Loose-fitting respirators are powered respirators that use a helmet, hood or other head top to deliver filtered air to the wearer.
These powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) systems do not require face fit testing and can be used by people with facial hair. They can also improve comfort and help overcome PPE compatibility issues.
Find out more about JSP's Powered Air Respirators.
How Do Loose-Fitting Respirators Offer Protection?
Loose-fitting respirators use a powered unit to draw air through a filter and deliver it into a head top.
Unlike tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE), such as half masks and full face masks, they do not rely on a tight seal against the face. Instead, they maintain positive pressure within the head top to help prevent contaminated air entering the breathing zone.
Loose-fitting respirators are certified to EN 12941, the European standard for powered filtering devices incorporating a helmet or hood.
Under EN 12941, there are three performance classes:
- TH1: Low performance (90% minimum efficiency)
- TH2: Medium performance (98% minimum efficiency)
- TH3: High performance (99.8% minimum efficiency)
Each class is available with particulate, gas or combined filters, providing protection against the same respiratory hazards as half masks and full face masks.
Do Loose-Fitting Respirators Require Face Fit Testing?
No.
Because loose-fitting respirators do not create a seal against the wearer's face, face fit testing is not required.
This can make them a practical alternative where face fit testing presents challenges or where multiple users may need access to respiratory protection.
Can You Wear a Loose-Fitting Respirator With Facial Hair?
Yes.
Workers using tight-fitting masks must be clean-shaven in the face seal area to achieve effective protection.
Because loose-fitting respirators do not rely on a facial seal, they can often be worn with:
- Stubble
- Moustaches
- Beards
Providing facial hair does not interfere with the respirator skirt or valves within the head top, respiratory protection can still be maintained.
Find out which respirators are suitable for use with facial hair.
Why Choose a Loose-Fitting Respirator?
Improved Comfort
Loose-fitting powered respirators can provide a more comfortable option for tasks involving sustained physical activity, such as sawing, cutting or material handling.
For heavy work rates involving activities such as shovelling or climbing, powered respirators or breathing apparatus are typically recommended.
Longer Wear Times
Tight-fitting, non-powered respirators are generally designed to be worn for shorter periods with breaks.
Where respiratory protection is required for prolonged periods, loose-fitting powered respirators can help reduce discomfort and fatigue.
Better PPE Compatibility
Loose-fitting respirators can provide protection against multiple hazards using integrated head tops.
Safety helmet and face shield options combine:
- Head protection
- Eye and face protection
- Respiratory protection
This can help avoid compatibility issues that may affect the performance of separate PPE items.
When Should You Use a Loose-Fitting Respirator?
Loose-fitting respirators can often be selected instead of equivalent tight-fitting RPE where:
- Face fit testing is difficult to achieve
- Facial hair prevents a good face seal
- Wear times are extended
- User comfort is a priority
- Multiple PPE items need to be worn together
There are situations where loose-fitting powered RPE is recommended due to work rate or the length of time respiratory protection is required.
For further guidance on selecting suitable respiratory protection, see HSE publication HSG53.
Learn More About JSP Loose-Fitting Respirators
Explore JSP's range of loose-fitting powered respirators and find the right solution for your workplace.