THE TOP 5 BENEFITS OF POWERED RESPIRATORS

Poor air quality means more health risks. That’s where powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) come in.

They push clean, filtered air into a hood or mask so you can breathe easier and safer on the job. 

If you’re here, you probably want to know:

• What are respirators?
• What are their benefits? 
• Should they be in your PPE kit?

This blog breaks it all down.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POWERED AND NON-POWERED RESPIRATORS?

Passive respirators and powered respirators all have the same aim - to protect your lungs with clean air.

The difference is in how they work:

• Non-powered respirators rely on your breathing to pull air through the filter. Think disposable or reusable half masks - great for short jobs or minor air pollution.
• Powered respirators use battery-powered fans to filter air into the hood or facepiece. It means easier breathing, less overheating and more safety.

TOP TIP: Consider a powered respirator if the job is risky or takes too long.

HOW LONG DO POWERED RESPIRATOR BATTERIES LAST

When you’re on shift all day, you need reliable protection. We get it.

The trouble is, a dead respirator battery can’t filter out airborne hazards. So, always factor in battery life when choosing a powered respirator. 

On average, expect around eight hours from a powered respirator battery - enough for a standard shift. 

Some models can stretch from four to nineteen hours, depending on how they're used.

What about those long, 12-hour days?

Your battery life also depends on:

• Filter type
• Fan speed
• Working conditions (too hot or too cold)

Other things to think about:

• Battery type - Lithium-ion batteries last longer and charge faster than older NiMH types.
• Brand and model - Some systems offer rapid-charge modes or swappable battery packs.
• Charging time - Ranges from 90 minutes to five hours. Go for fast chargers to reduce recharge time.

TOP TIP: Pick a PAPR with battery indicators, fast-charge options, and spare swappable battery packs for all-day use.

Not sure which setup suits your team? We’re ready to help.

Call us on 0330 441 3500 or drop us a message - let’s find the right fit for your site.

5 KEY BENEFITS OF POWERED AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATORS (PAPRs)

Powered respirators don’t just block airborne hazards - they keep air flowing.

Unlike regular air filtering masks, these use built-in fans to pull in and filter the air. The result? Cleaner air, easier breathing, and staying cooler while you work.

Let’s explore the benefits of powered air purifying respirators:

1. ENHANCED PROTECTION

PAPRs protect your team from the dangers of polluted air with a continuous filtered air flow.

They protect against: 

• Fine dust and particles from cutting or grinding.
• Solvent, paint, chemical, and other toxic gases and vapours.
• Bacterial and biological contaminants, like viruses and mould spores.

Best for sites with inconsistent air quality, like:

• Construction
• Manufacturing 
• Biochemical work
• Environmental work 
• Waste and recycling

2. IMPROVED COMFORT OVER TIME

PAPRs are made to be worn all day, unlike traditional masks that get hot and hard to wear.

Key features include:

• Motorised airflow
• Improved temperature control keeps you cool.
• Lightweight design for more comfort and movement.

Do you work for hours in PPE respirators? PAPRs reduce tiredness and improve comfort levels on the job.

3. HIGHER PROTECTION LEVELS

There’s no need for a tight seal around the nose and mouth to filter air with PAPRs - the powered airflow does the hard work for you.

They offer:

• Protection even with facial hair.
• Filters that remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles.
• Positive-pressure airflow that helps keep contaminants out.
• Higher Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) state the protection level.

4. BETTER VISIBILITY AND COMMUNICATION

Need to talk, see clearly, and stay aware of your surroundings?

• Go for models with communication systems that let you chat without removing your PPE.
• Many powered respirators have clear visors or face shields, making seeing and talking easier.

When seeing and hearing are a breeze, so is getting the job done.

5. VERSATILE ACROSS ENVIRONMENTS

From dusty sites to sterile labs, PAPRs are built for it all.

Depending on the model, they provide:

• Wide sightlines for better awareness.
• Anti-fog visors or shields for clearer vision.
• Special filters to block out dust and gases (or both).
• Headgear, like hoods and helmets, for extra protection.

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE A POWERED RESPIRATOR AT WORK?

Do you deal with dust, fumes, vapours, or other toxins at work? You need respiratory protection.

HSE guidance says employers must assess site air quality for airborne hazards. Then, they must provide proper protection if local exhaust ventilation (LEV) can’t control these risks.

The rule? Match the respirator to the risk.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT POWERED RESPIRATOR FOR YOUR TEAM

Protect your team against airborne hazards by choosing the right powered respirator. 

Match the respirator to the hazard:

• Full-face masks offer more protection for high-risk jobs, like chemical handling.
• Combination PAPR filters effectively block particulates, gases, and vapours for mixed hazards on-site.
• Loose-fitting hoods or helmets with loose seals are perfect for users with facial hair in dusty or low-oxygen jobs.
• Specialist PAPRs that include anti-static, fire-resistant, and sterile features for jobs in healthcare or hazardous waste.
• Half-mask PAPR systems are compact but comfortable mouth and nose coverings for effective filtering against airborne pollution.
• Integrated helmet respirators cover the whole face and head for the complete protection needed in construction and industrial sites.

TOP TIP: Always consider the jobsite, the type of hazard, and how long it'll be worn.

Our quick PAPR tick list:

• Gas and vapour filters - Ideal for paint shops, chemical plants or labs.
• Particulate filters - Best for construction, healthcare, pharma, or waste handling.
• Combination filters - Protect against particulates, gases, and vapours in mixed-hazard jobs.

TOP TIP: Match the filter to the risk for the most protection.

IS YOUR PAPR CERTIFIED?

Is there a danger to your health from airborne hazards? Look for a certified PAPR.

That said, not all powered respirators are automatically PAPR-certified. Make sure that you always check before you buy. 

Look for models marked with:

• UKCA mark - meets UK health and safety compliance.
• CE mark and BS EN 12941- certified for European use.
• NIOSH certified (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - trusted in the US.

Certified PAPRs meet strict standards for:

• Battery life
• Filter efficiency
• Overall protection
• Airflow performance

Shopping for a powered respirator? Always check for a certification.

SHOP THE SMI RESPIRATORY RANGE

No one wants to take risks with their team's respiratory protection. But which powered respirator is right for your workforce?

Choosing the right PAPR is easier than you think.

Shop our full respiratory range or PPE range to find the right protection.

Or, filter out the risk and learn about respiratory markings with our blog.

NEED ADVICE OR HELP? 

Chat with our friendly team today. 

Drop us a message, or give us a call on 0330 441 3500.