AYO™ WX Powered Respirator — FAQ

Q: Why choose a loose-fitting PAPR for high-exertion or bearded workers?

A: Loose-fitting PAPRs create positive pressure inside the breathing zone — protection doesn’t rely on a face seal. This means no fit testing required, beard-friendly use, easier breathing, reduced heat build-up, and less fogging. Workers can focus on the job without mask adjustments.

Q: Do loose-fitting PAPRs provide better protection than well-fitted non-powered respirators?

A: Yes. Certified loose-fitting PAPRs (e.g. AYO WX HFM P-Boost, HFM-W P-Boost, FFM-LF P-Boost) typically deliver at least 40× better protection than a properly fitted P2 mask on a clean-shaven face.

Q: Which type of loose-fitting PAPR is best for physically demanding work?

A: Around-neck PAPRs offer the best mobility for most tasks. Belt-mounted (with hoses) and helmet-mounted PAPRs restrict movement and add weight. The Aimwell™ AYO™ WX Loose-Fitting range is designed to be worn like a standard respirator — no hose, no belt.

Q: Does a loose-fitting PAPR require fit testing?

A: No. Loose-fitting PAPRs are certified based on positive pressure performance, not face seal. They can be used with beards. However, PortaCount or similar equipment can be used periodically to verify there are no system leaks while powered on — as a routine performance check, not a fit test.

Q: Why must tight-fitting PAPRs be fit tested in Power-Off mode?

A: Testing in Power-On mode can mask a poor fit as a good fit, as the positive pressure inside the mask dramatically reduces the outside particles leaking into the mask due to a poor fit. Power-Off testing is needed to show leaks due to a poor fit, and it simulates the worst case in real applications, where peak inhalation during hard breathing could make the mask pressure briefly go negative, and contaminants could be drawn in if the mask has leaks. This worst-case test is mandatory for tight-fitting PAPRs to ensure their claimed better protection than loose-fitting PAPRs.

Q: What are the pros and cons of loose-fitting vs. tight-fitting PAPRs?

Q: Is a half-face mask PAPR able to be classified as loose-fitting?

A: Yes. ISO TS 16973:2016 includes half-face masks as a valid loose-fitting respiratory interface. The key is certification to a relevant loose-fitting standard such as EN 12941:2023 (TH3), which is widely recognised in the EU. However, very few half-face mask PAPRs hold this certification.

Q: Which AYO WX models are certified as loose-fitting half-face mask PAPRs?

A: AYO WX HFM P-Boost and AYO WX HFM-W P-Boost are certified to EN 12941:2023 TH3. Both are unique in that they sit around the neck with no hose or belt — offering excellent mobility alongside loose-fitting protection.

Q: What is a dual-fitting PAPR?

A: A PAPR is normally designed as either loose-fitting or tight-fitting, and each type is tested according to a suitable Standard.

A dual-fitting PAPR is designed to meet the requirements for both loose-fitting and tight-fitting Standards, thus users can opt to use it as:

• loose-fitting if they have beards and can accept a relatively lower protection factor;
• tight-fitting if they can be clean-shaven and fit-tested for the highest protection.

Q: How do the protection levels compare between a tight-fitting PAPR, a loose-fitting PAPR, and a P2 non-powered mask?

In short: TH3 is 40× better than P2. TM3 is 4× better than TH3.

Q: What are the dual-fitting PAPRs on the market?

A: So far, only Aimwell provides dual-fitting PAPRs, such as AYO WX HFM P-Boost, AYO WX HFM-W P-Boost.

Q: What is the difference between P-Boost Power Units and Gas Power Units?

A: P-Boost: For particle filtration only, and it includes ECO and BOOST state selections, where the BOOST can deliver up to twice the air volume as in ECO. BOOST is designed for high-exertion work like construction and tunnelling, where heavy breathing demands more airflow.

 Gas: For combined gas and particle filtration. It is optimised for energy and carbon efficiency to achieve high protection in an unprecedented compact size for mobility.

Q: What is the difference between WX FFM-LF and WX FFM-DS full-face masks?

A: FFM-LF has a single seal and is loose-fitting — beard compatible; no fit testing is needed. FFM-DS adds an internal mask that creates an independent second seal, delivering higher protection when pressure drops to negative briefly during hard breathing. If you work in a normal-exertion workload or have a beard, FFM-LF is the more practical choice. For maximum protection, choose FFM-DS with a clean-shaven and well-fit-tested.

Q: Can I switch between WX FFM-DS and WX FFM?

A: Yes. To convert FFM-DS to standard FFM: order the AP132 WX FFM Changeover Kit, remove the Inner Mask Assembly, fit the Male Threaded Connectors, then reassemble the Front Module. To go back to FFM-DS: order the AP132 Inner Mask Assembly and reverse the steps. The Main Unit is identical across both configurations. Download this Quick Guide for assistance.

Q: How long does the AYO WX battery last on a single charge?

A: Up to 16 hours under standard test conditions (20 breaths/min, 1.5 L tidal volume). Real-world duration varies depending on workload, dust density, filter condition, and whether there is facial hair. Very dusty or high-exertion environments will reduce battery life.

Q: Is it normal for the battery to drain when not in use?

A: Yes. Early generation of AYO WX PAPRs can slowly discharge the battery even in Sleep Mode — it can be nearly flat after three weeks of non-use. Always charge the battery before each use.

Q: Why does the battery need to be charged every 3 months during long storage?

A: Li-ion batteries can suffer permanent capacity loss if left in a very low-charge state for extended periods. A charge every 3 months prevents this degradation.

Having said that, the new AYO WX from May 2026 will dramatically reduce the battery discharge during Sleep Mode. As a result, if the battery is charged before long-term storage, it may only need to be recharged every 12 months.

Q: Why does the battery still take an hour to charge when it shows 3 LEDs?

A: Li-ion charging is not linear. The initial Constant Current phase (0–80%) takes up to 2.5 hours from flat. The final 20% enters a slower Constant Voltage phase (~1.5 hours). The last 5% can take 30–40 minutes alone. When the LED blinks rapidly, the battery is at ≥95% charge — essentially full and ready to go.

Q: How long does an AYO WX particulate filter last?

A: It depends on the application:

• Replace the main filter (Long Life) every 6 months as a baseline, even if it looks clean.
• Dusty environments (silica, wood dust): pre-filter may block within a day — replace when dirty or when the Filter Blocked alarm triggers.
• Welding fumes are fine particles that can penetrate the pre-filter easily — the main filter may need more frequent replacement in dense and long-duration fume conditions.
• If you change the pre-filter and the Filter Blocked alarm still activates, the main filter likely needs replacing too.

Q: What makes breath-responsive PAPRs better than constant-flow PAPRs?

A: Traditional constant-flow PAPRs run at fixed speeds, making them bulky, heavy, and with belt-mounted power units and long hoses, limiting mobility. Breath-responsive PAPRs adjust airflow to match breathing demand breath by breath. The result: smaller, lighter, quieter, and better energy efficiency, with no hose or belt.

Breath-responsive technology is more complex and challenging — only a very limited number of manufacturers globally can provide such PAPRs. However, more breath-responsive PAPRs are expected to emerge in the future.

Q: What types of respirators are available for welding fume protection?

A: Welding fumes are carcinogenic. The workplace exposure standard has tightened from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ — but even this is not a safe threshold, only a legal maximum. For regular welding work:

• Disposable masks: only suitable for short and temporary low-risk tasks, are not suitable for bearded welders.
• Non-powered reusable respirators: not ideal — cartridges may obstruct welding helmets, and negative pressure may induce fumes in the mask via facial leak and are not suitable for bearded welders.
• Welding Helmet integrated with waist-mounted loose-fitting PAPRs: currently popular respirator type for serious welding fume protection, and are suitable for bearded welders. However, they are bulky, heavy, troublesome to don and doff, and expensive.
• Breath-responsive AYO WX HFM-W PAPR — a dual-fitting new generation PAPR offers unprecedented protection, convenience and flexibility: EN12941 TH3 and EN 12942 TM3 certified, compatible with most off-the-shelf welding helmets, compatible with beards, easy to don and doff, exceptionally cost-effective.

 Q: My welding helmet won’t lower far enough when wearing the AYO WX Welding mask. What do I do?

A: First, check that the forehead band sits correctly on your forehead. Then adjust the headgear to increase the distance between the lens and your face. AYO WX Welding masks are designed to be compatible with most off-the-shelf welding helmets.

Q: What is the typical fit factor for AYO WX half-face masks?

A: In Power-Off mode, PortaCount fit testing typically achieves a fit factor of over 2000 on all AYO WX half-face masks. This is the result of a sophisticated cushion design developed across three representative head models, covering up to 99.7% of human facial profiles.

Q: Can AYO WX be used with beards without fit testing?

A: Yes, within AYO WX series PAPRs, WX HFM P-Boost, WX HFM-W P-Boost, WX FFM-LF P-Boost, are certified to loose-fitting PAPR Standard EN 12941:2023 TH3. So being certified as loose-fitting, these models can be used without the need for Fit Testing.

Here are some notes and conditions regarding their applications:

• If the applications don’t involve high exertion to make you breathe hard, you should have the same protection as a well-fitted tight-fitting P3/TM3 grade PAPR.
• In typical cases, the protection from our loose-fitting PAPRs is at least 40 times better than a well-fitted P2 mask with clean-shaven.
• Always check if TH3 level of protection is adequate for the exposure limit of the contaminants in your applications.
• You should fully charge the battery before a long and hard day of work.
• You should always avoid using a blocked filter and try to replace the filter more frequently.

Q: How long does the AYO WX powered respirator last?

A: Expected lifespan is over 10 years with proper care. The brushless DC motor used in the blower has no brushes to wear out and can run indefinitely as long as the bearings last. The battery is user-replaceable to extend the service life easily.