Disclaimer: None of our reviews are sponsored. We earn a commission when you purchase items through our links.
Dangerous gases and harmful chemical vapors are a hazard to your health.
The best Full face respirators provide the highest level protection against these.
As with most products though, it can be hard to work out exactly which one is going to be the most effective for you.
We have carefully selected some of the best products available …
Quick Picks
Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...
The Best Full Face Respirator with reviews 2024
Here's a list of the best full face respirators we found:
1. Honeywell North Silicone Full Face Respirator Gas Mask
- Protects wearer's eyes & face against irritating gases, vapors and flying particles.
- Dual flange silicone seal
- Polycarbonate lens
- 200° field-of-vision
- High impact and penetration resistance
- Meets ANSI standards for high impact and penetration resistance.
Pros
- Exceptional face fitting
- No fogging
- High-quality lens
- Highly durable
- Great field of view
- Compatible with North cartridges, filters and accessories.
Cons
- No filters included
- Not a secure fit with a large beard
Overview
There are a few key aspects that you want from a full face respirator. This product delivers on all of them.
It is very comfortable and you’re going to be able to wear it for a long time without having any discomfort.
Not only does it have a great field of view at over 200° but the polycarbonate lens that is has allows for a very clear view. There are no complaints about fogging. It’s made with the highest level of build quality and its durability should see it lasting for a very long time.
If you are after a high-end full face respirator, then you can no go wrong with this model.
2. 3M Ultimate FX Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator
- Releases trapped heat
- Can easily talk while wearing the respirator
- Head cradle
- Large lens
- Silicone face piece
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to talk through
- Paint and stain resistant lens
- Cool flow technology
- No fogging
Cons
- Small fit
- Expensive replacement parts
- Tight nose cone
Overview
This is another high-quality mask that has a comfortable fit with the silicone seal that it has. That comfort is added too with the head cradle which will prevent and hair from getting trapped and also the efficient release of heat that you are able to get from the cool flow technology.
For those who are above average size, this respirator might fit a little tightly but for most people this is a very comfortable size. One great feature of this product is your ability to speak clearly through it which is great, especially if you’re working with one or more other people.
3. BEESS Full Face Face Respiratory Mask
Pros
- All accessories included
- Secure fit
- Comfortable to wear
- Great range of vision
Cons
- Doesn’t work with glasses
- Average build quality
- Hard to use locking mechanisms
Overview
For the price that you have to pay, this respirator has an impressive level of quality. It is able to give you quite a comfortable fit as it is another product that has a silicone seal. The lens is also large and you’re going to easily see what you are doing.
Another great aspect of this product is that it comes with all the accessories that you need in order to get started. It doesn’t have quite the same quality as other brands on the market but you’d expect that with a budget model. For most amateur enthusiasts, this will work just fine.
Pros
- Will fit anyone
- Highly adjustable
- Can wear it all day
- Diverts breathing down
Cons
- Hard to wear with glasses
- No accessories included
Overview
3M are well-known for making high-quality safety equipment and this is another great product from them that is going to be able to tick all the boxes in terms of respirator. It is comfortable to wear and takes a tight seal around your face without leaving any red marks.
Unlike some other products, this is going to be able to fit the vast majority of people. That is helped by the fact that it is very easily adjustable and you won’t have to constantly take it off to try and find a good fit. It diverts your breathing downward to prevent any fogging from occurring and gives a great filed of view.
5. Mestel Israeli NATO Military Spec Full Face Mask Respirator
Pros
- High-quality lens
- Lightweight design
- Easy to maintain
- Close fit
Cons
- Low field of view
- Canister sticks out
- No accessories
Overview
This is a compact and high-quality full face respirator that is going to give you a high level of protection from those fumes and gasses. The rubber face seal isn’t quite as comfortable as silicone but it’s still very easy to wear and ensures a tight fit.
It’s a very easy respirator to own as it is easy to maintain and clean, and it’s lightweight too. The way it’s designed means that a canister will stick out which can make the mask feel quite heavy. Overall, this is a high-quality mask and another great option for your respirator needs.
Buying Guide
Respirator use
Wondering if you should get a respirator? Then it’s best to opt for the safe option and get a high-quality model. At the very least it will save you from getting a headache, and at most, it could save your life.
It may be tempting to get a disposable respirator, but this is not going to you protect from chemicals and gasses. Disposable respirators are good for blocking larger particles. If you need full protection, you should get yourself a full mask respirator.
Consider The Fit
It’s pointless getting a respirator if it’s not going to be able to fit you very well. Most respirators will have either a rubber or a silicone seal. This allows it to sit tight to your skin without being uncomfortable or restrictive.
Larger size heads: No we are not making fun. Make sure to look for a larger model as standard sizes may be too tight.
Adjustable straps: Makes it more likely to get a perfect fit.
Beards: These are a hazard. They will leave tiny gaps around the mask for vapors to enter. You will need to shave if you are working in a dangerous environment.
Protection
In terms of the protection that the respirator gives you, it’s mostly about the fit as this is going to be where and vapors would enter. After that, you want to make sure that all the seals are tight and don’t let any air through.
Most of the protection that you get is going to be through the filters as they are what need to block everything to allow you to breathe. The connections to the filters need to have a secure locking mechanism to not let any air thought that hasn’t passed through it.
Field of vision
Having your face covered is going to affect your peripheral vision. The range that you are going to able side to side and downwards to going to vary depending on the product.
Some offer a lot more than others as it’s harder to get a secure fit if you have a larger respirator. The best products are able to make a great compromise. Giving you a great field of view whilst also giving you a safe and comfortable fit.
Fogging
Fogging has long been a problem with masks and respirators. It’s caused by the heat of your breath meeting the cooler lens which causes condensation.
Top end respirators are able to remove this problem with a reliable valve. Low-quality respirators fog up because of the poor circulation of hot air.
Wrapping it up
It’s important to stay safe when you are working. Look inside the filter after a few uses and you will see the trapped air particles. You’ll be thankful none of it made way into your lungs – and that’s not including the vapors that you could inhale.
Our favorite full face respirator is the Honeywell North Silicone. It wins because it gives you the highest level of safety when used with the right filters. Also, you will also be able to wear it for long periods without any discomfort or fogging.
Great post. Thank you so much for sharing this helpful article.
Great post! I bought 3M Ultimate respirator for my husband a few days ago based on your article and he’s very satisfied with this. He said that this is the most comfortable respirator mask he has ever put on.
Hi Diana, to maintain the clarity of the 3m ultimate respirator lense, 3m makes a peel off clear lense cover for the 400 series that sticks to the lense to prevent wear and tear. I used it in my shop. It work amazingly well. easy to apply and saves the lense everytime!