Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) are a type of respiratory protection equipment suitable for applications requiring higher levels of respiratory protection and where head, eye & face protection is also required.

PAPR systems provide a continuous flow of filtered air via a motor and filter unit, creating a positive pressure in side the helmet which assists in keeping contaminants out.

PAPR systems provide a higher level of respiratory protection, which lowers the exposure to harmful contaminants (hazardous articulates, fumes and gases - AKA 'welding fume') when welding, cutting or grinding.

The use of PAPR means there is little to no breating resistance. Unlike other air purifying respirators, PAPRs create a fanning effect that keeps the face piece / hood / mask from fogging and the wearer more comfortable, along with little to no breathing resistance to assist in reducing worker fatigue.

Key benefits of PAPR systems include:

• Positive pressure provided by the fan forces air into the facepiece, hood or helmet, eliminating difficulty in breathing.
   
• Does not require fit testing if head cover, hoods or helmets are used.
   
• May be an option for individuals who have facial hair or are unable to fit N95 respirator models.
   
• Has positive airflow, therefore no breathing resistance.
   
• Provides a higher level of respiratory protection than half (e.g. N95) facepiece, with a wide range of assigned protection factors from 25 to 1000.
   
• Provide a cooled airstream to the user in warm temperatures

We like:

Sentinel A50 PAPR Welding Helmet by ESAB

• Featuring a revolutionary shell design made from high-impact resistance nylon, the Sentinel A50 PAPR offers heavy duty protection from welding fume and dust when welding, gouging and grinding.
   
• Equipped with audio and visual blocked filter and low battery alarms to provide extra safety for the welder.
   
• User adjustable air flow of 170 - 210L/min with Li-ion battery pack providing up to 8 hours runtime at 210L/min.

Viking 3350 PAPR Welding Helmet by Lincoln Electric

• Featuring Lincoln's 4C technology providing better clarity and true colour viewing, a large 95 x 85mm viewing area, infinite control of shade, sensitivity and delay.
   
• Battery provides minimum 8 hours runtime with audible vibrating alarms to notify the user of low air flow or low battery.
   
• Automatically adjusts fan speeds to keep airflow constant.