There are various models, types, and manufacturers of PAPRs, but all essentially serve the same respiratory protection function and are typically considered reusable PPE. Always follow manufacturer-specific requirements and recommendations for use.
Donning a PAPR:
- Connect headpiece/cap/hood with breathing tube connector hose and then connect the hose to battery housing with HEPA filter.
- Turn the motor on and perform a battery supply check to ensure the unit operates appropriately.
- If there is an adequate power supply and the PAPR appears clean and ready for use, don the PAPR by fastening the belt to the waist.
- With the unit on, place the headpiece/cap/hood over the head. There will be a loose-fitting elastic band around the area that will be under the chin and wrap behind the ears to allow air to flow out of the hood away from the face.
Doffing a PAPR:
- Keep PAPR on/operating while doffing to extend respiratory protection throughout the doffing process.
- Detach the waist belt and use a nearby and designated table, chair, cart, coat rack, or wall hook to hang/hold the PAPR waist belt with a battery pack.
- Perform surface decontamination of the PAPR unit as it is doffed by applying an appropriate disinfectant with the appropriate contact time to each area (headpiece/hood, belt, connector hose, and outside of the battery pack). Do not spray disinfectant or other cleaning products inside the battery unit or HEPA filter housing.
- After disinfected and cleaned, put the PAPR away at the charging station.
