🔍 Click to zoom
Bullard 88VX Supplied-Air Blast Respirator System, NIOSH Type CE (88VXSYS)
$4,985.99
Final price set by Amazon · may vary
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — the Bullard 88VX supplied-air blast respirator Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published Bullard specifications and category fit. We did no...
Check Price on Amazon🔒 Amazon Associate · You pay the same price · We earn a small commission
Zero Sponsored ListingsNo paid placements. Every recommendation is based on compliance, build quality, and field performance.
Curated SelectionExpert-chosen safety gear
Independently ReviewedUnbiased assessments — no manufacturer input
Built for Industrial BuyersSourced and reviewed for safety managers, procurement teams, and field supervisors.
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — the Bullard 88VX supplied-air blast respirator
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published Bullard specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
SHOP SUPPLIED-AIR RESPIRATORS →SHOP RESPIRATORY PROTECTION →
Bullard 88VX Supplied-Air Blast Respirator System, NIOSH Type CE (88VXSYS) Overview
The Bullard 88VX supplied-air blast respirator is a NIOSH-approved Type C and CE continuous-flow airline respirator (approval TC-19C-293) built for abrasive blasting operators. The 88VXSYS system includes a respirator helmet assembly with breathing tube, a cape, a flow-control device, and an air-supply hose. It delivers a continuous flow of breathing air to the helmet, and a sewn-in neck cuff keeps positive pressure inside the helmet.
As the Bullard 88VX, this abrasive blasting respirator protects the operator's airway and head. As a Type CE supplied-air respirator the helmet and cape also shield against rebounding abrasive, and as a sandblasting helmet respirator and NIOSH airline respirator it is used with a compliant external air source.
Because it is an airline respirator, it requires a separate Grade D breathing-air source; the respirator does not supply its own air. Compare it within supplied-air respirators, the wider respiratory protection range, and silica dust respirators for related blasting hazards before ordering.
What This Respirator Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive blasting operations | Purpose-built | Type CE helmet and cape for airway and head protection. |
| Silica and coatings dust exposure | Strong | Continuous clean-air flow with positive pressure. |
| Rebounding-abrasive protection | Strong | Helmet, lens, and cape shield the head and neck. |
| Compliant Grade D air setup | Required | Supply from a Grade D source with CO monitoring. |
| Oxygen-poor or emergency atmospheres | Not suitable | Continuous-flow airline is not rated for those. |
Supplied-air respirators are only safe within a complete, compliant system. The 88VX must be supplied with at least Grade D breathable air from a properly filtered and monitored source, including carbon monoxide monitoring on compressor systems, and used within a written program under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134. As a continuous-flow airline respirator it is not for IDLH or oxygen-deficient atmospheres, which require an SCBA or a pressure-demand airline respirator with an escape provision. Use only the NIOSH-approved components and approved hose lengths, inspect the helmet, lens, cape, tube, and hoses before each use, and train operators before use. Learn the rules in our OSHA 1910.134 respiratory protection guide and the respiratory protection complete guide.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- NIOSH Type C and CE approved (TC-19C-293)
- Purpose-built for abrasive blasting
- Helmet, cape, flow control, and hose included
- Positive-pressure sewn-in neck cuff
- Continuous clean-air flow to the helmet
Cons
- Requires a separate Grade D air source
- Not for oxygen-poor or emergency atmospheres
- Must be used in a written respiratory program
- Not a filter or cartridge respirator
How It Compares
The 88VX is a continuous-flow airline blast respirator. Weigh it against other respiratory options before ordering:
| Option | Air source | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullard 88VX (this page) | Airline (external Grade D) | Abrasive blasting | Type CE; head protection built in |
| Powered air-purifying respirator | Battery blower + filters | Dust and some vapors | Purifies ambient air, not blasting |
| Half or full-face APR | Cartridges/filters | Lower-hazard tasks | Not for abrasive blasting |
Choose the 88VX for abrasive blasting with a Grade D air source, a powered air-purifying respirator for dust where ambient air is adequate, or an air-purifying respirator for lower-hazard work. See our best PAPR respirator systems guide and the respiratory protection complete guide.
Specifications
| Brand | Bullard |
| Model / System | 88VX (88VXSYS system) |
| Type | Continuous-flow supplied-air (airline) blast respirator |
| NIOSH Approval | Type C and CE, TC-19C-293 |
| Includes | Helmet assembly with breathing tube, cape, flow-control device, air-supply hose |
| Air Requirement | Separate Grade D breathable air source (not included) |
Related Guides
OSHA 1910.134 respiratory protection, respiratory protection complete guide, best PAPR respirator systems, best PAPR hoods and headtops, 3M respiratory protection guide.
Related Resources
supplied-air respirators respiratory protection silica dust respirators welding respirators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bullard 88VX system, and what is included?
It is a NIOSH-approved Type C and CE continuous-flow supplied-air respirator for abrasive blasting. The 88VXSYS system includes a respirator helmet assembly with breathing tube, a cape, a flow-control device, and an air-supply hose.
What does Type CE mean?
Type CE is the NIOSH designation for a supplied-air respirator approved for abrasive blasting. The CE helmet and cape also shield the head, neck, and shoulders from rebounding abrasive, on top of supplying clean breathing air.
Does the respirator supply its own air?
No. It is an airline respirator, so it needs a separate source of breathable air delivered through the supply hose. It does not include an air compressor or a breathing-air tank; those are provided separately and must meet air-quality requirements.
What breathing air quality does it require?
OSHA requires at least Grade D breathable air for supplied-air respirators. You must supply the 88VX from a compliant Grade D air source with the appropriate filtration and monitoring, including carbon monoxide monitoring on compressor systems.
Is it approved by NIOSH?
Yes. The 88VX is NIOSH approved as a Type C and CE continuous-flow class respirator under approval number TC-19C-293. Use it only within the conditions and components of its NIOSH approval and the Bullard user manual.
Can I use it in an oxygen-poor or immediately dangerous atmosphere?
No. A continuous-flow airline respirator like the 88VX is not intended for oxygen-poor or immediately dangerous atmospheres. Those require respiratory protection rated for such conditions, such as a self-contained air-tank apparatus or a pressure-demand airline with escape provisions.
How does the neck cuff work?
A snug, sewn-in neck cuff provides a physical barrier to airborne contaminants and helps maintain positive pressure inside the helmet, so clean air flows outward and keeps abrasive and dust from entering around the neck.
Who uses the 88VX?
It is designed for abrasive blasting operators who sandblast metal, concrete, and other surfaces, where both respiratory protection and head protection from rebounding abrasive are required. It suits shipyards, fabrication, and coatings work.
Does it need fit testing?
Loose-fitting supplied-air helmets like this are used within a written respiratory protection program. Follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 for program requirements, training, air quality, and use, and follow the Bullard manual for assembly and inspection.
What maintenance does it need?
Inspect the helmet, lens, cape, breathing tube, hoses, and flow-control device before each use, replace worn lenses and consumables, and keep the air source and filtration maintained. Follow the Bullard manual and your program's schedule.
Is it a filter or cartridge respirator?
No. It is a supplied-air respirator, not an air-purifying respirator, so it does not use particulate filters or gas cartridges. Clean air is delivered from an external source rather than filtered from the surrounding air.
How do I choose the right hose length and setup?
Follow the NIOSH approval and Bullard manual for approved hose lengths, fittings, and the flow-control device, since these affect airflow and approval compliance. Do not substitute non-approved components into the system.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from Bullard published data. Compare the range in supplied-air respirators.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer; no paid placement. Use supplied-air respirators only within a compliant program and follow the manufacturer manual, NIOSH approval, and OSHA requirements.
Brand / Vendor
Bullard
Model / SKU
88VXSYS
Product Type
Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR)
Price
$4,985.99 (Amazon)
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
No Paid Placements
Every product earns its place based on safety credentials and field performance, not advertising spend.
Industrial Grade Only
Products sourced for professional use in manufacturing, construction, and industrial environments.
Compliance Verified
Every product listed on WC Safety is reviewed for standards compliance and safety credentials before publication.
Sourced for Professionals
Gear selected for safety managers, procurement teams, and field supervisors — not casual consumers.
Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
Share Your Experience
Write a Review
Thank you for your review!
Your submission has been received and will be published after verification.