Table 1.

Beneficial aspects of loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators used by health care workers

No requirement for annual fit testing

More comfortable than tight-fitting air-purifying respirators

Less respiratory effort required than negative pressure respirators

More mobility than air-supplied respirators

Less weight than self-contained breathing apparati

Cooling effect of air currents

Can be worn with eyewear or facial hair

N95FFRs can be worn concomitantly (not currently NIOSH-approved)

Can be worn for up to 8 hours on one battery charge