A respirator is a device designed to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous atmospheres, such as airborne particles, gases, or vapors. Unlike a simple surgical mask, which primarily blocks droplets, a respirator is engineered to form a tight seal around the face. This tight-fitting design forces all inhaled air to pass through a specialized filter medium before reaching the user’s lungs. Respirator appearance varies widely, ranging from simple disposable facepieces to complex systems involving blowers and external air sources.
Air-Purifying Respirators: Disposable and Reusable
Disposable Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFR)
The most commonly recognized type of respirator is the disposable filtering facepiece respirator (FFR), exemplified by the N95 model. These are typically white or light-colored, single-use devices constructed from multiple layers of synthetic fiber material molded into a cup shape or a duckbill design. FFRs are secured to the head by one or two elastic straps that ensure the edges of the mask seal against the user’s face, covering the nose and mouth. Some FFRs feature a small, round plastic cover, known as an exhalation valve, which visibly sits on the front of the device to reduce heat and moisture buildup inside the facepiece.
Elastomeric Respirators
A visually distinct category is the elastomeric respirator, which is designed for repeated use over a period of years. These devices are constructed from a durable, pliable material like silicone or natural/synthetic rubber, often appearing black, gray, or blue. Elastomeric models come as half-facepieces, covering the nose and mouth, or full-facepieces, which also include a clear plastic lens to protect the eyes. The facepiece attaches to the head using an adjustable, multi-point harness system for a reliable seal. A signature feature of the elastomeric respirator is the presence of one or two ports on the front or sides where replaceable filters or cartridges are securely twisted into place.
Specialized Respirators: Powered and Supplied-Air Systems
Moving beyond passive air filtration, specialized respirators employ mechanical or external air sources, giving them a much more complex appearance.
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
The Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) is a complete system characterized by three main components. The user wears a headpiece, which can be a tight-fitting half or full-face mask, or a loose-fitting helmet or hood that covers the entire head and neck with a clear visor. This headpiece connects via a flexible breathing tube to the second main component: a motor-blower unit.
This blower unit, which contains a battery and the actual filter or cartridge, is typically a small, box-like device worn on a belt around the user’s waist. The fan actively pulls ambient air through the filter and pushes it up the breathing tube into the headpiece. This continuous flow of air creates a slight positive pressure inside the headpiece, making breathing easier and providing a high level of protection.
Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR)
The Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR), also known as an air-line respirator, is visually defined by its long, tethering hose. The user wears a facepiece or hood, similar to a PAPR, but the facepiece connects directly to a long, thick air hose instead of a waist-mounted blower. This hose runs from the user to a remote, external source of clean breathing air, such as a high-pressure compressor or air cylinder located outside the hazardous environment. The most visually striking aspect of the SAR is the uninterrupted air line, which restricts the wearer’s mobility but allows for extended work periods in atmospheres that are immediately hazardous or lack sufficient oxygen.
Identifying Crucial Features and Certification Markings
The most important visual marker for a certified respirator in the United States is the labeling from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This is typically printed directly on the facepiece of a disposable FFR or on the packaging. The NIOSH marking includes the agency name in block letters, the filter class (e.g., N95, P100), and a unique Testing and Certification (TC) approval number, such as TC-84A-XXXX.
For elastomeric respirators, protection is identified by the color-coded cartridges that attach to the facepiece. The NIOSH color system is standardized to indicate the type of hazard the cartridge filters out. For instance, a cartridge with a black color code protects against organic vapors, while a white color signifies protection against acid gases. A magenta or purple color code on a filter indicates a high-efficiency P100 particulate filter, which removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles.