Editing Respirator (section)

{{short description|Device worn to protect the user from inhaling contaminants}}
{{About||the mechanical device used to assist breathing|Ventilator|the mask worn during surgery|Respirator#Surgical N95|and|Surgical mask}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2024}}

{{Infobox regulated PPE
|image=SH9550-Cropped.jpg
|caption=White, disposable cup [[N95 respirator|N95]] filtering facepiece respirator
}}

A '''respirator''' is a device designed to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous atmospheres including [[lead|lead fumes]], [[vapor]]s, [[gases]] and [[particulate matter]] such as dusts and airborne pathogens such as [[viruses]]. There are two main categories of respirators: the ''air-purifying respirator'', in which respirable air is obtained by filtering a contaminated atmosphere, and the ''air-supplied respirator'', in which an alternate supply of breathable air is delivered. Within each category, different techniques are employed to reduce or eliminate noxious airborne contaminants.

[[File:Air-Purifying Respirator.jpg|thumb|A half-face [[elastomeric respirator|elastomeric air-purifying respirator]].  This kind of respirator is reusable, with the filters being replaced periodically.]]

Air-purifying respirators range from relatively inexpensive, single-use, disposable face masks, known as [[filtering facepiece respirator]]s, reusable models with replaceable cartridges called [[elastomeric respirator]]s, to [[powered air-purifying respirator]]s (PAPR), which use a pump or fan to constantly move air through a filter and supply purified air into a mask, helmet or hood.