Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) provide users with clean filtered air that is powered through a breathing tube attached to loose or tight-fitting headgear. Many PAPRs include integrated face shields that protect the user’s eyes, hands and other parts of the body. Some PAPR systems have loose-fitting headgear that accommodates limited facial hair, which can be a benefit for health care workers who wish to maintain their beards or other types of facial hair. In addition, some PAPR systems allow users to use eyeglasses with their PAPRs.

Some papr respirator care facilities have reported concerns about the effect that PAPRs may have on sterile fields, particularly during surgery. However, it appears that these concerns are not based on any evidence. In fact, one study found that PAPRs did not pose a greater risk of contamination than using a standard surgical ensemble in the operating room.

Maintaining and Cleaning Your PAPR Respirator for Long-Term Use

PAPRs can be cleaned and disinfected according to manufacturer instructions. The most important consideration is to ensure that the blower/exhaust system of the PAPR is directed away from the sterile field during use, which is possible with some hood-style PAPRs.

NETEC recommends that health care institutions develop and implement respiratory protection programs for their workers. Typically, these programs are overseen by infection prevention departments. A respiratory protection program should consist of risk assessments, medical evaluations (not necessarily requiring fit testing), training and record keeping. A PAPR should only be used if it has been properly inspected, maintained and cleaned.