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7. Can be worn with facial hair as long as facial
hair does not interfere with valve or function of
the respirator.

Disadvantages
1. The equipment cannot be used where a ster-
ile field must be maintained because air exits
around the hood or helmet.

2. Batteries must be charged and maintained.

3. The respirator must be inspected, cleaned, Positive-Pressure
and repaired. Supplied-Air
Respirators.
4. Communication may be difficult.
Photo courtesy of
NIOSH.
5. A PAPR may be bulky and noisy.

D. Positive-Pressure Supplied-Air
Respirators Disadvantages
1. The airline hose restricts the user’s mobility.
Supplied-air respirators use compressed air
from a stationary source delivered through a 2. This respirator exhausts air contaminated
hose under pressure to a half-mask or a full by the user and should not be worn during
facepiece. A face shield may also be used in sterile procedures.
conjunction with a half-mask airline respirator
for protection against body fluids. 3. The respirator must be inspected, cleaned,
and repaired.
Advantages
1. The respirator is much more protective be- 4. Communication may be difficult.
cause it provides positive pressure in the
facepiece and almost all leakage is outward. 5. Requires installation and maintenance of a
A positive-pressure supplied-air respirator regulated compressed air supply for Grade D
should be used when disposable respirators, breathing air.
replaceable respirators, or PAPRs do not pro-
vide adequate protection. 6. Maintenance requires highly skilled, tech-
nically trained personnel.
2. Breathing resistance is minimal.
7. Length of hose and connection point must
3. The respirator is relatively comfortable to be adequate to prevent exposure to TB when
wear. removing the respirator.

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