What type of respirator has a motor that pushes air into the mask?

The correct answer is a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR). This type of respirator is equipped with a battery-powered fan that draws air through filters before delivering it to the wearer. The motorized component enhances the flow of filtered air, providing an increased level of comfort and reducing breathing resistance for the user. This is particularly beneficial in environments where contaminants are present, as it ensures a steady supply of clean air while maintaining a positive pressure within the mask to help prevent outside contaminants from entering.

In contrast, half mask respirators often rely on the user’s breathing to draw air through filters, and disposable respirators typically function as simple filters without mechanical assistance. Negative pressure respirators create negative pressure internally as the user inhales, pulling air through the filter, but do not have a motorized component to assist with air delivery. This distinguishes the PAPR as the preferred choice for scenarios requiring enhanced respiratory protection with less physical exertion on the wearer.