{
    "abstract": "Background There is a need for affordable and effective air-filtering respirators, that provide the user protection against infection and are comfortable to wear. Among the various air-filtering respirators, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) that supply the user with filtered air through a powered system provide better protection than the commonly used N-95 masks, that directly filters the air that surrounds the user, with filtration efficiency of these procedures being up to 99.99% and up to 95%, respectively. However, in India, the PAPRs are imported, making them unaffordable. Engineers at our university developed a low-cost PAPR model. We investigated the feasibility of using this low-cost PAPR as a potential air-filtering respirator as part of personal protective equipment. Methods In a simulation study, 20 woman nurses wore an N-95 mask with face shield, or the low-cost PAPR in two separate sessions and performed routine nursing tasks. They then answered questionnaires to assess their perceived comfort and suitability for the tasks. Results The low-cost PAPR provided better breathing comfort and vision. However, the current N-95 mask system was perceived to be more suitable for tasks requiring high mobility. Discussion Our study demonstrated the feasibility of the low-cost PAPR model, particularly for low-mobility tasks.",
    "authors": [
        {
            "affiliation": "Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mata Amritanadamayi Math, Amritapuri, Kollam 690525, Kerala, India.",
            "firstname": "Ayyappan",
            "initials": "A",
            "lastname": "Ajan"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Center for Women's, Amritapuri, Kollam 690525, Kerala, India.",
            "firstname": "Johanna Sophie",
            "initials": "JS",
            "lastname": "VON Lieres"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mata Amritanadamayi Math, Amritapuri, Kollam 690525, Kerala, India.",
            "firstname": "Vishnu",
            "initials": "V",
            "lastname": "Jayan"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Nursing director, Empowerment and Gender Equality.",
            "firstname": "Sai Bala",
            "initials": "SB",
            "lastname": "M"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mata Amritanadamayi Math, Amritapuri, Kollam 690525, Kerala, India.",
            "firstname": "Deepu D",
            "initials": "DD",
            "lastname": "Sasi"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Nursing Quality Division, Empowerment and Gender Equality.",
            "firstname": "Radhika",
            "initials": "R",
            "lastname": "Mohandas"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Ammachi Labs, Amritapuri, Kollam 690525, Kerala, India.",
            "firstname": "Bhavani R",
            "initials": "BR",
            "lastname": "Rao"
        }
    ],
    "conclusions": null,
    "copyrights": null,
    "doi": "10.25259/NMJI_905_2022",
    "journal": "The National medical journal of India",
    "keywords": [],
    "methods": null,
    "publication_date": "2025-04-21",
    "pubmed_id": "40257163",
    "results": null,
    "title": "Feasibility study of a low-cost powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR): A hospital-based simulation study to assess the perception of healthcare professionals.",
    "xml": "<Element 'PubmedArticle' at 0x78850437d760>"
}