MIRA SAFETY MMIRA SAFETY CM-8M Full-Face CBRN Gas Mask W/Canteen - Reusable Survival Nuclear Chemical Respirator for Prepper Gear and Supplies - Best Particulate Protection for Disaster, Tactical, & General Use

A great tactical operations full-face respirator, the Mira Safety CM-8M provides a solution to the drawbacks of the CM-6M and CM-7M.Visor Size, Eye Relief, and Stock Weld- The CM-8Ms slightly smaller visor and soft cheek position improve stock weld and eye relief compared to the CM-6M while still offering better visibility and situational awareness than the CM-7M. With the CM-6M, I am unable to get my rifle optic (3x RCO on AR-15) to my eye or the stock to my cheek. The CM-8M allows me good stock weld and eye relief, allowing me to shoot without issue. I have not tested the CM-8M with NODs*, but its slightly recessed visor suggests compatibility with most helmet-mounted monoculars or binoculars.*Night Optic DeviceMaterial, Durability, & Fit- Butyl plastic, the gold standard for CBRN respirators, is thick, durable, and flexible enough to ensure a strong seal. While I have not had this respirator long enough to assess its durability, based on my experience with similar masks, its construction feels robust and long-lasting – provided it is properly stored and maintained.Accessories- The included drinking system works as advertised. It is a CBRN-rated canteen system with a straw / hose that is simple and effective. While it does not come with a filter or with a carrying case, I think it is worth noting that the MIRA Safety respirator pouch is a worthwhile investment. I can keep this respirator, a spare filter, and my CBRN kit stored securely in the carrying case with no issue and still belt / drop-leg mount it comfortably.Respirator Effectiveness- I verified the seal using the positive / negative pressure test and the respirator works as intended. It compares to the effectiveness of my previously issued gas mask in the US Marine Corps. I also tested the respirator, along with a MIRA Safety filter, using a chemical and particle test. Both airborne cleaners and particulates failed to permeate the mask or filter. Without any CS gas, this was the full extent of my ability to test the respirator.Overall, the CM-8M provides a very happy medium to the other frontrunners from Mira Safety. While the CM-6M provides better visibility and awareness with a full-face visor and the CM-7M provides better dedication to rifle optics and night optics, as a jack-of-all-trades the CM-8M functions well as a tactical operations respirator, avoiding the pinhole vision of the CM-7M.

Mira makes the best civilian market masks I own. Their drinking system is superior to any other one I have tried as well.

I opted for the CM-8M over the CM-7M with the idea that it would accommodate my eyeglasses and because the CM-8M was touted to be compatible with rifle optics and red dots and also allows for a good cheek weld. After fitting the mask, I tried it out with my LPVO fitted rifle and also my red dot optic fitted rifle.This mask is not compatible with a rifle with an LPVO or scope. The rifle with the red dot optic is barley functional with the mask on if the rifle is held off the shoulder and tilted to bring the red dot into view on the extreme left edge of the optic.I didn't know I'd have to purchase a whole separate rig to accommodate prescription glasses.Had I known that, I would have purchased the CM-7M with the prescription rig and that maybe would have allowed better use to my rifles.

Item met my expectations

It’s a great substitute for an N50. I believe it to have better peripheral angle and while the low profile canisters that come with the N50 are less bulky and don’t impede the wearer’s sight picture the round canisters work well enough for breathing while mobile with off-side installation of a single 40mm canister and there are more choices and more availability for threaded canisters which is helpful when using it for the more likely event of fire evacuation in brush and forest adjacent communities which is becoming more relevant than chemical or biological hazards. The canisters are conceptually hot-swappable, although I will have to do more research on the requirements to keep the non-use port capped and then purging it before installing and using a new canister in chemically contaminated areas.

Medium fit of this model is smaller than any other MIRA CM7 or CM6 masks of the same medium size. Seller did not allow a return.Do not buy from them.

This gas mask is quite comfortable and durable, as well gives a great field of vision. I also had no issue of the lens fogging, and everyone was able to understand me when I spoke. I would highly recommend this gas mask to anyone looking for one.

Short straw, but everything else seems to be fine.