I am looking at powered air purifying respirators but it's been a long time since I checked them out and I'm not finding any real direct comparisons. Does anyone use these, and how do you like them?

 

Is your anticipated use full-blown professional or more of the home/hobby type?

 

Are you talking about the self contained type with it's own compressor?

I have one that runs off of the shop air with a filter. Works fine... I have painted several cars using it. Nice to be able to breath while painting.

 

Subscribing.
Cyanide is nasty stuff.

 

It'll be light industrial use mostly, I need to blast and paint the frame on my Courier and have really bad solvent sensitivity from some overexposure years back. I need to have one for work as well, but since I have a beard that is permanent I can't wear a regular respirator.
I don't think the shop air here is good for breathing, it has a big drier but no filter I have seen. I am going for one of the ones that has a battery pack and fan assembly that goes on your belt.

 

Watching, I'd like to have one to, no huge need but I also have a "permanent" beard and would like something like that for, home garage work, if I get a job hauling haz-mat, tear gas, pandemic, etc.

Something like this is pretty awesome http://www.ebay.com/itm/9100X-FX-Hel...-/251447244631

 

Breathing compressed shop air would be a big no-no to me---it possibly contains oil and other nasty crap from the compressor itself. Regardless how its filtered its still not intended for breathing.

I've always been partial to 3M's stuff which tends to shock the hell out of most people due its cost. I also have issues with auto repair/refinish materials and these days I simply avoid using them. IF I were to be around that environment again cost would be meaningless compared to the health concerns.

With your beard you'll most likely need to full face helmet-like devices, that that totally enclose your head.

3M can be had for less than full retail---go to their site, find the one that suits your needs then search for the best price. I'm sure you're ahead of me on this but just in case you're not.

 

3M Air Mate Respirator Hood Pkg 3 - 3M Air Mate Belt Mounted PAPR from Cole-Parmer

I used this for the 13 years I worked on paper converting lines dealing with wood pulp fibers. The only downfall is if you have gas - the pump usually rides just above the offending orifice.