A Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) is a high-performance respiratory protection system that uses a battery-powered unit to deliver a continuous supply of filtered, breathable air to the wearer. Designed for superior protection and comfort, PAPRs are widely used in environments where airborne contaminants pose a risk.
Safety Equipment Australia Pty Ltd (SEA) supplies the premium Sundström PAPR range who have been manufacturing Sundström respiratory protection equipment products in Sweden since 1926 meeting the demands of Australian and New Zealand industries, ensuring compliance, reliability, and user safety.
What is a PAPR?
A Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) is an advanced respiratory protection system designed to deliver a continuous supply of filtered, breathable air to the user. Using a battery-powered fan, PAPRs draw in ambient air, pass it through high-efficiency filters, and supply clean air to a hood, helmet, or facepiece.
Engineered for comfort and performance, PAPRs provide a higher level of protection when used with a tight-fitting head-top than traditional respirators by maintaining positive air pressure, reducing the risk of contaminant ingress (refer to Respirators Protection Factors Guide below). They are widely used across industrial, constructions, mining, manufacturing, and emergency response environments where reliable respiratory protection is critical.
Unlike negative‑pressure respirators (which rely on the wearer’s lungs to draw air through filters), PAPRs use a motorised blower to pull contaminated ambient air through high‑efficiency filters. The purified air is then delivered through a hose to a headpiece—such as a hood, helmet or full‑face mask.
Because air is continuously supplied, the system provides positive pressure inside the headpiece, helping prevent contaminated air from entering the breathing zone.
Why choose Sundström PAPRs?
Advanced respiratory protection for real‑world conditions
Since 1926 Sundström’s commitment has been to protect people and their health. Their desire to continue to develop even better respiratory protection is as integral now as it was in the early years of their business. They maintain a strong commitment to quality and innovation, always with people’s safety in focus.
Sundström have a compatible and modular product range with masks, hoods, face shields and helmets in a complete system together with various filters and accessories. Flexible and adaptable to both personal comfort and workplace requirements and needs. Every product is manufactured in Sweden, at their factory in Lagan, guaranteeing quality control.
Designed for performance, comfort and long‑term value
Durable, high‑grade materials, reliable. Built for demanding environments with low maintenance requirements.
Manufactured in Sweden
Australian Standards AS/NZS 1716:2012 approved
Ergonomic and lightweight design for comfort and reduce wearer fatigue
Industry‑leading reliability and service life
Versatile & modular system thinking
User friendly operation with single-button control
Consistent protection with two airflow settings
Easy to clean, washable and splash-proof design IP67
Full technical support, servicing and compliance guidance from Safety Equipment Australia
As exposure limits tighten and enforcement increases, selecting the right PAPR system is no longer just about compliance — it’s about safeguarding long‑term respiratory health.
Protection factors
All types of breathing protection have a specific protection factor that describes how efficiently they reduce the level of the contaminant in the air.
Download your Respirators Protection Factors Guide.
Key situations to choose a PAPR?
- When contaminant levels are high or more hazardous (e.g. toxic dusts, fumes, infectious aerosols, chemical vapours).
- Work involves hazardous chemicals, biological agents, or heavy dust/fumes
Long duration or extended wear
- PAPRs supply filtered air with a blower, making breathing easier and reducing heat/moisture buildup.
- To reduce fatigue and discomfort by wearing PAPR with loose fitting head-tops during extended work shifts.
User cannot achieve a proper fit with tight respirators
- Loose-fitting PAPRs do not require a tight facial seal or fit testing
- Use PAPR with loose-fitting head-tops when tight facial seal or fit testing is not achieved due to facial hair, facial structure or scarring affecting seal and fit.
Our PAPR Range
The Sundström SR500 Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) is an alternative to negative-pressure filter respirators in situations where these are recommended.
The Sundström SR700 powered air purifying respirator FOR PARTICLES ONLY is an alternative to negative-pressure filter respirators in situations where these are recommended.
The intrinsically safe Sundström SR500ex powered air purifying respirator designed and approved for use in explosive or ignitable atmospheres.
Lightweight hood that covers the face and head. Use with PAPR or supplied air.
Covers not only the face and head, but also the neck and shoulders. Easily adjustable neck seal, providing high protection even for people with beard.
Unique shield with excellent field of vision. The visor can be easily flipped up to a well-balanced ‘over-the-head’ position. Easily replaceable visor of polycarbonate.
The Sundström SR200 full face respirator provides very high protection at heavy-duty work for extended periods.
Hood in Microchem® 2800 material for use with SR500, SR500ex or SR700 PAPR.
Hood in Microchem® 4000 material for use with SR500, SR500ex or SR700 PAPR.
What is important to consider when choosing a PAPR?
Why airflow matters
In real‑world conditions, breathing demand can exceed fan output in lower‑performance systems. When airflow cannot keep up, positive pressure is lost—dramatically increasing the risk of inward leakage.
Sundström PAPRs are engineered to deliver consistently high airflow under load, making them a preferred choice where protection cannot be compromised.
Identify the airborne hazard
Which hazardous gases, vapours, dust, smoke or aerosols do you need protection? Workplace measurements and monitor the concentrations of the hazardous substances.
Particulates (Solids & Liquids in Air): Dust (silica, asbestos, wood dust), Fumes (welding fumes), Mists (oil mist), Biological aerosols (viruses, bacteria)
Gases & Vapours: Organic vapours (solvents, paints), Acid gases (chlorine, sulphur dioxide), Ammonia
Combined Hazards (Very Common): Spray painting (vapours + overspray), Chemical handling with dust, Laboratory work
Risk assessment
Start with a risk assessment or Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Is sufficient oxygen level present during the entire period of exposure?
What are the effects on health of the substances present?
Are they any occupational exposure limits for these substances?
Are there any other risks, such as splashing, sparks or explosive mixtures?
The user - Assess suitability for the individual user
Face fit testing
Tight-fitting respirators such as the SR200 full-face mask require an effective seal to provide adequate protection. Everyone’s face is individual and one type does not fit all. Facial hair, scars or irregular facial feature can compromise the fit. A fit test is required to confirm that the respirator fits properly and is compatible with other type of PPE.
Eyewear compatibility
Ensure compatibility with glasses or contact lenses. Both prescription and safety glasses can interfere with the protection, especially when using a full-face mask and must fit properly inside it. Contact lenses may dry out and cause eye irritation when used with powered respirators.
The task - Assess suitability for the job/task
Work intensity
At higher workloads, a powered respirator may be needed for better comfort and protection.
Mobility requirements
Tasks involving frequent movement, work across large or challenging areas, or requiring extensive body motion demand high freedom of movement.
Additional PPE
The respirator should be compatible with other protective equipment used such as helmets, eye protection, hearing protection. Etc.
Duration of use
The respirator should be suitable for the expected wear time during work and typically a PAPR is used for longer period of work.
Thermal stress
Tasks performed in hot or cold environments may cause stress heat or cold discomfort which should be considered when selection respiratory protection.
Work environment - Assess suitability for the workplace environment
Type of hazard
Oxygen deficiency
Explosive atmosphere
Climate and temperature
Required protection factor:
Ensure the equipment reduces contaminant levels below the occupational or workplace exposure limit, in accordance with national and state requirements.
Key applications and industry sectors where PAPR is recommended
Construction & Civil
Concrete cutting, drilling, and grinding
Demolition and site remediation
Tunnelling, roadworks, and civil infrastructure
Asbestos removal and hazardous material handling
Sanding, blasting, and surface preparation
Mining & Quarrying
Drilling, blasting, and excavation
Crushing, screening, and material processing
Conveyor operations and bulk material handling
Underground and surface mining activities
Quarrying, stone cutting, and aggregate production
Manufacturing & heavy industry
Welding, cutting, and metal fabrication
Grinding, polishing, and machining
Assembly lines and industrial production
Foundries and metal casting operations
Maintenance, cleaning, and plant shutdowns
Automobile & Composite
Spray painting (automotive, industrial, marine)
Powder coating and surface finishing
Sanding, blasting, and paint removal
Mixing and handling paints, resins, and solvents
Protective coatings and corrosion control
.
Chemical & pharmaceutical
Painting & Coatings
Chemical manufacturing and processing
Pharmaceutical production and compounding
Laboratory work and research facilities
Handling of powders, active ingredients, and solvents
Cleaning, decontamination, and maintenance tasks
Emergency Response & Hazmat
Hazardous material (hazmat) response and clean‑up
Chemical spills and environmental emergencies
Fire and rescue support operations (non‑IDLH environments)
Decontamination and containment tasks
Industrial incident response and site remediation
Waste Management & environmental services
Waste collection, sorting, and recycling facilities
Landfill operations and remediation projects
Hazardous waste handling and disposal
Environmental clean‑up (e.g. contaminated sites, spills)
Water and wastewater treatment plants
Agriculture & pest control
Crop spraying and pesticide application
Livestock farming and animal handling
Grain handling, storage, and silos
Fumigation and pest control operations
Greenhouse and horticulture work
Food & Beverage processing
Food manufacturing and packaging lines
Grain, flour, and sugar processing
Dairy and beverage production facilities
Cleaning, sanitisation, and washdown operations
Handling powders, additives, and ingredients
Learn More About PAPRs
Need Help Choosing the Right PAPR?
Speak with one of our experts for tailored advice based on your work environment and safety requirements.