Different Types of Respiratory Protection

When treating patients, suffering from various types of illness, it is important to provide the best in respiratory protection. Sands Canada has been providing the best in oxygen equipment supplies and respiratory protection for more than thirty years. Whether it is the cartridges and filters that come in the air-purifying respirators or replacement straps for atmosphere-supplying respirators, Sands Canada can supply it all.

The Two Different Categories of Respiratory Protection

While there are numerous types of devices which aid in respiratory protection, there are truly just two categories. Each type of respiratory provides a different type and level of protection. It is important to match the appropriate respiratory to the appropriate situation.

This is why it is important to identify the type of respiratory hazards the environment presents, as well as, the level of exposure. All respiratory protection equipment comes with an assigned protection factor or (APF). This notifies the user of the level of protection expected from the given piece of equipment.

Those are listed below:

• Air-Purifying Respirators
• Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators

Air-Purifying Respirators

This type of respirator uses the following to purify the air:

• Filters
• Cartridges
• Canisters

These help to remove the following contaminants from the air:

• Vapors
• Aerosols
• Gases
• Other Contaminants

Types of Air-Purifying Respirators

While there are multitude of APR devices, the main ones are listed below:

• Filtering Facepiece Respirator
• Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirator
• Elastomeric Full Facepiece Respirator
• Powered Air-Purifying Respirator

It is important to test all air-purifying respirators to ensure proper fit. They need to fit snugly around the entire outer edge of them to ensure no contaminants can get inside. 

Types of Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators (ASR)

This type of respirator is designed to clean breathing air from a separate source. This can protect workers from various airborne contaminants. These too need to fit properly providing a snug seal along the outer edge of the face covering. 

Below are the various types of ASR respirators:

• Supplied-Air Respirator
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Combination Supplied-air/Self-contained breathing apparatus

Supplied-Air Respirators connect to a separate source of oxygenated air. A hose supplies the breathable air to the mask. The source of oxygen is outside of the work area.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus are a portable respirator. It provides the carrier their own air supply. These can be a closed-circuit system or an open-circuit system can be used. 

Providing the best of both worlds, the Combination Supplied-air/Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus comes with a self-contained air supply which allows excellent portability. It also comes with an air supply line if the tank fails or is empty. Checking oxygen levels before use is always a good idea. It is always important to check oxygen levels prior to use. Stay up to date with oxygen equipment supplies from Sands Canada, your one-stop-shop for all medical supplies.

For more than thirty years, Sands Canada has provided oxygen kit supplies Canada as well as various medical airway equipment to first responders, hospitals, and police departments. Why not come see why first responders trust Sands Canada to meet their medical supply needs. Reach out to us today to find out more.