Respirator

A respirator is a device designed to protect or support the breathing apparatus. In occupational and environmental settings, respirators help the wearer avoid inhaling hazardous substances such as dust, fumes, gases, vapors, or infectious aerosols. In clinical care, the term may also refer to devices that actively assist breathing, typically called ventilators or respiratory support devices.

Protective respirators come in two main families. Air-purifying respirators (APRs) filter contaminants from ambient air and do not add breathable air. They include filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), elastomeric respirators with replaceable cartridges or filters, and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). Air-supply or supplied-air respirators provide air from a clean source, either via a hose or a contained cylinder, and may be used when contaminants overwhelm filters or when long-duration protection is required.

Medical ventilation devices are designed to support or substitute a patient's breathing. Non-invasive ventilation uses interfaces such as masks or nasal pillows (CPAP, BiPAP). Invasive ventilation requires an artificial airway (endotracheal tube or tracheostomy) and a ventilator that delivers breaths, controls parameters such as tidal volume, rate, and oxygen concentration.

Safety and regulation: proper selection, medical clearance, and fit testing are essential for protective respirators. Users should be trained in donning, doffing, maintenance, and cartridge replacement. Standards and approval vary by country; in the United States, respirators may be NIOSH-certified, while European and other markets adhere to regional standards. Access to respirators and ventilators is governed by healthcare policies and occupational safety guidelines.