Having a gas mask is of the utmost priority. In this guide, we list the best gas masks for use against pollutants and toxic contamination.
There is a time and a place for using gas masks in your life. When planning for disastrous times, the idea needs to be at the forefront of your mind. Every prepper needs to have gas masks in their arsenal – considering how toxic bio weapons are nowadays.
As a prepper, you take time in selecting the components that you will need if circumstances become dire. During times of unrest, like what can happen during political distress or world conflict, it is critical to have the right items to provide for your safety.
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Best Gas Mask
There are many types of gas masks on the market. Some are military-grade and can be used in a wider variety of situations, whereas others are more suitable for home projects and industrial work. In preparing for the unknown, you want to be able to review all the options and choose which works best for you and your family. The list below has the best gas masks for a variety of needs and price points.
MIRA Safety’s CM-6M CBRN
- BEST FULL FACE RESPIRATOR MASK FOR CIVILIANS— If you are looking for an ultra premium air purifying face mask at an affordable price, then you have found the right choice! Our Mira Safety...
- BE PREPARED FOR ANY EMERGENCY! Get peace of mind knowing that you are safe and protected from potential airborne threats. This reusable Mira Safety Air Purifying Mask helps you prepare for any...
- HEAVY DUTY DESIGN WITH 20 YEAR SHELF LIFE: This robust particulate respirator face mask is built to last with a full 20 year shelf life. The durable bromobutyl rubber construction combined with...
The CM-6M CBRN is a military-grade tactical gas mask. This mask is a favorite among police officers, welders, and safety officers. It is also the mask of choice for many government officials worldwide, including Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Czech Republic.
This gas mask comes with a 20-year shelf life, a five-year limited warranty, and requires a separate filter. In terms of events like chemical warfare agents (CWA) and toxic industrial chemicals (TIC), they are within the spectrum of items that the CM-6M CBRN protects against.
This particular model provides security for your internal organs, respiratory system, and face from whatever they come in contact with. Many with a prepper mindset are conscious of circumstances that may warrant protection for such areas.
Pros
- Compatibility with the 3M Safety 6878 Spectacle Kit
- NBC-77 SOF Filters
- CamelBak water bladder compatibility (with a Type M adapter)
- Pre-installed hydration system and canteen
- MIRA Safety Certified
- Comfortable and easy to put on and take off
Cons
- Does not have quick-release straps
- Curvature of the faceplate distorts vision somewhat
PD-101 Full Face Respirator Gas Mask
- PROFESSIONAL HEAVY DUTY FILTRATION SYSTEM – Dual Activated Charcoal filters, & full face impact resistant lens
- FULL WARRANTY – Be confident in your investment! Visit our website to register or file claims
- USA DISTRIBUTED – HIGH QUALITY – Premium full-face mask. We have a 100% money back guarantee!
Made by the same brand as the PD-100 Full Face Respirator Gas Mask, the PD-101 also has a lower price point. The mask itself is also not military-grade, similar to the PD-100. However, it does protect against a wide array of elements.
The PD-101 Gas Mask protects from up to 95% of particulates down to 0.03 microns. This level is inclusive of many organic vapors that one may come in contact with. The protection comes from the included filter, which is a P-A-3 bayonet variety. This mask is beneficial for those doing home renovation projects or who work in an industrial capacity. For those with a prepper mindset, this will fulfill several of the needs that you are planning for.
Pros
- An ergonomic and easily portable design
- Anti-fog full-face lens
- Ventilation structure with cooling vents
- Voicebox diaphragm for easy dialogue
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Distributed in the United States
Cons
- Cannot be worn with glasses
- May put too much pressure on the bridge of the nose
- Not certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6300
- COMFORTABLE: Soft, lightweight half mask respirator with easy-to-adjust head straps for a customized fit.
- DURABLE and REUSABLE: Respirator can be disassembled, cleaned, and reused. Supplied with reclosable storage bag.
- HELPS REDUCE EXPOSURE to particulates and a wide variety of gases and vapors when used with approved cartridges and filters.
If funds are tight, the 3M Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6300 is a solid choice. It’s soft, comfortable to wear, and lightweight. Plus, it’s fully adjustable, so you can customize its fit and reduce your exposure to particulates and a large range of vapors and gases, as long as you’re using the appropriate filters and cartridges.
This gas mask is designed for industrial use for construction projects, welding, manufacturing, grinding, chipping, chemical handling, and a whole lot more. It’s compatible with 3M’s bayonet-style cartridges that you can get for a variety of applications. What’s more, it’s approved by the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for supplied air dual airline applications and negative pressure air purifying.
Pros
- Customizable fit, soft, and comfortable
- Protects you against 10 times the concentrations of the permissible exposure limit
- Easily assembles and disassembles for easy cleaning
- Designed to be used with other safety equipment
- NIOSH approved
- Compatible with 3M’s bayonet-style cartridges
Cons
- Some have a difficult time getting a proper fit
- It has a bad plastic smell that takes time to go away
- Installing the filters is not as easy as it could be
Best Gas Mask – Different Types
- 【Material safety】: made from food-grade elastic silicone gum for the guarantee of healthy and comfort. The Face cover can be adjusted freely for perfect adaption and increasing comfort and...
- 【Fully Adjustable Comfort Strap】- Face cover and safety glasses strap belt are suitable for most head sizes, designed for tight and comfortable wearing. Comprehensive anti-fog splashing to...
- 【Functions】: Face cover adopts double filtration system that can effectively obstruct of organic vapor/gas, smoke, pollen, dust and other particles in the air. It is the ideal respiratory...
The best gas masks for use against pollutants and toxic contamination are those that can protect you and your loved ones from any danger that comes your way. There is a wide variety of options to choose from in this regard and research needs to happen to identify the best way to provide protection for everyone within your family.
With that in mind, there are a few things to consider when selecting the right gas mask. For starters, you have two style options to choose from depending on the level of protection you prefer.
Air Purifying Respirator
- APR Masks
- Manufacturer: 3M
- Made in: United States
The first type of gas mask is the air purifying respirator. These types of masks only cover your mouth and nose, which is perfect to prevent inhaling toxins, but leaves your eyes exposed. For this reason, air purifying respirators are somewhat limited in their application.
Air purifying respirators are great for protecting yourself and those around you when you go out in public during a pandemic, but a chemical attack is a different story. However, they’re easy to get and don’t cost a lot. Keeping a few of them around for you and your family is a good idea.
Full Face Gas Mask
- PROFESSIONAL HEAVY DUTY FILTRATION SYSTEM – Dual Activated Charcoal filters, & full face impact resistant lens
- FULL WARRANTY – Be confident in your investment! Visit our website to register or file claims
- USA DISTRIBUTED – HIGH QUALITY – Premium full-face mask. We have a 100% money back guarantee!
The other type of mask is the full face gas mask. The advantage of this style of mask is the added eye protection. Usually, when people are talking about “gas masks,” this is the kind they’re thinking about.
Full face gas masks have large filters attached to them below the mouth. They cover the entire face, with your eyes inside the mask looking out of a glass or plastic pane. This type offers the best protection, but does come at a higher price.
Best Gas Mask – A Quick Note on Cost
Ideally, you want to have a mask for each member of your family. However, purchasing a mask of the highest quality is costly, and may not be in your realm of possibility. Therefore, choosing a mask that will provide some amount of protection is recommended. Masks that are not determined to be military grade are often less expensive and therefore more affordable for an entire family.
It’s also worth noting that it’s unlikely you’ll need an Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) mask that requires you to carry around a tank of air with it. It’s far more practical to opt for an air purifying respirator that uses the power of the wearer’s lungs to create air pressure and move air in and out through the filter.
Conclusion
It is critical for all preppers to have a quality gas mask in their arsenal of supplies. The threat of toxic and bio weapons is very strong, and masks prepare you for instances that include such dangerous chemicals and actions. It’s always a good idea to have some masks on hand for you and your family. You never know when you’re going to need them!