WHY USE A POWERED AIR PURIFYING MASK? (ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE FACIAL HAIR)
- Rebekah McCutcheon
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’ve got a beard and work in an environment where respiratory protection is required, chances are you’ve run into the challenge of finding the right mask. Most tight-fitting respirators require a clean-shaven face for one very important reason: a proper seal. So how do you stay protected without shaving your beard? Enter the powered air purifying mask — the game-changing solution for facial hair and respiratory safety.
WHAT IS A POWERED AIR PURIFYING MASK?
A powered air purifying mask (often referred to as a PAPR) is a type of respirator that uses a battery-powered fan to draw in ambient air, filter it through a cartridge or HEPA filter, and deliver clean air to the user’s facepiece or hood. Unlike traditional tight-fitting respirators (like N95 or half-face masks), PAPR systems create positive pressure inside the facepiece, which means filtered air is constantly flowing out. This positive pressure reduces the risk of contaminants entering the breathing zone — even if there are minor gaps due to facial hair.
PAPR systems are commonly used in industries like construction, mining, manufacturing, healthcare, and hazardous material handling.
WHY CAN’T YOU WEAR A NORMAL RESPIRATOR WITH FACIAL HAIR?
Facial hair gets in the way — literally. Traditional respirators rely on a tight seal between the mask and the skin. Beards, stubble, and even sideburns create tiny gaps that compromise the seal and allow particles, gases, or vapours to leak in.
Even a small amount of facial hair can affect how well a mask seals — and for this reason, anyone undergoing a fit test must be clean-shaven where the respirator meets the skin.
WHY DOES FACIAL HAIR PREVENT PROPER FIT TESTING?
Fit testing is a process used to confirm that a specific make, model, and size of mask properly seals to an individual’s face. There are two main types of fit testing:
Qualitative fit testing – a less precise method that relies on the user’s sense of taste or smell (not recommended by industry experts)
Quantitative fit testing – the gold standard, using instruments (like the PortaCount 8048) to deliver objective, data-backed results
Fit Test Australia are industry leaders in quantitative fit testing. We exclusively use quantitative methods to ensure accurate, consistent, and fully compliant fit test outcomes. It’s the only method we trust — and the only one we recommend for high-risk workplaces.
Facial hair interferes with both. It prevents a proper seal from forming, so the test will fail — even if the mask appears to fit. That’s why the AS/NZS 1715:2009 standard states that individuals must be clean-shaven when using tight-fitting respirators.
WHY DOESN’T FACIAL HAIR ACT LIKE A BARRIER?
It’s a fair question — after all, facial hair seems thick and dense, right? But beards are not airtight. They don’t filter particles. In fact, they act more like a porous sponge, allowing air (and whatever contaminants are in it) to pass through or around them. This means airborne dust, viruses, fumes, and other hazards can easily bypass the mask and enter the lungs.
SO, HOW CAN YOU WEAR A RESPIRATOR WITH A BEARD?
If you don’t want to part with your facial hair (or can’t, due to religious or medical reasons), your best option is a powered air purifying mask. PAPR systems use loose-fitting hoods or helmets that don’t require a facial seal — which means no need to shave.
Instead of sealing tightly against your skin, the PAPR creates a protective airflow barrier that pushes contaminated air away from your face and supplies filtered air directly into your breathing zone.
IS THERE A RESPIRATOR DESIGNED FOR BEARDS?
Yes — and it's called a PAPR. If you’re looking for a comfortable, beard-friendly, high-protection option, PAPR systems are your best bet. At Fit Test Australia, we stock a wide range of powered air purifying masks that are suitable for workers with facial hair, including:
PIP Vanguard G4 PAPR (our most popular unit)
These systems come with full face hoods or helmets, HEPA filters, and long battery life — and they’re designed for tough industrial settings where proper respiratory protection is non-negotiable.
DO I STILL NEED TO FIT TEST IF I’M USING A PAPR?
Great question — and it depends on the style of PAPR you're using.
If your PAPR has a tight-fitting facepiece (such as a full face mask that seals against the skin), then yes — you still need to undergo a fit test in line with AS/NZS 1715:2009 standards. Facial hair would still be an issue in this case, and the same rules apply as they would for a traditional respirator.
However, if you're using a loose-fitting hood or helmet-style powered air purifying mask (which is the case for the majority of PAPR systems we stock at Fit Test Australia), then fit testing is not required. These systems rely on positive pressure rather than a facial seal, so they're fully compliant without the need for a fit test — and ideal for workers with facial hair.
Always check the manufacturer's classification of the facepiece to confirm whether it’s considered tight- or loose-fitting under the Standard.
IS A PAPR BETTER THAN A RESPIRATOR?
That depends on what you need. Here’s a quick breakdown:
FEATURE | STANDARD RESPIRATOR | POWERED AIR PURIFYING MASK (PAPR) |
|---|---|---|
Requires Fit Test | Yes | No (for loose-fitting hoods) |
Facial Hair Compatible | No | Yes |
Breathing Resistance | Moderate to high | Very low |
Cost | Lower upfront | Higher, but reusable |
Weight | Lightweight | Slightly heavier (due to battery + fan) |
Protection Level | Moderate to high | High to very high |
If comfort, compatibility with beards, and long wear time are priorities — the PAPR is the winner.
PAPR VS SCBA MASKS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
While they may look similar, PAPRs and SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) are very different. SCBA masks carry their own oxygen supply and are typically used by firefighters or in oxygen-deficient environments.
PAPRs, on the other hand, filter and deliver ambient air, making them ideal for workplaces where the air is breathable but contaminated. SCBAs are for short-term, high-risk emergency situations. PAPRs are for day-to-day respiratory protection.
FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY POWERED AIR PURIFYING MASKS ARE THE FUTURE
As safety standards increase and more workplaces adopt inclusive policies for facial hair, powered air purifying masks are becoming the go-to solution for employers and workers alike. They offer high-level protection, allow for facial hair, and eliminate the discomfort of tight-fitting respirators.
If you’re not willing to compromise on safety — or your beard — a PAPR is the way to go.
Need help choosing the right powered air purifying mask? Our team is happy to help you select a model that fits your environment, compliance needs, and budget
Comments