The Disadvantages of Negative-Pressure Respirators

A negative-pressure respirator is defined by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) as a respirator whose air pressure inside the facepiece is lower than the air pressure outside the respirator. Different types of respirators are used to protect workers, and the negative-pressure respirator, like all respirators, has its advantages and disadvantages.

Leaks

• According to Chemicals in the Workplace, the main disadvantage of a negative-pressure respirator is the possibility of a leak. When working around chemicals that give off toxic fumes, it is vitally important that the respirator prevent all outside air from reaching the worker wearing the respirator. If the hose has a crack, or the mask or facepiece does not fit exactly right, the user can inhale contaminated air.

Size

• Large respirators are difficult to move.

  In addition to use for workers in hazardous conditions, negative-pressure respirators are used as a noninvasive means of breathing for patients who suffer neuromuscular or chest wall disease. These machines are known as iron lungs or tanks. One disadvantage of this type of negative-pressure respirator is that the patient is not able to move around; he must remain within the machine. An article by Dr. Nicholas Hill and Dr. Naomi Kramer, refers to the size disadvantage as a lack of portability.

Pain/Sleep Apnea

• Large negative-pressure respirators can cause pain to the individual because she is restricted to lying down. The tank or iron lung limits motion, thus causing pain from the continued, restrictive environment. In addition, this environment can cause or aggravate sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that causes a person to stop breathing while asleep, as documented by Drs. Hill and Kramer.