Respiratory protection products are one of the largest categories of PPE, with three primary groups: Air purifying respirators (Gas masks, PAPR), Supplied air respirators (SCBA), and Escape hoods.

Gas masks are also known as “air-purifying respirators” because they filter or clean chemical vapors and aerosols out of the air as you breathe. The respirator includes a face piece or mask, and a filter/cartridge. Straps secure the face piece to the head and when the user inhales, air is pulled through the filter. Air purifying cartridges/canisters protect from broad-scope CBRN threats and applicable in unknown threat scenarios; these are included as accessories.

Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) use a fan to blow air through the filter to the user. They are easier to breathe through and need a fully charged battery to work properly. PAPR are used when the threat material identity AND concentration are known. They are used in tandem with purifying cartridges/canisters and should only be used if the oxygen levels are at or above 19%. PAPRs are most commonly associated with biological use.

Supplied air respirators include Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and are used if the situation demands long-term (> 1 hour) exposure to an unknown threat at unknown concentrations or in oxygen deficient environments. They contain an air tank, are heavy (typically > 30 pounds), and require special training to use and to maintain. The air tanks typically last an hour or less depending upon rating and how fast the user is breathing.