Clearing the Air on the Powered Air-Purifying Respirator
Last edited: 2024-06-07
A Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) features a battery-powered blower to provide a flow of filtered air to the wearer.
A Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) is a type of respirator that uses a battery-powered fan to draw in contaminated air, filter it through a series of filters, and then deliver purified air to the wearer's breathing zone.
Unlike traditional respirators that rely solely on the user's breathing to draw air through filter cartridges, a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) actively delivers filtered air to the user, creating positive pressure inside the facepiece A Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) typically includes a facepiece or hood, a blower unit, a hose or tubing, filters, and a rechargeable battery.
Related: Proper PPE is important for certain work environments. If you are working in an area where arc flash is a risk, you need to protect yourself or your workforce with an arc flash suit.
Powered Air Purifying Respirator Benefits
Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) offer several advantages over traditional disposable or reusable respirators:
- Increased Comfort: Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) typically provide a higher level of comfort compared to other types of respirators as they do not rely solely on the wearer's breathing effort to draw air through the filter.
- Enhanced Protection: Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) typically provide a higher level of respiratory protection compared to disposable N95 masks or half-face respirators. They use a battery-powered fan to draw air through filters, providing a constant flow of filtered air to the user.
- Reduced Breathing Resistance: Since Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) use a powered fan to draw air through the filters, they often have lower breathing resistance compared to other types of respirators, making them easier to wear for extended periods. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions or those who need to perform strenuous tasks while wearing respiratory protection.
- Compatibility with Facial Hair: Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) can be used by individuals with facial hair, which may interfere with the proper fit of traditional respirators like N95 masks.
- Versatility: Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) can be equipped with different types of filters to protect against various hazards, including particulates, gases, vapors and biological agents. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications in different industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and agriculture.
- Communication: Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) typically do not cover the wearer's entire face, allowing for easier communication compared to full-face respirators. This can be important in work environments where clear communication is essential for safety and productivity.
Related: Need help finding a 3M Respirator that's right for your workplace? Check out our recent article to learn more.
Wesco Offers a Wide Variety of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)
3M™ Versaflo™ TR-613N Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
Designed to endure use in tough environments, this Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) reaches new heights of performance with a lithium-ion battery, adjustable airflow options and an expanded range of NIOSH-approved filters and cartridges to help protect against hazards like particulates, nuisance odors, organic vapors and acid gases. Unit features a user-friendly design with intuitive, colored interactive touch points and visual, vibratory and audible low-flow and low-battery indicators. Pre-calibration makes this system ready to use, directly out of the box. A Single Station Battery Charger Kit (#75875) is available or choose a 4-Station Battery Charger Kit (#75876). System includes:
- TR-602N PAPR Unit
- BT-30 Length Adjusting Breathing Tube
- TR-971 Airflow Indicator
- TR-626 High-Durability Belt
- TR-630 Standard Battery
3M™ Versaflo™ TR-600-ECK Easy Clean Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
The 3M™ Versaflo™ TR-600-ECK is a complete Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) assembly. It is ideal for applications such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare, food processing, painting and lead battery manufacturing/recycling. System includes:
- TR-602N PAPR Unit
- TR-6710N High-Efficiency Particulate Filter
- TR-6600 Prefilter
- TR-6700FC Filter Cover
- BT-37 Length Adjusting Breathing Tube
- BT-922 Breathing Tube Cover
- TR-971 Airflow Indicator
- TR-627 Easy Clean Belt
- TR-630 Standard Battery
- TR-641N Single Station Battery Charger Kit
- TR-941N Single Station Power Supply
- TR-653 Cleaning and Storage Kit
3M™ Versaflo™ TR-300N+ HIK Heavy Industry Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
Ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications, the 3M™ Versaflo™ TR-300N+ HIK Heavy Industry Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) combines performance, protection and functionality with a slim, lightweight balanced design for comfort. PAPR is equipped with two types of alarms – low air flow and low battery – which notify the user through visual and audible alerts. Blower offers two user selectable flow rate options of 6.5 or 7.2 cubic feet per minute (CFM). System includes:
- TR-302N+ PAPR Unit
- TR-3600 Prefilter
- M-307 Respiratory Hard Hat Assembly
- TR-3712N High-Efficiency Particulate Filter
- TR-362 Spark Arrestor/Prefilter
- TR-371+ Filter Cover
- BT-30 Length Adjusting Breathing Tube
- BT-926 High Temperature Breathing Tube Cover
- TR-971 Airflow Indicator
- TR-326 High-Durability Belt
- TR-332 High-Capacity Battery
- TR-341N Single Station Battery Charger
- TR-941N Single Station Power Supply
3M™ Adflo™ PAPR and Versaflo™ M-Series Helmet Kit
This kit is a complete 3M™ Adflo™ Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) system and a 3M™ Versaflo™ Helmet with Speedglas™ Welding Shield. This system provides a high efficiency particulate respiratory protection system for welders in a lightweight, compact design with an ergonomic, adjustable head suspension.
- Provides protection from welding arc plus spark and splatter
- Speedglas™ Welding Shield can be lifted in non-hazardous areas to help facilitate communications
- Adflo™ PAPR has a high efficiency particulate filter that can be "stacked" onto an optional 3M™ Adflo™ Cartridge (not included) for additional protection against OV/SD/CL/HC vapors
- Adflo™ PAPR Kit includes lithium-ion battery and charger, high efficiency particulate filter and wide leather belt
- Versaflo™ M-Series Helmet can be used for most applications, including arc gouging, plasma cutting, grinding, MIG, TID, and GMAW welding
- Versaflo™ M-Series Helmet Kit includes a leather shroud and flame-resistant helmet cover and allows for a clear, wide-view protective visor for grinding and setup
Feel free to contact our Safety Support Team to help you select the right Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) for your particular workplace. In almost any situation you have, we can offer you options that best fit your budget or specific needs, allowing your employees to work safely and efficiently.