Full-face gas masks protect airborne toxic materials in the form of gases or particulates. This makes them essential for preppers who may need to evacuate their homes in the event of a CBRN threat or pandemic.
This list covers the best modern high-quality full-face gas masks available for preppers. Most use NATO standard filters, which make them easier to buy from military surplus sources.
Avon M50
The Avon M50 is the standard military CBRN mask and the choice of the Navy SEALs. It offers the best value of any mask on our list, combining a wide field of vision with hydration capabilities and communications expansion in one unit. The M50 is easy to breathe in and offers a panoramic single-lens visor that’s optically correct and scratch-resistant. A variety of outserts can be attached to the visor, including anti-laser protection, tinted lenses for sun protection, and blue-blockers for night vision.
The M50 is an impressive piece of kit, and it’s the only mask that meets all the requirements of the U.S. Army’s Joint Services General Purpose Mask (JSGPM). It has an integrated voice projection system to facilitate communication, a fail-safe drinking tube to ensure uncontaminated hydration, and twin ports for left or right-side canister mounting to optimize strong hand weapon operations. It can be used to protect against a wide range of hazards, from tear gas and viral threats to toxic chemical spills and nuclear fallout.
Some preppers choose to add a couple of Avon M50s to their bug-out bags to give them the best chance of protecting themselves from NBC and CBRN threats while protecting others who may not be as well prepared. While most people will only need a half mask for fires and other environmental hazards, having the best full-face protection you can get should something major happen means you’ll have the peace of mind to keep your family safe.
Some preppers may prefer to go with a different model that’s just as effective in combating CBRN threats, such as the MSA Millennium. This is a police and first responder-grade mask that’s certified to protect against a wide variety of chemicals, including the organic vapors that can be caused by wildfires. It’s also rated to resist nuisance levels of acid gases, such as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen fluoride. The MSA is a bit more expensive than the Avon, but it offers superior protection and hydration capability. It’s also a more lightweight option at just over four pounds, and it’s easy to wear, making it a valuable choice even without Accessories Coupon.
MSA Millennium
This model is one of the best full-face gas masks on the market and combines high performance, customized fit, comfort, and cost efficiency. This military-style gas mask uses a replaceable canister to filter harmful gases, vapors, and particulates from the air you breathe. A clear polycarbonate lens prevents hazards from reaching your eyes. The canister contains a pleated high-efficiency particulate arresting filter and an impregnated activated carbon bed to adsorb chemical agents. It is effective against tear gas agents (CS and OC), and the canister and filter are tested to be effective against these chemical warfare agents: GA, GB (Sarin), GD, VX, Mustard, and Lewisite.
It meets NIOSH CBRN standards. Its super-soft black Hycar rubber exceeds permeation requirements. The flexible, 1-piece, polyurethane lens provides a wide field of vision and is bonded to the durable facepiece. A drinking tube built into the mask allows for fluid intake in contaminated environments during extended wear. An internal nose cup with 2 check valves deflects air from the lens and reduces fogging. The mask is equipped with a standard mechanical speaking diaphragm and can be upgraded to MSA’s optional ESP II communications system. An optional butyl-coated nylon hood offers additional head protection.
Maintenance for this mask is easy. Filters can be exposed to rain and fog, but they should not be submerged in water or used more than 15 minutes beyond their expiration date. It is recommended that you have fresh filters in a foil pack and on hand for quick deployment when needed.
Depending on what type of threat you expect to encounter, the mask you choose will vary. For riot control agents like CS and OC, any of the models reviewed here will provide adequate protection. If you anticipate the threat to be more serious, a level A to D chem suit is necessary in addition to a gas mask. For this reason, it is important to know the type of threats you will be facing so that you can select the proper protection for your job. If you aren’t sure, it may be better to take the time to learn about different types of chemicals and toxins so that you can make an informed decision about what type of protection you will need.
Honeywell Sperian Survivair Opti-Fit
The Opti-Fit is an excellent option for those on a tight budget. It has a durable silicone skirt and is very comfortable to wear. It can be used with S-series cartridges or converted to a continuous-flow supplied-air respirator with the appropriate conversion kit. The Opti-Fit comes with a P100 filter for protection against particulates, such as pepper spray, CN, and CS. Its anti-scratch, polycarbonate lens is virtually distortion-free and meets ANSI Z87.1-1989 (R-1998)2 standards for impact and penetration resistance. It has a standard nose cup to reduce fogging and offers great low breathing resistance. It can be mounted in three different positions for various applications and has DIN-threaded 40 mm connectors to make attaching and removing the canister quick and easy.
This tactical gas mask was developed specifically for first responders in tactical and riot control situations. It provides respiratory protection against certain nuclear, biological, and chemical agents as well as riot control agents such as CN, CS, and pepper spray. It is NIOSH-approved in both the air-purifying respirator and powered air-purifying respirator configurations with North N-Series particulate, gas, and vapor filters and cartridges.
The Opti-Fit has been tested for effectiveness against chemical warfare agents such as GB and HD. Third-party testing results show that this mask is effective against these chemicals, even after prolonged exposure. This is an extremely important feature to look for when selecting a gas mask. If you need a high-quality, affordable respiratory protection system, consider the Opti-Fit from Honeywell Sperian. It will not only protect you from a wide range of chemical threats but will also allow you to operate in harsh environments for long periods. Don’t forget to explore MIRA Safety Discount options for other protective gear.
3M 8576 P95 Acid Gas
Full-face gas masks are more expensive than the disposable N95/P100 models that most preppers use, but they are also usually CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) rated. The most popular models come from military or emergency brands like MSA, Mestel, Honeywell / Sperian / North, and 3M.
The most important feature for a prepper to look for in a gas mask is its ability to protect against all the most common threats. These include airborne bacteria and viruses, irritants like fresh-cut grass, pollen or moldy basement dust, and toxic gases and vapors.
A good full-face respirator will have a carbon filter that can provide some relief from nuisance levels of acid gasses, which are the hardest to deal with in a survival situation. It will also have a P95 particulate filter that does a decent job of screening out particles smaller than one micron (an average human hair is 75 microns).
While you can find cheaper models, it is best to get a mask that can be upgraded with separate filters. That way you can have the most protection for your money. For example, you can buy a 3M 8576 P95 with the Organic Vapors and Acid Gas Filter for around $40 per box of 10. Then you can add a Chemical, Biological, Radiation, or Nuclear (NBC) filter to give it the full set of protection you need for most likely scenarios.
Most full-face gas masks have multiple filter ports, which gives you the option to run two different filters at once or hot-swap them while breathing normally. This can be useful in high-stress situations, like when you’re trying to get a weapon ready or are close to a threat. It’s also easier to balance the weight of the mask from side to side if you need to shoulder a weapon.
Most preppers end up buying a mix of cheap disposables and half-face masks for their bug-out bags, and more expensive CBRN or NBC-rated options to keep at home. It’s a smart strategy because you never want to rely too heavily on just one resource, especially something as vital as a gas mask.
Conclusion
Investing in a full-face gas mask is a smart choice for anyone seeking maximum protection from harmful airborne particles. The best options on the market today offer a range of features, including high-quality filters, comfortable fit, and reliable performance in a variety of situations. Whether you’re a first responder, industrial worker, or just someone who wants to be prepared for emergencies, there’s a full-face gas mask out there that can meet your needs.
