I feel like I’m reading a repeat of dismisive comments of how goofy masks are a year ago. So far, almost all the comments are focusing on appearance rather than effectiveness.

The benefits of a PAPR include far better filtration than a surgical mask or even an N95 respirator (edit: inexplicably the BioVYZR only uses KN95 filters though https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/biovyzr-venture-out-breat...), better tolerance to leaks, and better comfort for people who find masks uncomfortable.

For a $15 (in quantity) DIY version of a PAPR which uses pulmonary function testing (PFT) filters, see https://viralhelmets.medium.com/15-viral-helmet-version-of-a... and instructions at https://www.viralhelmets.com/.