What distinguishes a hose mask from an air line respirator?

A hose mask and an air line respirator differ primarily in the type of breathing gas supplied, which is the correct distinguishing factor. Both devices are used in environments where respiratory protection is needed, but they serve different functions and contexts.

An air line respirator connects to a source of compressed air, allowing the user to breathe clean air supplied from a tank or compressor over a continuous period. This ensures a consistent supply of breathable air, particularly in confined spaces or hazardous environments where the air quality may be compromised.

In contrast, a hose mask typically uses a different type of gas supply or is meant for specific applications, such as supplying filtered air through a much shorter hose. This option acknowledges the functionality and operational capacity of the devices, which is crucial for safety in varied workplace scenarios.

The size of the hose diameter, while relevant to airflow and pressure in some cases, does not provide a fundamental distinguishing characteristic between these two types of respirators. The material of the mask may vary across different models but does not define the type of respirator you are using. These aspects do not fundamentally alter the operational distinction between a hose mask and an air line respirator regarding how they supply breathable air.