Table 1.
Comparison of Powered Air-Purifying Respirator and N95 mask respirator.2,5,7,10 HEPA, high-efficiency particulate air; PAPR, powered air-purifying respirator
| Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) | N95 mask respirator | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection (airborne) | Assigned protection factor 25–1000 99.97–100% test particles filtered HEPA filtered air Highest level of protection for aerosol-generating procedures |
Assigned protection factor 10 95%/97%/99.97% test particles filtered depending on type of N95 mask |
| Area of coverage | Half and full face models, and hoods that cover head or neck and shoulders or all three | Nose, mouth, chin |
| Fit testing | Not required (except for some half-face models; e.g. CleanSpace™) Can be worn with facial hair |
Required (costly, labour-intensive) Facial hair or features may preclude satisfactory fit |
| Training | Longer and regular training Pre-use check, donning/doffing sequence |
Minimal training once fit-tested, disposable, and no set-up required |
| Risk of self-contamination | During donning/doffing | Increased risk if extended use or reuse |
| Availability and cost | Limited availability Initial cost high |
High stock and easily accessible High cost if stockpiling/high use |
| Supply and maintenance | Reusable Battery recharging Require supply of filters Large storage space required |
Disposable with ‘extended use’ and ‘limited reuse’ in certain circumstances Supply rapidly depleted when demand is high Hospitals urged to stockpile |
| Air flow and breathing | Positive inside to outside air flow Cooling effects Less respiratory effort needed No entrainment of outside air |
Negative pressure devices Increases resistance to breathing Carbon dioxide rebreathing |
| Potential issues | Higher non-compliance of guidance During testing (e.g. failed flow test/disconnected circuit) During use (e.g. battery discharge and filter problems) Concerns about use in surgery because of outward airflow and risk of wound infection |
Ineffective when moist, wet, or creased Face seal leak common |
| Impact on performance | Limited visual field Reduced hearing acuity (fan noise) Stethoscope use limited Claustrophobia Comfortable when worn for extended periods |
User may experience headache, giddiness, breathless Silent, does not interfere with auscultation |
| Use during resuscitation | Battery failure, equipment disconnections, concerns that over-breathing exceeds flow rate | Risk of dislodgement and decreased performance |