Exercise performance while wearing a tight-fitting powered air purifying respirator with limited flow

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Exercise Physiology
• Respiratory Protection

Background:

• Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) are used in environments requiring respiratory protection.
• The impact of varying airflow rates on user performance and comfort is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of different Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) blower flow rates on exercise performance and user comfort.
• To determine the minimum effective airflow for maintaining performance and comfort during strenuous activity.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen subjects performed treadmill exercise at 80-85% maximal aerobic capacity.
• Subjects wore a FRM40-Turbo PAPR with airflow set at 0%, 30%, 66%, 94%, and 100% of maximum (110 L/min).
• Performance time, breathing apparatus comfort, and facial thermal comfort were recorded.

Main Results:

• A 20% reduction in performance time was observed when blower flow decreased from 100% to 0% of maximum capacity.
• Significant differences in breathing apparatus and facial thermal comfort were noted across varying flow rates.
• Lower airflow rates correlated with decreased performance and comfort.

Conclusions:

• Inadequate blower flow rate in PAPRs significantly impairs exercise performance.
• Reduced airflow negatively impacts both respirator usability and facial thermal comfort.
• Optimal blower flow is essential for maintaining user endurance and comfort when wearing PAPRs during exercise.