Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator comprises a housing having an inlet for admitting air from the exterior of the housing to the interior of the housing and an outlet for emitting air from the interior of the housing to a face mask connected to the housing. The inlet and outlet are on opposite edges of the housing. A filter is mounted within the housing so that air entering through the inlet must pass through the filter before it passes through the outlet. A pair of sockets extend along opposite sides of the housing. At least one of the sockets has a battery releasably retained therein. Optionally, there is one battery in each socket. A blower unit is mounted within the housing between the sockets for drawing air in through the inlet via the filter and directing air out through the outlet. A control system connects the batteries to power the blower unit.