SphereX Pure Air: The New Standard in NIOSH-Approved Welding Respiratory Protection

For years, welders have had to choose between high-performance optics and reliable respiratory protection. With the launch of the optrel SphereX Pure Air series, that compromise is over.  

The SphereX Pure Air PAPR combines optrel’s most advanced helmet technology with a fully NIOSH-approved Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) system, creating an integrated solution for welders who work in environments where protection from fumes and particulates isn’t optional — it’s required. 

A Helmet Built Around Respiratory Safety 

Welding fumes are now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. Regulations, insurance policies and employer standards are getting stricter — and for good reason. The SphereX Pure Air system was designed to meet and exceed these expectations by delivering: 

NIOSH-Approved PAPR Protection 

The PAPR version of the SphereX meets NIOSH standards for powered air-purifying respirators, ensuring welders receive: 

• Clean, filtered air throughout the entire shift 

• A consistent positive-pressure environment inside the helmet 

• Significantly reduced exposure to hazardous welding fume, particulates, and metal contaminants 

• Compliance confidence for companies with regulated respiratory programs 

With NIOSH approval, safety managers can integrate SphereX Pure Air into their respiratory protection programs with confidence and clear documentation. 

Why Welders Need PAPR Now More Than Ever 

Modern welding applications — especially stainless steel, high-amp work, confined spaces, and multi-process fabrication — generate particulate levels that exceed permissible exposure limits. Even in well-ventilated facilities, welders are often exposed to: 

• Hexavalent chromium 

• Manganese 

• Fine particulates 

• Metal fumes 

• UV/ozone byproducts 

The SphereX PAPR system ensures welders are protected from these invisible hazards with a high-efficiency filtration system, long run time, and airflow performance that stays stable no matter the task. 

The Helmet That Complements Protection 

The respirator is the heart of the system — but optrel didn’t stop there. The SphereX helmet builds a premium welding experience around the PAPR platform. 

Key SphereX Helmet Features: 

• 30% larger panoramic view for better awareness 

• Crystal Lens Technology (CLT) on the CLT model for daylight-clear visibility 

• ShadeTronic® automatic darkening for smooth shade transitions 

• 5-sensor arc detection for maximum reliability 

• IsoFit® X headgear for all-day comfort 

• Integrated safety-helmet compatibility 

• Lightweight design even with PAPR airflow 

• Smoke-repelling shell shape to improve visibility and air management 

Whether you choose the SphereX 2.5, SphereX CLT, or SphereX Quattro, each model is available in the Pure Air PAPR configuration, ensuring welders get both high-end optics and certified respiratory protection. 

Built for Demanding Industries 

The NIOSH-approved SphereX Pure Air system is ideal for environments such as: 

• Heavy fabrication & structural steel 

• Oil & gas 

• Shipbuilding 

• Aerospace 

• Military & defense 

• Manufacturing and repair shops 

• Confined-space welding 

Wherever welders face high particulate exposure, the SphereX Pure Air is engineered to perform. 

A Future-Proof Safety Investment 

With stricter respiratory standards on the horizon, companies are moving toward PAPR systems as a baseline safety requirement — not an upgrade. The SphereX Pure Air gives them: 

• Compliance readiness 

• Reduced worker exposure risk 

• Fewer lost-time injuries 

• Increased welder comfort and productivity 

• Long-term cost savings over disposable respirators 

This is more than a helmet — it’s a complete respiratory safety solution. 

Explore the full NIOSH-approved SphereX PAPR lineup and find the model that matches your welding applications. 

Experience the SphereX Pure Air