Breathing: Positive or Negative?
Breathing: Positive or Negative?
Breathing
When it comes to staying alive, breathing is always a positive!
However, respirators can be positive or negative, and both kinds are great for different uses.
Read on to find out how positive and negative respiratory protection differ, and see which kind is right for you!
Positive pressure respirators are more comfortable!
Positive pressure respirators are often powered, or obtain air via high-pressure gas tanks.
This means that the pressure of the air within your hood or facepiece is higher than the atmosphere, making breathing a breeze!
Positive pressure respirators tend to be more comfortable as the higher-pressured air aids our breathing.
Positive pressure respirators offer more protection!
Because a good seal is necessary to retain positive pressure, such respirators are generally more protective than negative pressure respirators.
Positive pressure respirators need more maintenance!
Unfortunately, the pros come at the cost of convenience.
Positive pressure respirators need to be maintained constantly.
Whether it’s replacing gas tanks or charging them or replacing their battery, these kinds of respirators need care to make sure they function at peak efficiency.
Negative pressure respirators are convenient!
You’ve probably already worn them to protect yourself from diseases!
Single-use surgical and N95 masks are considered negative pressure respirators because the air outside the mask has a higher pressure than the air within.
You can buy them anywhere, making them a convenient option for respiratory protection!
Negative pressure respirators are cheaper!
Buy a box of masks in bulk, or invest in one reusable mask.
In the end, negative pressure respirators tend to cost less because they do not rely on external gas or power to function.
For most workplaces, negative pressure respirators are good enough to defend against the airborne hazards that matter!
Negative pressure respirators tend to be less comfortable
Unfortunately, negative pressure respirators without valves may make breathing harder.
Do note that breathing through a negative pressure respirator is still quite easy.
However, in humid workplaces, heat and moisture may build up quickly, making the experience of wearing the mask less than ideal .
Are you armed with the positives and negatives of respirator types? Don’t hesitate to let us know if we can help you choose the best kind of respirator for your needs!
Was there anything I missed out?
Or would you like to find out more about gloves?
Please let me know! I’m always up for learning new things.
