
Fumes induce during welding operations may cause various respiratory problems once inhaled. In fact, materials that are utilized during a welding operation generate various hazards when it is displayed at a high-temperature level.
Unlike the common ordinary welding helmets, these ones are equipped with a respirator system that is essential for complete protection. They are quite pricey compared with other models and the hoses should be handled with care as they can be sensitive and breakable.
The package can be a little bit heavier since it comes with a respiratory system and other essential elements for the installation procedure. That’s why they should be used with a lot of attentiveness.
Throughout this review, we have collected the top 6 welding helmets with built-in respirators that are currently available on the market. Each of these models comes with specific safety standards and peculiar perks.
What is a Welding Respirator?
Once you start working in the welding industry, you know that you are exposed to different kinds of hazard that could negatively affect your life. This is welding helmets are important. They offer you the necessary protection you need during a welding operation.
Today we are going to discuss another kind of helmets that comes with an air purifying respirator.
The welding helmet with a built-in respirator is a headgear designed to provide the necessary protection and safety measures for the welders during their work from toxic smokes. They are available in different designs; you can choose what kind of models you are looking for depending on your working environment and conditions.
There are 3 kinds of a welding helmet with respirator:
- Powered air respirators;
- Air supplied respirators;
- And half-mask respirators.
You can choose one of these helmets depending on the level of fumes generated during specific welding applications.
The OSHA obligates certain requirement to be met in order for the welder to enjoy full and effective protection. Some of these requirements include the prohibition of the welder to inhale certain toxic fumes during the operation period.
These fumes can be considered as a real danger to the welder’s health. One of these toxic fumes includes zinc fumes. If you happen that you cannot avoid these working circumstances makes sure that you don’t exceed the permissible exposure limits (PELs).
In order to avoid these harmful exposures, a ventilation system should be a top priority. This is where we need a convenient and practical respirator helmet that will help us reduce the toxic fumes.
Why do we need to use a welding respirator?
The answer to this question is quite obvious: ultimate protection to your respiratory system. As we previously mentioned, the welder is exposed to lots of risks during welding operations. Therefore, an effective safeguard to these risks is using a welding helmet with a built-in respirator.
During a welding operation, a lot of debris and hazards could be produced depending on the materials being used. These generated substances could consequently harm the human respiratory system.
The welder may not be cautious of these fumes since he will be too focused on perfecting his welding application. As a result, he will unconsciously inhale it not knowing the potential dangers that these fumes come with.
Apart from what the manufacturer or the OSHA could state about the PLEs, it is essential for the welder to acknowledge some other fumes that may not be included in the statement. With the variety of materials that are being used during a welding operation, the welder could never fully acknowledge all the toxins produced.
This is where the welding helmet with built-in respirator comes to light. Once it is perfectly installed and assembled, the helmet will offer full protection to the welder from toxic substances and particles.
The main priority of the welding helmet with respirator is to provide clear and purified air flow to the welder. This is why every welding worker should consider having one.
Precautions for the protection of the welder:
The working environment and the safety and security standards should be reviewed by an industry consultant. This is essential in order to maintain the necessary measures for the full protection of the worker. Consultation should be made regularly in order to assure that all precautions are taken into consideration.
In regards to the respirators, they should meet the NIOSH safety standards and most importantly they should be tested before putting in the practice.
How to select a Welding Respirator:
For effective protection, you have to have a high-quality welding helmet with a built-in respirator.
With every single model, there are certain peculiar features that are essential for a specific welding application. Therefore, one should make enough research about the welding helmet that best meets its working needs and preferences.
Purchasing the wrong helmet may not offer full satisfaction and the level of productivity the welder is opting for. It is important to read the specification and protection measures provide on the welding helmet packages. Make sure to go back the APF in order to know the amount of protection the respirator could offer during a welding operation.
If you haven’t decided on a helmet yet, make sure to check out this list:
Best Welding Helmet with Built-in Respirator Reviews
1. Air Purifying Respirator High Efficiency Welding Helmet
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If you are looking for a change gamer in your welding journey, then the 6-1101-30SW Powered Air Purifying Respirator High-Efficiency System with 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet is a must-have. Not only it is cost-effective, but this helmet offers the ultimate comfort and convenience to its users.
Featuring a tech advanced peculiarity; this helmet provides a steady and continuous flow of clean air, making it ideal for heavy-duty welding operations. It offers a full face and neck coverage and protection from numerous hazards that could take place during the work. These hazards include UV/ IR radiation, sparks and so on.
A large viewing area is at your own disposal. The helmet comes with side windows for a wider vision. This will enhance your peripheral of your range of observation. Furthermore, it is also equipped with impact resistant head cover. The headcover is usually convenient to all 3M speedglas welding serious helmets.
The highlight of this helmet is the PAPR, Powered Air Purifying Respirator. This element helps filter the air against any particulates. This increases the protection and safety at the respiratory level and offers enhanced mobility for the welder.
Pros:
- Ultimate quality optical clarity
- Full face, and neck protection
- Equipped with a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR
- Comfort headgear.
- Environment-friendly
- Light design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not for beginners
2. Allegro Air Pro Welding Helmet
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The next one is Allegro Industries 9934-W EZ Air Welding Helmet PAPR Assembly. This built-in with a respirator helmet is recognized for its high performance and effective protection. This model is suitable for diverse working environment and conditions. Moreover, it is applicable in different manners depending on the type of operation.
For increased protection, the helmet comes with a respiratory system that offers a full shielding from debris and hazards. While offering gratification and productivity, this helmet provides a constant clean airflow.
The auto darkening filter helps to diminish the necessity to switch the hardcover up and down. This can maintain the passive lens to provide a quick response time that it is essential during the operation period. Besides, the lens quickly shifts from light to dark shade in a very short period of time.
Design wise, the helmet is low profile, lightweight, very convenient and suitable for both beginners and professionals. NIOSH approved, this helmet is very easy to assemble and comes with a manual guideline that will provide you with further information
Pros:
- NIOSH approved
- Low profile
- Lightweight design
- Auto-darkening filter
- Anti-fog
Cons:
- No battery holder
3. Jackson Safety Airmax Elite PAPR
- System: Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) System with BH3 ADF Welding Helmet protects from the respiratory dangers of welding fumes and heat stress
- Features: BH3 Welding Headpiece comes with an extra-large 3.78" x 2.70" viewing area, variable auto-darkening filter with 1/1/1/1 optical classification, and a flame-retardant flexible face seal that protects against sparks
- Benefits: Airmax Elite PAPR includes a dual-speed blower (160 lpm and 210 lpm) that maintains constant airflow regardless of battery level; Three-layer filter provides NIOSH approved HE filtration from particulate contaminants
- Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 8 hours of power and a “Smart" battery charger indicates when charging is complete and does not overcharge; Audible & vibrating alarms signal when new filter or battery charge is needed
Last update on 2023-09-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There is a reason why the Jackson Safety Airmax Elite PAPR with BH3 Air Head Top (40839), Powered Air Purifying Respirator has previews. Say goodbye to sparks, radiations and any kind of hazards. This helmet offers the ultimate protection for the welders.
This protection covers all the upper shoulder area making it ideal for a variety of operations including cutting, edging, and grinding applications. It can be suitable for both beginners and professional welders.
The auto darkening filter maximizes the clarity of the entire viewing area. Depending on the level of the operation, you can easily adjust the visibility and optical clarity. Another thing to note, the filter features three layers that will protect you against particulate containment.
Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the helmet can supply a continuous 8 hours of power supply. Moreover, the package also includes a smart charger that shows if the battery is fully charger. This helps to avoid overcharging. The last thing you want to happen is battery failure. This later can be expensive if purchased separately.
Pros:
- Comes with a smart charger
- Lightweight design
- Three-layer auto-darkening filter
- NIOSH proved
- PAPR respirator comes with airflow indicator
Cons:
- Can be too responsive
4. ArcOne Respirator PAPR Welding Face Shield
- Hard Hat / Visor: ANSI Z87.1-2010 Eye Protection, ANSI Z89.1-2009 Type 1 Class G Head Protection
- PAPR: APF (Assigned Protection Factor) of 1,000, according to OSHA 3352-02 2009
- Flip Down Welding Visor with 5500V Digital Filter
- This loose fitting hard hat provides complete respiratory, face and head protection and can be combined with most ear muffs.
- Includes PAPR system, PUR hose and hard hat / grinding visor with flip down welding visor
Last update on 2023-09-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sicking tired of helmets that neither can stand high temperature nor your safety measures, and then ArcOne SR500 Respirator PAPR Kit with Hard Hat Grinding Visor and Welding Face Shield is an excellent model. It puts your protection as a top priority.
The helmet is designed to fulfill all safety measurements of the ANSI Z87.1-2010 full cover Protection. As well as the safety requirements of the ANSI Z89.1-2009 Type 1 Class G Head Protection, this is exactly what you need.
The helmet package comes with a guideline to help you assemble the different parts and to easily adjust it in a way that meets your needs. Makes sure to carefully read the manual guideline before using the product, It will help you to assemble the different pieces and know exactly what they are for.
This helmet is equipped with SR500 PAPR Respirator that will help you maintain our safety and well being. Thanks to this respirator, you will be provided with clear and purified air from all possible particulate contaminants. This is a good solution for protecting the welder’s lungs from intoxicated gases.
This highlighted feature will help you improve your work pace as it is suitable for long hours of projects. The lightweight design also plays a major role in providing the ultimate comfort the welder needs to carry on with welding activities.
Pros:
- Built in with PAPR
- Digital filter
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable and durable headgear
- Comes with a hard hat and PUR hose
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some customers complained about the adjustability of the headband
5. Optrel PAPR System Helmet
- Optrel e3000 papr with e680 helmet #4550.100
Last update on 2023-09-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Rounding up the list of the best welding helmets with built is a respirator, this model is probably everything a welder professional could possibly ask for. Featuring a variety of both classical and advanced features and specifications, the Optrel 4550.100 E3000 PAPR System with E680 Helmet meets all it’s users needs.
With an auto-darkening filter that shifts shade in an incredible responding time( response time duration that measures around 0.1 milliseconds), this model ranks on today’s market top scale when it comes to the welding industry.
Thanks to its sturdy and rigid structure, the helmets offer optimal eye protection for its users. Its lightweight construction 0.16 ounces allows for comfortable working conditions. The welder wouldn’t be able to feel the heavy item bouncing on his neck. It is also suitable for operations that take a lot of time to be accomplished.
Equipped with an air cooling valve, the welder is capable to adjust the air temperature inside the helmet. This offers a great breathing procedure during the operation, providing both productivity and satisfactory feelings for the welder to enjoy his work.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Modern structure
- Auto-darkening filter
- PAPR System
- High level of protection
Cons:
- Pricy
- Professional use only
6. Breathe-Cool II Supplied air respirator welding helmet
- New
- 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty
Last update on 2023-09-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a compact design that can function ideally in any type of operations and under harsh working environments then, breathe-Cool II Supplied air respirator /auto-darkening welding helmet is exactly what you are looking for. This model built in with respirator to maximize your overall protection.
This welding helmet exhibits all the essential features needed for a welding operation. The helmet comes with auto-darkening filter and an adjustable shade range that offers a quick response time. The filter switches the bright shade to dark in a short period of time.
Thanks to its compact size, this helmet can be used in cramped and narrow working places, making it quite flexible to the working circumstances. It can also be used for outdoor and indoor welding operations. This compact size is well balanced once it is placed on the elder’s head.
This feature is super convenient for the welders as it boosts its productivity and let him focuses on the operation. Built in with air respirator, this helmet is a perfect solution for respiratory problems especially if the operation produces lots of flames and toxic gases.
Pros:
- Suitable for different working environment and conditions
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Equipped with air respirator
- Flame resistant
- Quite affordable
Cons
- Might be too tight for some customers
- Very sensible hose
Conclusion
Without a proper ventilation system installed in your working place, you know that your health is at risk. This is why welding helmets with built in a respirator are quite essential in order to ensure full protection for the welder during welding operation processes.
The exciting of harmful and toxic fumes that could lead to dangerous effects on the welder’s lungs and respiratory system, the helmet is designated to provide a pure and clean airflow inside the helmet. Moreover, the welder is cable adjust the temperature inside the respirator.
It is crucial that you make full research and acknowledge all the different features that these listed welding helmets with built-in respirator could provide.
As most of them provide some if not all the necessary requirement for welding operations, we highly recommend the 3M speedglas welding helmet. This later offers a variety of specifications and features that are most suitable for all welding applications, including cutting, editing and grinding. It can be used for long-hour projects that require comfort as well as a safety measurement.
The most affordable one is the Breathe cool II supplied air respirator system. However, you should make sure to choose the best that suits your needs and your working conditions.
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