Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) offer the highest level of protection against infection from airborne viruses. This level of protection is suggested for Heath Care Workers involved in aerosal-generating procedures.
 
Minnesota Department of Health
An excellent site for information
 
3M™ Belt-Mounted Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) GVP-Series
NIOSH approved
 
Scott Health Safety C420 PAPR
NIOSH approved
 
Updated Interim Guidance for Laboratory Testing of Persons with Suspected Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in the United States - CDC
PAPR is recommended when collecting H5N1 samples if fit-testing for N95 or higher respirators is not possible.
 
The Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza - Interim Infection Control Guidelines for Pandemic Influenza in Healthcare and Community Settings
Recommends P2 (N95) respirator or PAPR for aerosol-generating procedures.
 
Neonatal Aspect of SARS
Hong Kong Journal of Paediatrics. Recommends wearing N95 respirator and PAPR during procedures that generate aerosols with SARS. Many public health agencies have suggested that the same procedures used to prevent infection with SARS should be used to prevent infection with H5N1.
 
The changing face of healthcare worker perceptions on powered air-purifying respirators during the SARS outbreak. Respirology. (2005) 10:107-10
Most health care workers preferred wearing PAPR to N95 respirators during SARS. Most did not find PAPR uncomfortable.