Positive Pressure Respirator System

Scientists at IIT Kanpur have developed an alternative to N95 masks, called PPRS, in light of the COVID-19 fuelled demand for PPE.

About PPRS

The PPRS or Positive Pressure Respirator System was developed as an alternative to the N95 masks by IIT Kanpur and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences. It is a personal protective equipment that can deliver uncontaminated air to the wearer for more than 6 hours.

Advantages

• Can be produced in large quantities in short period.
• Uses locally sourced materials.
• Contaminated air cannot enter into the PPRS even in case of a leakage as it uses positive pressure system. This is unlike in case of N95 masks, where an improper sealing between the mask and the face can lead to entry of contaminated air due to use of negative pressure.
• Uses a universal design that fits everybody.

N95 Mask

The N95 mask is a type of PPE used for protecting the nose and mouth of the wearer from airborne contaminants. It filters out particulate matter and meets the N95 standards of US NIOSH air filtration rating. It does not provide protection against vapours or gases.