Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

What are Air-Purifying Respirators?

What are Air-Purifying Respirators?
Updated Oct. 9, 2020

Alternative Format
Back to Original Page

Air-purifying respirators (APRs) work by removing gases, vapors, aerosols (droplets and solid particles), or a combination of contaminants from the air through the use of filters, cartridges, or canisters. These respirators do not supply oxygen and therefore cannot be used in an atmosphere that is oxygen-deficient or immediately dangerous to life or health. The appropriate respirator for a particular situation will depend on the environmental contaminant(s).

  • Filtering Facepiece Respirator (FFR)
    • Disposable
    • Covers the nose and mouth
    • Filters out particles such as dust, mist, and fumes
    • Select from N, R, P series 95, 99, 100 efficiency level
    • Does NOT provide protection against gases and vapors
    • Fit testing required
  • Elastomeric Half Facepiece Respirator
    • Reusable facepiece and replaceable cartridges or filters
    • Can be used to protect against gases, vapors, or particles if equipped with the appropriate cartridge or filter
    • Covers the nose and mouth
    • Fit testing required
  • Elastomeric Full Facepiece respirator
    • Reusable facepiece and replaceable canisters, cartridges, or filters
    • Can be used to protect against gases, vapors, or particles, if equipped with the appropriate cartridge, canister, or filter
    • Provides eye protection
    • More effective face seal than FFRs or elastomeric half-facepiece respirators
    • Fit testing required
  • Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
    • Reusable components and replaceable filters or cartridges
    • Can be used to protect against gases, vapors, or particles, if equipped with the appropriate cartridge, canister, or filter
    • Battery-powered with blower that pulls air though attached filters or cartridges
    • Provides eye protection
    • Low breathing resistance
    • Loose-fitting PAPR does NOT require fit testing and can be used with facial hair
    • Tight-fitting PAPR requires fit testing