Discover the benefits of a powered air-purifying respirator. Find out the level of protection it provides and how to choose the right model for your staff
There are many industries in Canada that involve tasks that can be so dangerous that some workers must wear powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). In cases where workers can be potentially exposed to harmful toxins, hazardous fumes, vapours, gases, or even infectious diseases, PAPR systems are necessary.
In this article, we list some of the best PAPRs on the market that you can recommend or outfit to your workforce. We’ll also delve into some essential topics like:
- How does a powered air-purifying respirator work?
- What is the importance of PAPRs for your workforce?
- How do you choose the most suitable PAPR for your workplace needs?
- What regulatory standards govern the use of PAPR on the worksite?
Let's start with providing a lineup of some of the best PAPR models for you to choose from.
The best powered air-purifying respirators to recommend to your staff
Finding the best powered air purifying respirator can be a daunting task due to the many brands, models and choices available on the market. Here are some PAPRs you may recommend to your workforce:
1. 3M VersaFlo TR-800
Key features: Interchangeable components for greater customizability for different applications, smooth, ergonomic design makes it easy to use in tight spaces
Price range: $1,949.99 to $4,995.12
3M is known to be among the best outfitters for a variety of PPEs across many different industries.
Their PAPR is no exception. The 3M VersaFlo TR-800 is an entire system designed for situations or worksites that require intrinsically safe (IS) equipment.
This PAPR is ideal for industries like food production, chemical handling, oil and gas refining, automotive paint spraying and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This sturdy unit provides adequate eye, head, and face protection. As it is part of the VersaFlo family, the TR-800 lends itself to a wide range of configurations for different applications and environments.
Its headtop, belt, and other accessories can be switched easily to put together a NIOSH-approved system. It features multiple fan speeds, audio and visual alarms, along with the ability to work with an extensive range of filter cartridges.
2. Honeywell Primair800 welding respirator
Key features: Adjustable air-duct, easy-locking filter, attaches with an ergonomic belt
Price: $3,142.19
The Honeywell Primair800 PAPR makes working in hazardous environments more comfortable with its adjustable air duct that keeps the wearer cool. As it is mainly intended for welders, this unit comes with an auto-darkening helmet with a 2.5 light state – known to be the lightest in the industry.
The auto-darkening helmet should be sufficient to protect the wearer from arc eye or welder’s eye, or more commonly known as conjunctivitis. This PAPR has an ergonomic belt to distribute weight evenly and prevent the unit from slipping off. It also comes with adjustable nylon straps for additional support.
This powered air-purifying respirator features a breathing tube with a twist-and-lock connector that angles the tube away from the back. All in all, the Primair800 is one of the best welding respirators for heavy-duty use.
3. MSA Safety Responder PAPR
Key features: Provides constant filtered air flow to reduce fatigue and prevent fogging, non-immediate danger to life and health (IDLH) respiratory protection for up to 8 hours
Price: $2,679
The Responder PAPR from MSA Safety is a respirator primarily designed for law enforcement or military applications. Featuring an industry-leading motor-blower and constantly filtered airflow, the belt-mounted Responder is ideal for first responders, military, and special ops personnel who require non-IDLH respiratory protection for up to 8 hours.
The unit offers a choice of two MSA gas mask facepieces and three proprietary cartridges to protect against chemical, biological, radioactive or nuclear (CBRN) particulate and poisonous gases or vapours.
The Responder’s constant airflow allows wearers to remain physically alert and focused, while also preventing fogging in the full facepiece. Batteries can be "hot-swapped." Lastly, the blower unit's EMI shield prevents any interference with radio communications.
4. Dräger X-plore 8000 PAPR
Key features: Heavy-duty construction for challenging environments, rubber protectors, high customizability, can be upgraded for different applications
Price: $309.00
The Dräger X-plore 8000 is a versatile and highly durable powered air-purifying respirator for a variety of industrial applications. Its heavy-duty design featuring rubber protectors allows the unit to withstand mechanical impact, while its splashguard lid protects the filter from environmental damage.
The X-plore 8000 can be equipped with either standard or high-capacity rechargeable batteries for a reliable air supply that lasts for four or eight hours. One unique feature of the Dräger X-plore 8000 is it automatically chooses the right minimum flow rate and always shows the saturation of the particle filter. Its optical sensor prevents use of the PAPR if there is no filter or if it’s overly saturated.
5. CleanAir HEPA PAPR System
Key features: Lightweight blower, HEPA particulate filter with 99.1% efficiency down to 0.1 microns, can operate for 10 hours on a single charge
Price: $830.00
The CleanAir HEPA powered air-purifying respirator boasts of a powerful fan in a modular, lightweight, waist-mounted unit with an HEPA filter. Wearers enjoy efficient protection against hazardous organic particles like dust, fumes, smoke, and fibres. Its high-capacity Li-ion battery guarantees constant airflow for up to 10 hours and its advanced warning system alerts the user of any blockages or dips in power.
This PAPR from CleanAir offers great modularity and versatility for different applications. It can be configured for use with different types of proprietary facemasks or helmets for wearers with facial hair or glasses.
6. CleanSpace Technology Breath-Responsive PAPRs
Key features: Developed by biomedical engineers for the healthcare industry, lightweight, compact, portable
Price range: $133.99 to $2,903.63
CleanSpace Technology offers a wide range of breath-responsive PAPRs for hazardous work environments. This manufacturer’s units feature AirSensit, a patented technology that incorporates reliable positive pressure in each PAPR mask.
Developed by expert biomedical engineers, these complex powered air-purifying respirators feature an advanced filtration system that removes hazardous airborne particles, gases, vapours, and microorganisms. Apart from its sophisticated filtering technology, this protective equipment is an optimum combination of light weight, compactness, and portability.
CST PAPRs feature a built-in battery that lasts up to 14 hours. This allows for freedom of movement and clear communication, all while providing respiratory protection.
7. Allegro EZ AIR Flex Shield PAPR
Key features: DuPont nylon shield against heat and cold, can be paired with safety glasses, eight airflow settings
Price range: $1,370.62 to $2,282.95
The Allegro EZ Air Flex Shield PAPR system features a shield made of DuPont’s flame-retardant nylon that protects wearers from cold and heat. The facepiece can accommodate safety glasses and features an adjustable, durable Pera-Lok ratcheting headpiece, and soft replaceable sweatband.
For air filtration, its NIOSH-approved HEPA filter removes 99.97% of particulates. The Allegro offers users greater comfort with its adjustable and lightweight FR belt. Its battery charger and rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to eight hours.
8. Sundstrom SR 500 PAPR
Key features: Tight-fitting face pieces and loose-fitting headgear for optimum mix of manoeuvrability and protection
Price range: $1,450.02 to $3,658.70
The Sundstrom SR 500 PAPR system consists of a belt-mounted powered air-purifying respirator with tight-fitting, full-facepieces and loose-fitting headgear. It efficiently protects against particulates, gases and vapours and is designed for use in oxygen-sufficient non-IDLH environments.
This PAPR system serves as an alternative to where air-purifying respirators (APR) would typically be recommended. The Sundstrom SR 500 system offers a respirator selection that is ideal for asbestos, mould, or lead paint removal, building renovation and demolition, and food and beverage processing.
The PAPR itself is lightweight, with an ergonomic design and audio, visual, and vibrating warning system.
9. Bullard SparxLift PAPR
Key features: Provides NIOSH-approved respiratory and face protection for welding and grinding, uses UV and IR filters to prevent flash in 1/25,000 of a second
Price: $2,313.31
The Bullard SparxLift is a combination system meant to give welders and grinders NIOSH approved respiratory protection and ANSI/ISEA 787.1-2010 high-impact face protection in one package.
The helmet component has an auto-darkening filter that deploys in 1/25,000 of a second to protect against arc flashes. Its patented auto lift design allows the user to switch from welding to grinding modes with the press of a button. The EVA powered air-purifying respirator component supplies 8.5 cubic feet per minute of airflow and a 1,000 assigned protection factor to the helmet.
10. MAXAIR CAPR systems by Syntech International
Key features: 99.99% filtration efficiency, no fit testing required
Price range: $114.69 to $7,500
MAXAIR Controlled Air Purifying (CAPR) systems is a range of highly versatile PAPRs that can be used in a variety of industries and applications. Its basic components include a helmet, lithium-ion battery, battery belt, and battery charger. The blower unit is integrated into the helmet, doing away with a cumbersome waist-mounted blower and breathing tube.
Due to their ease of use and durability, MAXAIR PAPRs can be used in many industries and applications like powder coating, woodworking, paper and pulp operations, food processing, metal finishing, abatement, and construction.
These are only a sample of the many excellent powered air-purifying respirators on the market. Remember that these PPEs can be only one part of your workforce’s complete safety kit. Check your industry standards and make sure to purchase all the necessary PPEs your workers need.
A note on pricing: prices may vary depending on the vendor and the specific configuration of the PAPR system. Before making a purchase, verify what components are included to ensure the system meets your company’s needs. You may want a safety professional to help you choose the right PPE.
What is a PAPR used for?
Powered air-purifying respirators protect the wearer from airborne particles, harmful vapours, and gases. They are often used in high-risk worksites or situations that involve tasks that create aerosols.
PAPRs typically have a blower unit that directs contaminated air through a filter. The purified air is then forced with positive pressure to the user’s hood, helmet, or facepiece. It is important to note that PAPRs do not have their own air or oxygen supply but filter the surrounding air.
What to consider when choosing the best powered air-purifying respirator
In Canada, respiratory protection devices, specifically PAPRs, must mainly conform with CSA Z94.4 - which focuses on the selection, care, and proper use of respirators.
Additionally, CSA Z94.4-18 provides guidelines on design, performance, and function of respirators. In some cases, the US standards provided by the NIOSH are applied when choosing PAPRs.
Other factors to consider when choosing PAPRs are the cost and ease of maintenance. Procuring the right PAPRs boosts safety and worker productivity, while avoiding penalties or worse, serious accidents. Bear in mind that the purpose of PPEs like this is to prioritize workers’ health and safety.
What’s your pick for the best powered air-purifying respirators? Tell us in the comments
