Sterile environments, such as operating rooms and compounding pharmacies, rely on strict protocols to maintain air purity and prevent contamination.
Healthcare professionals must wear specialized barrier protection, including gowns, masks, and gloves, to shield both the patient or product and themselves from microbial transfer.
While traditional sterile wear offers a barrier, long procedures can lead to wearer discomfort from heat buildup and restricted airflow.
This discomfort can compromise focus and endurance, leading to the integration of powered ventilation technology into personal protective equipment.
Identifying the Ventilated Gown System
The type of sterile gown assembly that incorporates battery-powered air movement is known as the Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR).
This system is an assembly of components, including a head covering or hood, a breathing tube, a filtration unit, and a power source.
The PAPR provides a higher level of respiratory protection than non-powered respirators, such as N95 masks, by actively moving air. The system is often integrated into a sterile, full-coverage garment, sometimes called a “Toga” system in surgical settings.
The core function of the PAPR is to deliver a continuous flow of air that has been cleaned of airborne particles to the wearer’s breathing zone. This constant supply of filtered air creates a positive pressure within the hood, preventing unfiltered ambient air from entering the sterile field.
How the Powered Air System Works
The PAPR system relies on a battery pack to power a small motor and fan.
This fan draws ambient air from the surroundings into the filtration unit. The air then passes through a high-efficiency filter, commonly a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which is designed to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in size.
The clean air is then channeled through a flexible hose connection up to the headpiece or hood, where the filtered air circulates before exiting the system.
This continuous circulation creates the positive pressure differential that keeps contaminants out and significantly reduces the buildup of exhaled carbon dioxide. The battery life of these portable units varies, but they are generally designed to operate for the duration of a standard surgical procedure.
When Advanced Ventilation is Necessary
Advanced ventilation systems like the PAPR are used when standard sterile attire is insufficient for protection or endurance. One primary application is to provide enhanced protection for the wearer during procedures that generate high concentrations of aerosolized particles.
For instance, surgical procedures involving the use of high-speed tools or materials like bone cement can release fumes and fine particulate matter into the air. The positive pressure and superior filtration of the PAPR offer a barrier against these hazardous exposures.
Improving Comfort and Endurance
The system is also used to improve the comfort and endurance of personnel during long surgical or compounding sessions. Wearing a standard non-ventilated mask and head covering for many hours can lead to significant heat stress, fatigue, and the fogging of eyewear.
The constant flow of cool, filtered air mitigates these effects, allowing the wearer to maintain focus and physical comfort. Furthermore, the PAPR provides an effective respiratory protective option for staff members who cannot achieve a proper fit with conventional tight-fitting respirators, such as those with certain types of facial hair.