A portable two-way protective respirator system to be worn by a person that filters ambient air of harmful viruses, bacteria, and other airborne contaminant particles and vapor components for safe and fresh breathing by the wearer, while also removing any harmful viruses, bacteria, and other airborne contaminant particles and vapor components from the person's exhaled airstream before it is emitted to the surrounding community to protect other persons therein is provided according to the invention. The system comprises a respirator mask connected by a flexible hose to an air inflow blower fan unit containing filter media that produces an incoming airstream for a first chamber contained inside the respirator mask free of those harmful contaminant particles and vapor components. A gaiter made from finely woven cotton material extending from the bottom of the respirator mask defines a second chamber for a second airstream exhaled by the person to remove viruses and bacteria from that second airstream by a diffusion mechanism as it passes between the threads of the finely woven gaiter material. The two-way protective respirator system is comfortable for the person to wear, while being highly portable to accommodate a variety of work, educational, and lifestyle activities conducted within a group setting.