What type of respirator forms a complete seal with the face?

A tight-fitting facepiece respirator is designed to create a complete seal around the face, ensuring that all inhaled air passes through the respirator's filters. This effective sealing is essential for protecting the wearer from airborne contaminants, such as dust, mists, fumes, and gases. The tight fit minimizes the amount of unfiltered air that can enter the respirator, which enhances the effectiveness of the filtration system.

In contrast, loose-fitting respirators do not form a seal against the face and allow unfiltered air to mix with the inhaled air, potentially compromising the level of protection provided. Half mask respirators cover only the nose and mouth, which might offer a seal but does not cover the entire face. Powered air-purifying respirators utilize a fan to draw air through filters, but they also do not rely on a seal for effectiveness, as they often have a loose fit to allow for airflow. A tight-fitting facepiece respirator, therefore, is critical for high levels of respiratory protection in hazardous environments.