The Optrel Swiss Air PAPR system redefines respiratory protection with a lightweight, flexible design that works with the gear you already use. Instead of relying on a helmet-mounted motor, the Swiss Air delivers clean, filtered airflow directly to a comfortable half-mask system worn under most welding helmets or face protection.
The Optrel Swiss Air is a powered air-purifying respirator designed for professionals working in environments where airborne particles, dust, or smoke are part of the job. Instead of attaching directly to a helmet, the system uses a lightweight blower unit worn comfortably on the back that delivers purified air through a hose to a ventilated half-mask covering the nose and mouth. This creates a constant positive-pressure breathing zone that helps prevent contaminated air from entering the respiratory tract while also reducing breathing resistance and fatigue.
The Swiss Air PAPR offers powerful TH3 respiratory protection with exceptional freedom of movement, helping professionals stay protected without compromising comfort or productivity.
With TH3-rated filtration removing up to 99.8% of harmful airborne particles, the Swiss Air system provides one of the highest levels of particle protection available in PAPR systems. Adjustable airflow settings between 100 and 130 L/min, automatic airflow monitoring, and up to 14 hours of battery life allow workers to maintain consistent protection throughout long shifts.
Because the system fits under most welding helmets and works alongside other PPE, Swiss Air gives professionals the flexibility to maintain respiratory protection across multiple tasks and environments without changing their primary protective equipment.
The Swiss Air is a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) designed to supply filtered breathing air through a ventilated half-mask that covers the nose and mouth. A lightweight blower unit worn on the back pulls contaminated air through a high-efficiency particle filter and delivers clean air directly to the breathing zone.
The Swiss Air PAPR is certified to the highest filtration class under European standards, removing up to 99.8% of airborne particles. Protection level depends on the facepiece used:
Loose fit (hood/helmet): TH3 — Protection Factor of 500
Tight fit (mask): TM3 — Protection Factor of 2,000 with the blower on (1,000with the blower off)
This flexibility lets users select the right configuration for the hazard level of each task — from general welding environments to applications demanding the highest level of airborne contaminant protection.
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 14 hours of operating time, depending on airflow settings and working conditions, making it suitable for full work shifts without interruption.
Yes. The loose fit system includes three adjustable airflow levels ranging from approximately 100 to 130 liters per minute. The tight fit system (NIOSH-approved) delivers an adjustable airflow of 120–140 liters per minute. These adjustable airflow settings provide consistent, filtered breathing air throughout the workday while allowing users to balance ventilation, comfort, and battery life depending on the task.
It depends on the Swiss Air PAPR System:
Loose fit: No — fit testing is not required, as the positive airflow creates a protective breathing zone inside the hood.
Tight fit: Yes — fit testing is required, consistent with OSHA standards for all tight-fitting respirators.
Unlike helmet-mounted PAPR systems, the Swiss Air system uses a half-mask design that works under many Optrel helmets and face protection systems, giving users more flexibility when choosing headgear. Because Swiss Air delivers clean airflow through a lightweight half-mask rather than a helmet-mounted blower, it allows users to maintain respiratory protection while continuing to use their preferred Optrel helmet or head protection.
Optrel makes it easy to build your own Swiss Air PAPR System with compatible hoods and additional accessories: Click here to Build Your Own PAPR
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