If you’re a prepper, this might not be anything new to you. Why? Because you probably already have a gas mask dedicated to each member of your family. However, if you’ve never been into the business of prepping, the ways of the world might have you rethinking that right about now. In this particular blog, I will cover a few things, the first being who needs a gas mask and why. I’ll then get into the various options out there, some of your better choices, and finally, what to consider when selecting your gas mask.
Who Should Buy Gas Mask?
Anyone who expects to come in contact with some form of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear gas agent needs a gas mask. This typically applies to our first responders, such as military, law enforcement, and hazmat personnel. However, with the way things are going in the world right now, there’s probably some behind-the-counter, grocery store clerks trying to decide if they should invest in a gas mask. And with that being the case, anyone who thinks they may come in contact with these types of gases should consider getting a gas mask. But first, let’s go over a few things. What does a gas mask protect against?
Types of Gas Masks
This blog will be looking at gas masks that protect against gases produced by chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological agents, specifically CBRN and NBC-rated masks. This is not a blog about wearing gas masks to protect you from covid.
CBRN Gas Masks
Not all gas masks are built the same. If you find yourself looking at something called a gas mask, chances are you want something that will protect you from gas, not just filter out dust from working in an old attic. If you’re looking for military standard masks, you’re probably looking for something protecting against chemicals, biological, radiological, or nuclear agents (CBRN). These are gases that can affect your body and nervous system in really horrific ways. And if you breathe them in, chances are pretty darn high that you’re not going to make it, or you’ll be left in poor condition when it’s all over, probably wishing you were dead.
NBC Gas Masks
NBC gas mask protects against nuclear, biological, and chemical agents. CBRN without the “R.”
How to Rate Your Gas Masks
No matter why you want a gas mask, there are a few key factors you need to look at before making your purchase—Will the product last? If the thing’s falling apart before you get a chance even to try it on, it’s probably not the product you want. Chances are, it’s going to sit on a shelf somewhere, and you’ll never need it. But, when that moment comes, will it be usable? Let’s hope so.
Note: Gas masks do have expiration dates (more specifically, the canisters do). So this is something you’ll have to regularly check when you’re checking your equipment monthly (or every six months, depending on your situation). While your gas mask should be made of durable material, it shouldn’t be stored in the sunlight, on a display head, or in any fashion that keeps the straps stretched. These will help deteriorate your mask more quickly.
And to go with usable, you should also keep in mind size. In the military, you have something called a gas mask fit test. This ensures you have the gas mask that fits you. If your gas mask is too big or small, it will keep you from getting a proper seal, which means you might as well be wearing nothing. It needs to be usable for you, and if it doesn’t fit, it won’t be as effective.
With all that in mind, you should be rating your gas masks on quality/durability, effectiveness/protection, hydration, and communication capabilities.
Quality/Durability
What falls under quality and durability? I’ve combined the two categories, but they are separate things. For instance, you could go to a surplus store and get a used gas mask or buy one from some friend who used to collect them before stuff like asbestos was regulated. While it is technically illegal to sell a gas mask with asbestos, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. It’s also illegal to murder people, and I’m pretty sure it’s still a thing.
Anyway, when you’re out there searching for a gas mask, you might be looking to get used. Used doesn’t mean it’s not quality. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also keep an eye out for some stuff. For example, the Russian surplus gas masks are known to be full of asbestos. It’s stood the test of time, but those filters aren’t quality; your best bet is to stay away from those. With any gas mask you get, especially if it’s used, you need to clean it out and replace the filters. If you don’t, who knows what you’ll be breathing in.
As far as durability goes, a good gas mask should last you upwards of 20 years if you take care of it. What doesn’t last are the filters. So make sure you’re replacing filters when they expire, and you’re frequently checking your gas mask for rips or dry rot. It won’t do you any good if there’s a hole from some hungry mice.
Ultimately, you need your gas mask to hold up to its job. If it’s going to start falling apart the first time you wear it, then maybe don’t purchase that particular gas mask. Obvious advice, I know.
Effectiveness/Protection
The most important aspect of a gas mask is its level of effectiveness at protecting your lungs and sensitive mucus membranes in your eyes and nose. Not all gas masks are created equal. Some have better seals than others. Some are more comfortable than others. And some gas masks don’t filter the same toxic agents that other gas masks do. If you’re spending money on a gas mask, get one that’s effective and gives you the most protection. A half mask and a simple respirator mask that protects against breathing in dust aren’t the same as one that can protect you against nerve agents.
Hydration
If you are wearing your gas mask for an extended period, which you should go ahead and plan on, you need to make sure you have some way of hydrating. Those masks are hot, and you will need to drink some of that H2O. You can’t take your mask off; otherwise, you’ll expose yourself to the toxic gases you’re trying to protect yourself from. Having a gas mask that gives you the capability of hydrating is paramount.
Note: If you have the capability, your goal should be to get out of the contaminated area as quickly as possible and go through decon so you can take the mask off. However, our first responders probably don’t have that opportunity. In any case, you’re going to need to hydrate, especially if you find you can’t get out of the contaminated area as quickly as you would have intended. It’s better to be prepared to wear your gas mask for an extended time and purchase one with a drinking tube than it is to imagine you’ll be out of your gas mask before getting thirsty*.
*If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated: Words of advice from someone I can’t remember.
Communication
Communication is crucial. You need a way of communicating with those around you, especially if you have to work while wearing a gas mask. For instance, military and law enforcement personnel who need to continue carrying on their mission rely on effectively communicating with one another. There are gas masks compatible with specific radios, which give you the ability to be heard more clearly. Depending on what you’re doing when you don your mask, this could be more important for some over others. Consider this when purchasing a gas mask.
Top 10 Gas Masks
Now that you know what to consider when rating a gas mask, in no particular order, here’s a list of our top 10 picks. Each selection offers either NBC or CBRN protection.
Avon M50
If you’ve recently served in the US military, you may be familiar with this particular gas mask. It falls on our list because it protects the wearer and is effective for long-term use. Included in this model is a drinking straw, which can be connected to a canteen. This allows the wearer to continue consuming water without removing the gas mask and contaminating themselves further.
MIRA Safety CM-6M & CM-7M
The MIRA Safety CM-6M and CM-7M are both rated for CBRN agents. The biggest difference between the two is your field of view. CM-6M offers a full view, while the CM-7M gives the wearer a bug-eyed view. However, unlike the CM-6M, the CM-7M has a cheek depression, making shooting with a gas mask on a little easier. Both options allow for hydration, using a drinking straw that will attach to your canteen. There’s also an option of placing the canister on either side of the gas mask so that you can shoot more comfortably, something available with both models.
Honeywell CBRN Escape Hood
Great for those of you rocking a gnarly beard. I decided to throw a hood option on the list because I know some of our readers refuse to shave their beards, even though it’s your best option. Also, there’s a chance you aren’t going to know you’re getting attacked and have time to shave. (Excuse me, terrorist, please allow me to shave my beard before attacking us with a dirty bomb, thanks!) If any of this is a concern, you might consider a hood instead of the standard gas mask. However, hoods can be a bit more expensive, depending on where you shop and whether it’s new or used.
3M FR-7800B
If you’re a first responder or you want to protect yourself against possible chemical warfare, this is a mask worth considering. I point to first responders because it offers a speaking diaphragm, which is necessary for our emergency personnel needing to communicate with one another. This particular mask allows the wearer to place their filters on either side to filter toxic chemicals such as mustard gas. It also meets NIOSH standards.
SGE 1
The SGE 1 is a NATO-specified NBC gas mask. It’s compatible with standard 40-mm filters. It has a drinking tube option for your canteen (an option meaning you have to buy it separately if purchased new, and the manufacturer installs it for you) and has a scratch-resistant lens. Additional features include the company’s claim that it’s heat-resistant up to 1472º F and that you can shoot a 1″ steel ball at 335 mph without the lens cracking. We didn’t try this personally, but it’s a pretty big claim, not to mention.
Mestel Full Face SGE 150
You might have a hard time finding this one. They are NBC-rated. This gas mask has a few great things about it, its field of view is huge (for those who are a bit on the claustrophobic side), it’s pretty comfortable (considering), and it doesn’t fog up (which is great). If you’ve ever tried wearing a gas mask while shooting, running around, or for extended periods and it fogs up, you understand that this is a real deal-breaker. I mean, if it’s all you have, of course, you’ll wear it. But, ideally, you want a gas mask you can operate in. You need to see what you’re doing, and if the lens is fogging up, it will make that task pretty tricky.
M15 Rubber Respirator Mask
An Israeli gas mask, issued by the IDF Government, has enhanced verbal communication. Suppose you can get your hands on the M15, you’ll also get a canteen-compatible drinking tube, the ability to attach a standard 40-mm NATO filter (on the front rather than the sides), an upgraded exhalation valve so you can breathe a bit easier, and like the surplus option (listed below), the lens is made of scratch-resistant polycarbonate.
Avon FM12
If you think you’ll be shooting while wearing a gas mask, the AVON FM12 is an option created for compatibility with weapon sights/optics. The opportunity to place your filter on either side of the gas mask is also a feature allowing shooters to customize based on where they would typically have a proper cheek weld. And of course, there’s a drinking tube you can attach to your canteen, a necessity if you’ll be working in the contaminated area and won’t be leaving it anytime soon.
MSA Millennium
The MSA Millennium is a CBRN-rated gas mask. It is an option our law enforcement and military personnel might want to consider because it offers a great field of view and a permeation-resistant lens (a good option if working in a riot where gases are/could be used). There’s also a built-in speaking diaphragm, so you can easily communicate with other law enforcement/military personnel.
Israeli NATO Surplus Gas Mask
It’s affordable and protects against NBC agents. However, keep in mind, that when you buy surplus, there’s a huge chance the filters coming with it could expire. So, you’ll most likely need to purchase new filters. On a more positive note, the lenses are made with scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses. So, you might need new filters, but hopefully, the lenses will be in good condition.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Gas Mask
While all of the options listed above offer excellent protection when it comes to CBRN or NBC agents, you have to consider a few other things when purchasing your gas mask. Will you have a beard if/when s**t hits the fan? Do you wear glasses and need gas mask inserts? Will you be a first responder, unable to flee the contamination, and therefore need to wear the gas mask for an extended/unknown period? Do you have a gas mask fit test and know what size mask you need? Each of these questions is important. Let’s go over them a bit before wrapping this article up.
Beards
If you have a beard, you’ll need to consider this for donning a gas mask. Why? Because this can hinder you from getting a proper seal, and if you can’t get a proper seal, you’ll be breathing in contaminated air. If you can’t imagine shaving or having time to shave your beard, look for a gas mask that’ll work for you. One option is going with a gas mask hood, like the one I listed above.
Glasses
If you’ve served in the military, then you’re probably aware of glasses explicitly issued for a gas mask, especially if you’re a glasses wearer. These are called gas mask insets, they are prescription glasses meant specifically to fit into the gas mask you’ve been issued. You should keep in mind that these inserts are not universal to all gas masks. And some gas masks won’t allow you to wear your everyday glasses.
Length of Wear
If you find yourself in a situation where you have to don a gas mask, chances are you’ll have to wear it for more than a couple of minutes. Keep this in mind when you’re shopping around because some gas masks will be more comfortable than others. While your goal should be to get out of the contaminated area as soon as possible, on the chance that you’ll have to wear it for an extended period, you don’t want something that you loathe wearing. Yes, wearing something on your face, such as a gas mask, isn’t all that comfortable in the first place. You get sweaty, and hot, and you’ll probably get a headache. Don’t make it worse on yourself by getting something you can’t imagine wearing for more than five minutes.
Size
You need the right size gas mask. If you don’t you won’t get a good seal. Get yourself a gas mask fit test. Just because you think you’re a medium doesn’t mean you are. Without the proper seal, your mask won’t work like it’s supposed to. And yes, there are gas masks sized for kids. However, no one in this office has kids so we can’t speak on it. Although we do have a lot of fur babies amongst the group… next blog???
MOPP Gear
Finally, let’s talk MOPP gear. A gas mask is excellent for protecting the sensitive membrane in your eyes, nose, and lungs. However, it won’t protect the skin on your hands, ears, neck, and other exposed body parts. If you’re trying to protect yourself against chemical warfare, you should probably get MOPP gear (suits and boots, my friends).
Did we miss anything? Do you have further recommendations or advice? Please, comment below. We love hearing from our readers!
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