Powered Air-Purifying Respirators

Designed to provide you with maximum protection while offering a comfortable breathing experience, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) are your best defence against airborne contaminants. For your convenience, you can also find accompanying PAPR filter cartridges that are compatible with your PAPRs at PDS International.

Benefits of PAPRs

Powered air-purifying respirators safeguard you from contaminated air. These positive-pressure masks make it easy to breathe while offering more protection than N95 masks. All you need to do is to recharge and wash it after each shift, and change the PAPR filter cartridge periodically. Most of the PAPRs that we offer come with a hood or a helmet, so fit-testing is not required. Best of all, these rechargeable devices are cost-effective and environmentally-friendly as you will not require disposable masks.

Medical versus Industrial PAPRs

PAPRs are useful in a variety of sectors, including the medical and industrial fields. PAPR manufacturers are able to produce equipment lines that meet the day-to-day demands of different types of workers, while still ensuring maximum protection from potential contaminants.

Tecmen PAPRs are our recommended choice for healthcare workers, frontline paramedics and biomedical research labs. These powered air-purifying respirators are perfect for hospitals, laboratories or any work that have a zero tolerance for cross-contaminations. In comparison, Bullard and RPB PAPRs are designed for industrial jobs and work environments. These include jobs like  spray painting, welding and drilling, woodwork and metal cutting which are commonly seen in industries like manufacturing, chemical processing, oil and gas and mining.

Keep your Team Safe with SafetySam

Get in touch with us to find out more about SafetySam’s full range of PPE, including powered air-purifying respirators and PAPR filter cartridges. We provide the best equipment and product to suit all of your workplace needs, and are dedicated to eliminating unnecessary workplace risk and accidents for workers throughout the region.

PDS International has been a top provider of industrial safety equipment in Southeast Asia since 1993, specialising in PPE that is specifically sized to fit Asian workers. Our trademark WORKSafe line offers PPE in Asian sizing at reasonable prices, helping to ensure safe workplaces for all workers across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions about Powered Air-Purifying Respirators

How does a powered air-purifying respirator work?

Powered air-purifying respirators use a blower to force air through PAPR filter cartridges into the facepiece, creating a safe breathing zone for the wearer. As the air flow is contained within the facepiece and hood, a PAPR ensures no external cross-contamination from the environment and provides one of the highest levels of protection against airborne contaminants.

What is the difference between a powered air-purifying respirator and an N95 mask?

Powered air-purifying respirators are a positive pressure respirator, whereas N95 masks are a negative pressure respirator. Negative pressure respirators rely on the wearer’s lungs to inhale ambient air, which is then filtered through the tight-fitting seal of the mask. This requires the mask to be fitted perfectly onto the wearer’s face to ensure a tight seal, which can lead to discomfort or pain when worn for long periods of time.

In contrast, PAPRs create a safe supply of air for the wearer without requiring a tight seal around the face, as the hood or helmet helps to create an airtight seal. This means greater comfort and ease for the wearer especially if they are required to wear a PAPR for long durations or in highly contaminated environments.

What should I consider when purchasing a powered air-purifying respirator?

Several factors come into play when selecting a powered air-purifying respirator that best suits your working environment. These include:

• Filtration efficiency or Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of the PAPR

• How long you or your employees will be required to wear the PAPR

• What degree of fit or comfort best suits you and your employees