Development of a Manikin-Based Performance Evaluation Method for Loose-Fitting Powered Air-Purifying Respirators.

PAPR model, work rate, and test configuration affect PAPR performance. Advanced headforms have potential for assessing PAPR performance once test methods can be matured. A manikin-based inward leakage test method for PAPRs can be further developed using the knowledge gained from this study. Future studies should vary PAPR airflow rate to better understand the effects on performance. Additional future research is needed to evaluate the correlation of PAPR performance using advanced headforms to the performance measured with human subjects.