen tank warrant the clarification. The dangers of breathing too much oxygen in each breath can cause hyperoxia which includes oxygen toxicity syndrome and aren’t widely known.
Mark Tsunokai says
Train with it, maintain it, and forget about your beard. Remember NATO Mask filters are 40mm and the old Warsaw Pact are 60mm, though they do make an adapter. Don’t cut corners on quality. Former 74D30 CBRN NCOIC.
Ms. Register says
Hello. I appreciate all the information you provided. However, I had the same issue as another person who posted here. When I went to buy extra filters to go with the Israeli Gas Mask you recommended, there were all kinds of comments about the filters being expired and you mentioned how important it is to keep your mask up to date. Do you know where we can find newer filters to go with the masks? Also, my spouse has a beard (I will try and talk him into going back to the goatee) and I saw someone suggest a hooded mask. I don’t suppose you know of a good hooded gas mask? Thanks so much!
Just In Case Jack says
This hooded gas mask may work. Id recommend buying it and seeing how it fits once you get it.
As far as the filters go the Israeli civilian gas mask fits any standard 40mm Nato Filter (40rd) gas canister.
So after a quick search, I found this one, it states it was made in 2017, so it’s well within the expiration date.
Hope that helps.
Shawnna says
A good fit is essential! How do we know which size we need if we’re buying these online? Do we measure our head size? Is there a guide somewhere? I imagine that having the wrong mask size would affect the seal.
Thank you for the article!
Just In Case Jack says
These masks work for most adult head sizes. They have adjustable straps to accommodate large or small head sizes.
However, for young children, you need to find a youth size gas mask but they are much more difficult to find. Here’s one option but most people are using it as a toy, however, it seems to work with a standard filter based on customer Q/A.
Levi says
Anyone know a UK supplier for these, a US supplier who will ship to UK or an equivalent spec gas mask that can be purchased in the UK please?
Richard says
Best half face respirator for pepper spray and cs gas
Ausie Prepper says
A bandana soaked in vinegar kept in a snap lock bag takes up very little space and is extremely effective (for what it is) at protecting the wearer against OC spray and capsicum spray. Make sure you have eye covering too, such as a pair of safety goggles from a hardware store. I have used this while acting as a medic at protests before and it helps a lot. For something very cheap that can be carried in your pocket I would recommend it if you are going to be in a situation there is a possibility of needing it. When using it I have only had splash of the spray not a full spray directly to the face but I was very glad to have it.
Someone else hopefully can recommend a better commercially available mask but I would recommend a full face mask and a rain coat that would keep the spay off your skin and out of your eyes if you have the time to put it on and the space to carry it.
Meg says
It looks like only the full-face or half-masks would work for someone who wears glasses. The gas I’m thinking of is tear gas, like what’s being deployed all over Hong Kong these days, and a full-face mask would give better eye protection than a half-mask. I don’t think I’d get much visibility if I chose one of the kind with port-holes for vision.
Unknown Soldier says
4 – Israeli Rubber Respirator Mask NBC Protection
Those filter are no long currently made. They were replaced the NATO 40mm.
The last ones were made in2017, by 2022 you can though the whole thing out.
The current M50/51 are being phased out too.
And you cant shoot a long gun with one on.
Katherine Miller says
Hi Will,
Thank you for this information. What is the best mask for those of us who wear glasses? I saw that you mentioned one model that accommodated glasses but I was wondering if there are any others that were rated excellent that you would recommend?
Thanks
Kate and Mike in Texas
L D says
Hi all,
I’m a Swede with extensive SoF education and more then two decades within the High level Security Protective Profession. Travelling all over the globe and working with teams of various cultural background has given me the chances of testing various types of equipment. Here are some advice in to wears of different quality and OP levels.
This first one is in my opinion one of the best masks on the global market.
The Avon M50 CBRN Gas Mask
(US Military Issue)
The Avon M50 is the cream of the crop for gas masks. It is such that it is the standard operating chemical, biological, nuclear and radiation protection mask for the US Military and the US Department of Defense. There are also a number of other military organizations across the world that rely on this system.
There are a number of reasons why I like the M50 above any other mask, primarily it was the comfort and ease I was able to move around while wearing it. This would obviously be a reason why it is a service mask given the picture above, a primary part of specialist military training is being able to operate effectively under all conditions, including ones where a gas mask is a necessary protection. It is these specifics that make it the best face mask for a nuclear fallout, and the best nuclear gas mask all around.
One of the best ways to do a review on these types of products is to mention why this is better than the next one. So for this mask, there’s a couple of things:
First, it has a straw assembly. In thinking about the realities of a situation, if I am moving around in full protective gear I am going to want to stay hydrated without the requirement of taking off my mask for water consumption. This has a straw assembly to attach to a water bottle or water bladder.
Second, I am able to clearly hear what someone in my team is saying when they are wearing the mask. In fact, I’ve never ever had any disturbance of communication whatsoever.
Filters for a CBRN Gas Mask
M50 Filter Attachment
This mask has a lot more optional accessories than all of the other masks, quite possibly due to its use as a military system. For instance, it has an inside lens mount so as to mount an attachable prescription vision lens to the mask as well as outserts for different sunlight scenarios.
Its de-mist ability is one of the pure comforts in life. For some masks, I will seem to fog them up in the first five minutes. This one definitely doesn’t do that for me.
The only one downside is that the M50 uses its own type of filter and does not fit the standard NATO 40mm filter that most other gas masks use. If you ever run low on these, you might find it difficult to find a replacement from neighbors. However, if there are any military or law enforcement nearby, they would be carrying spares for theirs.
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The MIRA Safety CM-7M CBRN Gas Mask / Full Face Respirator is a Czech developed mask created for their Czech SOF units. It is a combat-ready, true CBRNmilitary-grade gas mask at entry level price. These masks feature many of the same features as MIRA’s CM-6M civilian version, including integrated hydration system that’s compatible with standard Camelbak systems, speech diaphragm, dual filter ports and rugged bromobutyl construction. They’re produced to meet European quality standards in accordance with EN 136 (Class 3) and EN 148-1.
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Next up is the Mestel SGE 400/3 BB CBRN Mask (Israeli Defence Force Provider)
This SGE comes with a lot of extras that other gas masks don’t, such as three filter ports (for the 40mm NATO filters), and has a mouthpiece drinking assembly, which the Draeger fails at. Another attractive feature is, similar to the Draeger’s feature of wide vision, is the full vision capacity you can see in the pictures. The visor itself is made of durable polycarbonate and has been tested to resist a one-inch steel ball at 335 miles per hour without inflicting any damage on the visor.
To stop the visor from fogging up, the mask has a moisture release valve to help with any situations where it may be used for extensive periods.
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The 3M FR-7800B CBRN Gas Mask
The FR-7800B is 3M’s CBRN solution, designed specifically for first responders to toxic incidents. This mask has been NIOSH-approved as a CBRN face mask when used in conjunction with 3M’s CBRN Canister FR-15.
3M’s FR-7800’s facepiece is well designed with an internal speaking diaphragm that improves voice pitch, volume, and clarity, an essential component not only for first responders, but for anyone using a CBRN mask in an emergency situation.
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The MSA Millenium was the first ever gas mask to be CBRN approved by the NIOSH regulator and have been a highly used CBRN gas mask since its validation in 2004. The Millenium gas mask comes from the very prestigious gas mask manufacturers MSA Safety, who have been creating gas mask solutions since 1914.
The Millenium has not only been tried and tested by NIOSH, but also by police and military agencies around the world as the first mask to be able to safely filter toxins in CBRN environments. The mask itself comes with the traits of a high-quality gas mask, with its wide field of view through a polyurethane lens, a hycar rubber facepiece, and ability to change which side the filter sits to allow for different shooter requirements.
It comes with all of the specific requirements of a long-wear mask, such as comfort, a nose cup to avoid inner-mask fogging, an internal drinking system and voice emitter. The mask also comes with a butyl coated nylon hood which provides total head protection in CBRN environments.
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Avon’s FM12 is one of the most well-known CBRN gas masks in the civilian and military gas mask community. I would have no difficulty in saying it is the most widely used in collective law enforcement, security, and containment professions. It is also the standard issue gas mask for militaries in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway and is the armory mask for British Police, Singapore Police, and Chicago Police Force.
Why is the FM12 so widely used? Its features are that it comes in three sizes (a bonus to allow for a better fit with the mask), uses a six buckle harness system to allow for a greater fit, it allows for easy use with precision aiming and other optical devices, has a flexible face seal which works well with various helmets and CBRN protective clothing suits, has an internal drinking system and the internals ensure the masks has a good airflow to eliminate heat and fogging.
I have used the FM12 previously as a trial mask (not in a CBRN field) and have not one single complaint as to its comfort or wearability. Having performed high-intensity exercises in this mask I would say that if you are planning on moving quickly, or wearing a gas mask while running, it is definitely one suitable for that purpose. I had no problem with movement in this mask and was happy to see that I did not sweat any more than usual with the mask on.
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As a final note,
According to NIOSH standards, CBRN gas masks are not for use in environments where there is less than 19.5 per cent oxygen levels. Gas masks are air-purifying systems and do not supply oxygen. Instead, if an environment is void of oxygen a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) must be selected for use in those environments. Often you will see these used by firefighters as they are known to work in environments where oxygen may be limited.
Will a CBRN gas mask protect you from a dirty bomb or nuclear attack?
Short answer, Yes. But, A CBRN gas mask only provides respiratory protection against inhalation of radiological, nuclear, biological and chemical dust particles. The respirator does not stop all forms of radiation that may be emitted by these particles or radiation released from a nuclear attack.
In the case of exposure to radiation, dosage will be a function of the type of radiation, exposure time, distance from the source and shielding (if any). Respirators will provide little to no protection from radiation in a nuclear attack, but may help reduce exposure to dust or radionuclide particles after the attack.
The best chance in protecting yourself against nuclear fallout and radiation exposure is to use a military hazmat suit. Those have protective layer of thick NBC-proof material that will not absorb, or allow toxins to pass through your clothing. It is also important as these types of protective wear are able to be more easily decontaminated than normal clothing.
The best of luck!