A comparison of different types of hazardous material respirators available to anesthesiologists

Abstract

The use of an NPR or PAPR does not preclude an anesthesiologist from successfully intubating, but practice is necessary. The slightly better performance with the NPR is weighed against the improved comfort of the PAPR and the fact that PAPR users could wear eyeglasses. Neither type of gear allowed the users to auscultate the lung fields to confirm correct endotracheal tube placement.

Use of powered air-purifying respirator(PAPR) as part of protective equipment against SARS-CoV-2-a narrative review and critical appraisal of evidence

“…Multiple observational studies have indicated greater self-reported wearer comfort among users of PAPR technology 23 , 57 , 58 . A single cohort observational study found that all participants using N95 reported discomfort compared to 30 percent of wearers utilizing PAPR devices.…”

“…It can be considered scientifically plausible that with their higher HEPA filter and greater assigned protection factor (APF), PAPR may be more protective during high risk aerosol generating procedures. Multiple observational studies have indicated greater self-reported wearer comfort among users of PAPR technology (23,57,58). A single cohort observational study found that all participants using N95 reported discomfort compared to 30 percent of wearers utilizing PAPR devices.…”

“…PAPR use does require regular training preferably in simulation settings. A single study which compared use of PAPR versus the use of APR identified that overall statistically slower total performance times were observed with use of the PAPR when compared to the control arm and use of the negative pressure elastomeric respirators (58).…”

A primer on nerve agents: what the emergency responder, anesthesiologist, and intensivist needs to know

“…The use of powered air purifying respirators may prove to be more comfortable and allow the staff to wear eyeglasses while performing critical procedures such as intubation. 41 The correct gear, worn and sealed properly, should provide full protection from NAs. 26 Once a patient is fully decontaminated, there is limited risk of exposure for hospital personnel.…”

Personal protective equipment availability and usage amongst pediatric otorhinolaryngologists during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international survey

“…Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) is the highest level of PPE recommended in COVID-19 era; however, N95 masks (or equivalent) are the most widely used PPE with this pandemic [ 1 ]. PAPR has several advantages over N95 masks, including comfort with longer use, better aerosol particulate protection, absence of fit test, facility of usage with facial hair, and reusability [ [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] ].…”