After reviewing and testing a dozen gas masks, the Mira Safety CM-8M Gas Mask and Parcil Safety NB-100 Gas Mask are both contenders for the best gas mask.
Both masks are high-quality. However, the Mira Safety mask comes with plenty of extras, like a hydration system. The Parcil Safety mask is much cheaper, especially thanks to our 25% off discount code.
Our team has over 20 years of prepping experience and I have spent several of those years writing about prepping. To get an accurate review of these gas masks, I also worked with Blake, a member of our team who has experience using gas masks in the military. We tested these gas masks against chemical agents, as well as smoke and similar hazards.
For practically all situations, our expertise pointed towards these masks as the best options on the market. However, there are also a few other gas masks that we would recommend.
For my complete gas mask reviews, keep reading. I’ll also dive into which filters to purchase for your mask. After all, a gas mask isn’t helpful without a filter. Be sure to also read our Gas Mask Guide for everything you need to know about selecting and using a gas mask.
Quick Comparison of Our Favorite Gas Masks
Best Gas Masks
Mira Safety CM-8M Full-Face Respirator – Best Overall Gas Mask
MIRA Safety offers a 15% military and first responder discount.
- Shelf Life: 20 years
- Filter Cartridge Size: 40-mm 1/7″ NATO
- Field of View: 92.5%
- MSRP: $325
I recently added the Mira Safety CM-8M Gas Mask to my preparedness gear. After putting it through its paces, I can confidently say it’s a reliable companion for various situations.
Video Review of the Mira CM-8M Gas Mask
Parcil Safety NB-100 Gas Mask – Best Budget Gas Mask
Save 25% off at checkout with code “survivalstoic”!
- Shelf Life: Not Listed
- Filter Cartridge Size: 40-mm 1/7″ NATO
- Field of View: nearly 100%
- MSRP: $200
Parcil Safety is either loved or hated by those in the gas mask world. We tested out their most popular mask – the NB-100. While we weren’t expecting very much, it surprised us a lot!
Blake was our main tester for this mask. He wore it around the house for several hours and also shot a rifle while wearing it. He trusted the seal while moving around more than the Mira gas masks we reviewed and found it much more comfortable. Adjusting it was a breeze, and he got it right after only one try.
It has a very wide field of view, much more than other gas masks we tested.
Shouldering a rifle was also much easier with this mask. While we could only mostly see through a standard rifle optic, we could still see through it – which is more than I can say for most gas masks.
It also comes with a filter, helping you save nearly $100. No other gas mask we’ve looked at comes with a filter.
That said, it doesn’t come with the extras that you’ll find on the Mira Safety CM-8M. It doesn’t have a built-in hydration implement, or the voice diaphragm. This lack of features makes it far less versatile. You can purchase many of these as separate add-ons, which will increase the overall price.
Despite this lack of extras, it is cheaper than most gas masks and works just as well. We also have a 25% off discount code, so it will save you even more money. You can get this mask for half the price of the Mira Safety one we reviewed above.
Recommended for:
I recommend the Parcil Safety NB-100 for those who don’t care about it being made in China. It is pretty cheap compared to other options, and I liked it just as much. Plus, we have a code to help you save even more.
PROS
Half the Price
Can Shoulder a Standard Rifle
Quality Seal
Easy to Adjust
Wide Field of View
CONS
No Extras Included
Avon C50 Gas Mask – Best Premium Gas Mask
- Shelf Life: 20 years
- Filter Cartridge Size: 40-mm 1/7″ NATO
- Field of View: nearly 100%
- MSRP: $476
While it costs more than the Mira Safety masks, the Avon C50 Gas Mask is exceptionally similar to the current-issue mask for the US military. It can be combined with 40-mm filters that tend to be the default in the gas mask world.
When paired with the right filter, this mask is suitable against viral threats, wildfire smoke, toxic chemical spills, and practically everything else. This mask offers an integrated hydration system.
It also provides several expansion options. There are many add-ons available for this mask, including communication expansions and laser protection inserts. The two-port system allows you to choose the left or right side, allowing left-handed shooters to shoulder a rifle on their dominant side.
Of course, the Mira Safety CM-8M gas mask shares many of these features. So why would you pay more for this one? It’s easier to shoulder a rifle with it. That’s it.
Recommended for:
If money isn’t an issue and you want the best mask for shouldering a rifle, the Avon C50 gas mask is best.
PROS
Wide Range of Vision
Trusted Brand
Easier to Shoulder a Rifle
Lots of Extensions Available
CONS
Expensive
Mira Safety CM-6M Tactical Gas Mask
- Shelf Life: 20 years
- Filter Cartridge Size: 40-mm 1/7″ NATO
- Field of View: nearly 100%
- MSRP: $264
The Mira Safety CM-6M Tactical Gas Mask has been the company’s bread-and-butter for years now (until the release of the CM-8M above). It’s designed for the average Joe and has a full-face panoramic view, which is its main selling point.
It’s also one of the cheaper gas masks available that I would still recommend. While you can find cheaper gas masks on the market, you often get what you pay for. This mask is the cheapest one I would purchase and still be able to use confidently.
It fits the typical 40-mm NATO filter cartridges and has a pre-installed hydration system.
The main downfall with this mask is that you cannot use it with a rifle easily, as the visor gets in the way of the stock. You can use it with a rifle if you utilize a riser or gas mask stock. Keep in mind it still works great with a handgun, as the handgun wouldn’t be against your face.
Of course, this is less of an issue if you aren’t planning on shooting anything. (Though, you never really know when a dangerous situation will occur. Plus, the situation is probably already escalating if you need to wear a gas mask.)
Recommended for:
If you’re looking to save a bit of money and don’t plan on using a rifle, the Mira Safety CM-6M is a great mask.
PROS
Wide Range of Vision
Inexpensive
Integrated Hydration System
Works with Standard Filters
CONS
Cannot Shoulder a Rifle
Mira Safety CM-7M Military Gas Mask
- Shelf Life: 20 years
- Filter Cartridge Size: 40-mm 1/7″ NATO
- Field of View: Very small
- MSRP: $275
Currently, the Mira Safety CM-7M Military Gas Mask is the standard-issue gas mask in the Czech Republic military. It’s a military gas mask that’s designed to be used with optics. Its tapered design allows you to use it with rifles and other long guns, which isn’t true with the other Mira masks.
The binocular visor also lets you utilize the gas mask with night vision optics and red dot sights. This mask also has a rather low profile, allowing those in the military to integrate it with modern ballistic helmets.
Based on all of these features, it’s easy to see that this mask was designed primarily for those in the military. If you aren’t looking for a mask for a military-like occupation, you probably don’t want the CM-7M. I’d recommend the CM-8M for the average prepper.
However, if you want to shoot a rifle, this gas mask is one of the better options.
That said, for military (or military-like) professionals, the CM-7M works extremely well.
Recommended for:
I recommend the Mira Safety CM-7M gas mask as a budget option for anyone who wants to shoulder a rifle while wearing a mask. You’re giving up some visibility, though.
PROS
Designed for Use with Optics
Lower Profile
Inexpensive
Works with Standard Filters
CONS
Small Field of View
Best Gas Mask Filter
Note that we have a full guide on how to choose a gas mask that explains all of the filter codes and options. If you aren’t sure, just go with our top pick.
Mira Safety NBC-77 Filter – Most Protection
- Filter Code: A2B2E2K2HgSXP3 D R
- Certified: Yes, EU standard
- MSRP: $80
If you want a filter that can protect against everything, we recommend the Mira Safety NBC-77 filter. It’s made to filter against all known CBRN agents. It can protect against particulates like dust, organic gases, inorganic gases, acid vapors, and ammonia. It can even protect against sodium chloride and radioactive iodine.
That said, you’ll be paying for all of this protection. It’s one of the most expensive options on this list.
This filter protects against most gases for around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the exact chemical. It can protect against mercury for over 100 hours. However, chlorine starts breaking through in about 20 minutes.
Recommended for:
If you truly want to be prepared for everything, you need to purchase the Mira Safety NBC-77 filter.
Mira Safety NBC-17 SOF – Moderate Protection
- Filter Code: A1B1E1K1 P3 D R
- Certified: Yes, EU standard
- MSRP: $50
We recommend the Mira Safety NBC-17 SOF when you want to spend a bit less and be protected against most CBRN agents. This filter is cheaper than the previous one. However, you’re getting less protection overall.
There are some chemicals that this filter doesn’t protect against at all. For instance, it won’t protect against radioactive iodine, mercury, or phosgene. However, it protects against inorganic and organic vapors – at a lower rate than the previous mask. It won’t be protective at higher concentrations.
The timeline is about the same with this filter as others. It will protect for around 30 minutes from chlorine, for instance.
Recommended for:
If you want a cheaper option with less protection, the Mira Safety NBC-17 SOF should be your go-to option.
Avon CBRN Gas Mask Filter
- Filter Code: A1B2E1K1 P3
- Certified: Yes, EU standard
- MSRP: $74
The Avon CBRN Gas Mask Filter is designed to go with the company’s C50 mask. However, it is the standard 40-mm NATO filter, which allows it to work with practically all other gas masks on our list, as well.
That said, this mask doesn’t protect against as many chemicals as the previous filters I’ve reviewed. It can protect against organic gases, inorganic gases, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide. However, it doesn’t protect against mercury, nitrous gases, or radioactive material. It also has a pretty low filtration rate compared to other filters.
Plus, it is also the same price as the high-end Mira Safety filter above. In my opinion, it makes far more sense to purchase the Mira Safety filter, even if you decide to go with the Avon mask.
Recommended for:
I recommend the Avon CBRN Gas Mask filter when you can’t get your hands on one from Mira Safety. Consider this a suitable backup.
What About Gas Masks from Ebay?
You’ll see many people suggest purchasing cheaper masks off of eBay. You can find tons of inexpensive items on eBay, but I wouldn’t trust the marketplace as a source of life-saving equipment like gas masks.
You wouldn’t purchase medication off of eBay, so why would you purchase a gas mask off of eBay?
Of course, it is completely different if you’re just collecting gas masks. If you plan on using the gas mask should an emergency arise, I recommend only purchasing from a quality source.
Anyone can sell on eBay. While eBay protects buyers in most situations, it can be hard to prove whether a mask is working. Most buyers also list their gas masks “as is,” which would limit returns. Of course, if the gas mask didn’t work, you probably wouldn’t know until an emergency, and at that point, getting your money back would be meaningless.
Plus, gas masks have an expiration date, and most surplus masks are past this date. The gas masks on eBay were likely made several years ago, while those purchased from an official supplier are newly made. You’ll get a longer lifespan from a new mask, which may actually save you money in the long run.
Many gas masks are also banned on eBay, as they are protected under US law. While that doesn’t keep all gas masks off the platform, the company regularly removes military items.
Which Gas Mask is the Best?
We typically recommend that most people purchase the Mira Safety CM-8M with the Mira Safety NBC-77 Filter. Both of these combined will protect you from just about everything. The filter is more expensive than most, but you’ll save a bit of money by purchasing the CM-8M mask instead of the Avon C50.
We found that the Parcil Safety NB-100 to be a very close second and it is half the price of the Mira CM-8M and filter when you use our discount code.
Be sure to check out our prepping guide and our concealed carry guide while you are here. They are both full of a ton of preparedness info that you won’t find anywhere else. Also check out our survival guides and gear reviews.
