So, a PAPR (powered air purifying respirator) would work, provided you are also wearing a suit and hood to block all other vectors (ears, eyes, indirect contact from hands etc.) and provided you are using a proper P100 filter.
However, the problem is that even a P100 can be penetrated. If viruses are 0.1 microns or smaller, which they are, then they can penetrate through a P100 filter, which can only block around 0.2 microns and higher.
For comparison, an N95 blocks 5 microns or bigger. Which is a COLOSSAL difference.
So with a PAPR, using the proper filter, you'll probably still see some penetration. So then it comes down to keeping your intake as uncompromised as possible, because the positive pressure the PAPR creates will prevent infection through the respirator gaps itself.
I am unsure if there is a chemical cartridge that works in tandem for viruses like an OV P100 does for organic vapors.
But most of this is moot, of course, as most people grabbing a mask are not financially stable enough to afford a PAPR. Those things are expensive.
But an N95? A cloth mask? Hah. A P100 can't even stop them on its own.
So, a PAPR (powered air purifying respirator) would work, provided you are also wearing a suit and hood to block all other vectors (ears, eyes, indirect contact from hands etc.) and provided you are using a proper P100 filter.
However, the problem is that even a P100 can be penetrated. If viruses are 0.1 microns or smaller, which they are, then they can penetrate through a P100 filter, which can only block around 0.2 microns and higher.
For comparison, an N95 blocks 5 microns or bigger. Which is a COLOSSAL difference.
So with a PAPR, using the proper filter, you'll probably still see some penetration. So then it comes down to keeping your intake as uncompromised as possible, because the positive pressure the PAPR creates will prevent infection through the respirator gaps itself.
I am unsure if there is a chemical cartridge that works in tandem for viruses like an OV P100 does for organic vapors.
But most of this is moot, of course, as most people grabbing a mask are not financially stable enough to afford a PAPR. Those things are expensive.
But an N95? A cloth mask? Hah. A P100 can't even stop them on its own.
Yes I meant imported air, not air filtration, as in carrying a tank, or connected to a hose to outside.