Powered Air Purifying (PAPR) Components
How to Choose the Best Powered Air Purifying Accessories
Different NIOSH- approved respirators are available. They come in varying models, sizes, and types, with many manufacturers available globally. Common purifying accessories include surgical N95 filtering face respirators (FFRs), regular N95 FFRs, and Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs).
PAPRs are the most preferred option for health practitioners of the three options. Here, we learn what Powered Air Purifying Respirators are, the equipment mostly used in powered air-purifying, and what to look for when using powered air frying.
What is Powered Air-Purifying?
A powered air-purifying respirator is a battery-powered equipment used to filter the air from the user’s immediate environment then transfer it to their face or mouth using a breathing tube. Even though this equipment can be used in industrial sites such as painting, smelting, and welding, it is most prevalent in healthcare settings. It is used by surgeons, vets, and dentists to help patients breathe more purified air.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit the world, we saw rapid surging demands for powered air-purifying accessories. These equipment are not always similar — they vary in how they fit, and users can opt for helmets or hoods.
Generally, PAPRs protect the wearer from inhaling mists, sprays, gases, chemicals, dust, smoke, aerosols, vapors, and other related airborne contaminants. When fully charged, quality PAPR equipment should last an average of 7-8 hours. Refer to your manufacturer’s specifications for the best results.
What Equipment is Commonly Used in Powered Air Purifying?
Like most equipment, a PAPR needs several accessories to operate at optimum levels. They need regular repair, maintenance, and sometimes, replacement to keep your respirator in good working condition. The most common accessories for powered air-purifying respirators include:
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Anti-fog lens to help maintain a clear face shield
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Spectacle kit for users who use full-face respirators and rely on corrective lenses
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Respirator alcohol cleaning wipes, which is necessary for keeping your respirator clean and disinfected
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A plastic filter cartridge to prevent water particles from splashing on the respirator
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Clear plastic peel-away lens to keep your face free from debris when using the respirator
Common respirator replacement parts include head straps, nose cups, and respirator inhalation & exhalation valves.
What is needed for powered air purifying
The main components of a PAPR include a blower motor with battery, belt, 2 P100 cartridges, air hose, hood, gloves, gown, and any other additional PPE. Always ensure you have everything you need before using a powered air-purifying respirator.
First, remove the new films on your hood's inner and outer spaces, then perform an air leak test. Connect the other end of your air hose to the hood and tighten. Prepare your cartridges for use by first ensuring that the band is purple, removing the plugs, and fixing them on the motor.
Check the battery and operation of the motor. When you power on, a repeating beep and blinking red light indicate a low battery — you have around 30 minutes to recharge your equipment. Do not attempt any repairs if you notice that your respirator is not working perfectly. Instead, follow the appropriate procedure to get the PAPR replaced.
Once you ascertain that everything is working perfectly, use your equipment. Note that it’s your responsibility to check your cartridges and replace them when needed — most have an average of 25 working hours.
Why Choose a Powered Air Purifying Respirators
When traditional disposable masks are in poor supply, such as during the COVID-19 epidemic, you may want to examine different respiratory product protection solutions. Powered air-purifying respirators could be one of those alternatives (PAPR). "A PAPR can be employed for protection during healthcare operations in which HCP are exposed to elevated risks of aerosolized microorganisms causing acute respiratory infections," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC, "when used properly, PAPRs provide more protection and decrease the likelihood of infection transmission to the wearer" when compared to other respiratory products. This makes PAPRs potentially useful for first responders in healthcare, EMS, government, and more.
How to Choose the Right Air-Purifying Respirator for Your Needs
Your equipment’s convenience and efficiency depend on how well you pick one for your needs. First, understand the assigned protection factor differences for your preferred respirator. What is your environment like? How bad are the environmental hazards that you are likely to face?
Every respirator has an Assigned Protection Factor, APF, which indicates the most suitable environments for different respirators. Other factors to consider while at it include how long you want to use your air-purifying respirator, whether you have facial hair, comfortability, weight, and whether it fits testing ability.
Where to Find the Best Powered Air Purifying Accessories for Your Needs
Maintaining, repairing, and replacing parts of your powered air purifying respirators is mandatory for optimum services. While at it, you need to find a trusted dealer to provide you with the best parts, and that’s where we come in.
At Premier Safety, we understand and partner with our customers to provide them with the best technical expertise, offering a broad range of best-in-class standard and custom solutions. Our products are tried and tested; you don’t have to worry about quality. For all your accessories needs, visit our website to start shopping by brand now.