What is a PAPR or positive air system?
A PAPR, powered air purifying respirator, is a positive air system that uses a battery to power a blower, which then pumps air through a filter into a mask or a hood. The blower, battery and filters are usually belt-worn, and connected to the hood or mask by a breathing tube. The clean, filtered, cool air flows into the breathing zone. The airflow is much higher than the wearer needs to breathe, and the excess flow creates a positive pressure as it passes through the mask. This pressure pushes out, and keeps contamination from leaking in. This is different from a normal gas mask, which uses the wearer’s lung power to pull air through a filter. The normal type mask must fit tightly. A powered mask or hood can be loose. The positive air system is more comfortable and more protective. It is also more complex and more costly. Positive air systems are sometimes called PAPRs, for powered air purifying respirators.
