Ask the expert: Are powered air purifying respirators reusable?

By: David LaHoda September 3rd, 2009

Q: During the spring swine flu outbreak, we had difficulty obtaining N95 respirators. I heard that PAPRs would be an alternative. Are they reusable?

A: Yes, PAPRs, or powered air purifying respirators (see photo below), are reusable and sometimes are a good alternative to N95 respirators.

Not designed as a one-time use disposable item, they are much more expensive and require more maintenance than N95s, but PAPRs can be used by more than one worker.

In some healthcare settings, a few PAPRs can take the place of a storage room full of N95s. Another benefit is that you can forego fit testing when using a PAPR. Make sure you provide a medical evaluation for any staff member required to wear a respirator and annual training that follows the manufacturer’s written instructions on disinfection, maintenance, and storage as part of your written respiratory protection plan.

For a checklist to assess your protection plan in the event of pandemic influenza, see “Scrambling for a respiratory protection plan.”

Photo source courtesy CDC Public Health Image Library

« Worried about swine flu? Watch the ferrets | Home | Medical Environment Update—Preparing your outpatient facility for a pandemic »

David LaHoda



David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.

David has written 196 posts.

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