Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirators and Powered Air-Purifying Respirators in Healthcare and Emergency Medical Service Settings

Reusable personal protective equipment (PPE) provides an important opportunity for cost-effective preservation of critical life-saving equipment in an environment in which PPE is in short supply and appropriate disinfection supplies are available. This option can also provide substantial long-term cost savings in a conventional care environment. This fact sheet provides useful information for healthcare and emergency medical service organizations regarding reusable, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs) and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) to expand options to meet respiratory protection demand.