Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
A PAPR (or tight-fitting goggles and an N-95 respirator) should be worn for high-risk aerosol-generating procedures. These respirators also meet CDC guidelines for protection against TB exposure.
On this page:
Choosing a PAPR
What is PAPR?
Use of PAPRs
Cleaning and disinfecting
Choosing a PAPR
- A PAPR may be selected for use if:
- The N95 respirator choice(s) does not fit.
- Employee has facial hair or facial deformity that would interfere with mask-to-face seal.
- The N95 respirator choice(s) are unavailable.
- Desired for high-risk aerosol-generating procedures.
- PAPRs can be used by persons who are medically certified, but who cannot wear
N95 -disposable respirators (e.g. persons with facial hair).
see also>> Respirator Selection: Public Health Respiratory Protection Program Template
What is a PAPR?
- The equipment is battery operated, consists of a half or full facepiece, breathing tube, battery-operated blower, and particulate filters (HEPA only).
- A PAPR uses a blower to pass contaminated air through a HEPA filter, which removes the contaminant and supplies purified air to a facepiece.
- A PAPR is not a true positive-pressure device because it can be over-breathed when inhaling.
- A face shield may also be used in conjunction with a half-mask PAPR respirator for protection against body fluids.
Use of PAPRs
Cleaning and disinfecting
- Recommendation on cleaning and disinfection differ among manufacturers.
- PAPRs should be cleaned according to manufacturers recommendations.
- NIOSH recommends to clean loose-fitting PAPRS:
- Remove the hood or helmet from the respirator and clean with a detergent solution.
- Clean the suspension inside the head gear in a similar fashion.
- Clean and sanitize the protective face shield.
- Inspecting, Maintenance and Repairs: PAPR
Portion of the Respiratory Protection Template related to inspecting, maintenance and repair of PAPRs.
see also>> Respiratory Protection Program
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