Table 3.
Comparison of PPE for AGPs
| Advantages of surgical N95 respirator |
| Filters ≥95% of particles <5 μm in diameter |
| Blocks both aerosol (<5 μm) and droplet-size (5-50 μm) particles |
| Allows for use of head lights, face shield, stethoscopes |
| Does not generate sound or noise |
| Does not require a power source |
| More readily available and manufactured than PAPR |
| Disadvantages of surgical N95 respirator |
| Requires an initial and periodic fit testing |
| Not oil resistant |
| Possibility of leak owing to inadequate fit (eg, presence of facial hair) |
| Potential for contamination of exposed face and neck without face shield |
| Not well tolerated by users because of breathing resistance |
| Heat and moisture build up |
| High cost of maintaining an inventory of different types and sizes |
| Advantages of PAPR |
| Can filter ≥99.97% of particles 0.3 μm in diameter |
| Allows airborne precautions |
| Cartridges and filters are oil proof and color coded (eg, P100 is purple) |
| Provides head and neck protection |
| Does not require fit testing |
| Approved for use with facial hair |
| Good for long OR procedures or continuous bedside care of a patient |
| Disadvantages of PAPR |
| Requires power; battery-powered blower can fail |
| Filter or cartridge must be replaced |
| Difficulty communicating when wearing |
| Sound of air blowing causes difficultly hearing |
| Can result in difficulties with multiple operators due to bulky head piece |
| Cannot use headlight or stethoscope |
| Potential33 risk to individuals34 reprocessing reusable respirators |