respirator

/ˈrɛspəˌreɪtər/
noun
  1. A device worn over the mouth and nose to filter the air and protect the wearer from harmful substances.
    • Construction workers must wear a respirator when cutting concrete.
    • During the pandemic, many people bought respirators for extra protection.
    • She put on her respirator before entering the smoke-filled building.
  2. A machine that helps a person breathe by moving air in and out of the lungs; a ventilator.
    • He spent two weeks on a respirator before his lungs recovered.
    • The patient was placed on a respirator after the accident.
    • Modern respirators can be adjusted to deliver the right amount of oxygen.