Testing apparatus for respirators and method of using the same

A method for testing a respirator, the method comprising:

• providing a testing apparatus configured to produce a simulated inhalation and a simulated exhalation, the testing apparatus including:
• a base portion;
• a receiving portion configured to receive a facepiece of the respirator;
• a passageway formed in the receiving portion to permit a gas flow therethrough, the passageway having a first opening in communication with an external environment, and a second opening in communication with the base portion;
• a piston assembly located in the base portion and configured to produce a simulated exhalation and a simulated inhalation, the piston assembly in fluid communication with the passageway;
• a first sensor disposed in the receiving portion separate from the first opening of the passageway, the first sensor configured to detect a pressure within the facepiece of the respirator;
• at least one additional sensor, the at least one additional sensor configured to detect at least one parameter;
• causing, via the testing apparatus, the simulated inhalation and the simulated exhalation;
• detecting, via the at least one additional sensor, a pressure within the passageway during the at least one of the simulated inhalation and the simulated exhalation;
• and
• determining, via the testing apparatus, whether the respirator meets at least one predefined requirement based upon the at least one parameter.