General Questions:

What are the MAXAIR and CAPR Systems?

MAXAIR and CAPR Systems are Computerized Controlled Air Purifying Respirators that are setting standards for the future of respiratory and contact protection.  They provide health care professionals an unprecedented level of safety, comfort, convenience, and cost effectiveness in protecting them against harmful aerosolized particulates.

What system configurations are available?

There are three primary configurations to choose from:

1.       The 710-DLC CAPR System – This configuration is characterized by the unique DLC, Disposable Lens-Cuff, and full face cover. The system maintains all the primary characteristics and benefits of the 2000-700 and -800 systems. This system is designed to optimize safety and cost effectiveness particularly for routine daily use in health care.
 

2.       The 2000-700 Filter Cover Systems - These configurations are characterized by a “hard shell-cap” with integrated lens which protects and extends the useful life of the HE Filter, and provides unprecedented de-contamination ease. It also provides the easiest change-over from a “Cuff” configuration to a “Hood”-style (Shroud) configuration, and vice-versa.
 

3.       The 2000-800 Hood System – This configuration is categorized as a “loose fitting hood” (with a neck tie) providing head, face, and neck protection. The hood includes an integrated HE filter and a Pre-Filter.

Are all MAXAIR Systems NIOSH approved?

Yes, the NIOSH approval numbers for the different configurations are 21C-0772, 21C-0806, 21C-0803, and 21C-0851.

What areas / applications can I use the MAXAIR for?

- Infection Prevention and Control: SARS, Anthrax, TB, H5N1 – Bird Flu, Treating Respiratory Diseases

- Emergency Preparedness (Disaster Planning)

- Bronchoscopy

Since this procedure is not done in a sterile environment, we recommend the Hood or Shroud system configuration.

The hood/shroud must be disposed of immediately after the procedure according to hospital decontamination protocols.

- Emergency Department

- Laboratory/Research

- Pathology

Do I need to be fit tested?

No. All MAXAIR Systems are positive pressure devices that supply 6 to 9 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of airflow. The user does not need to be fit-tested. However, users must complete a medical evaluation questionnaire per safety regulations prior to using the MAXAIR and perform annual retraining.

What do you recommend to clean / disinfect MAXAIR?

Quaternary Ammonia, Bleach, or Alcohol based wipes.

Can one MAXAIR System accommodate multiple users?

Yes. After decontamination and replacement of the comfort strips, MAXAIR is ready for the next user.

What is the noise level of the system?

MAXAIR’S noise level specifications are lower than conventional PAPRs; the average decibel level is 62 db.

 Can I use a stethoscope with your system?

Yes. The audio quality is optimum with the Cuff configurations.

Can I wear this system if I have a beard and/or wear glasses?

Yes, all configurations fit users with facial hair, glasses, and virtually of all sizes and shapes. No additional attachments

are needed.

Helmet:

With your “hose-free” technology, where does the air supply come from?

The fan module (located in the top rear of the helmet) draws in ambient air through the HE filter. The filtered air is

channeled inside the helmet, flows downward against the lens, while cooling the user and preventing fogging of the lens,

and exhausts carbon dioxide from the user’s breath through the cuff, hood, or shroud.

How much airflow am I getting?

The default factory setting is on Low which provides 6-7 cfm of airflow. The user can adjust the airflow switch, located at

the posterior of the helmet, between Low (6-7 cfm), Medium (7-8 cfm), and High (8-9 cfm). This adjustment allows the

user to match the air flow for widely varying work environments and activity levels.

What do the Safety Status LEDs indicate?

The Safety LEDs are uniquely always on and visible in the peripheral vision of the user. They allow the user to maintain

complete focus on patient care, and automatically alert the user when it is time to exit the environment and re-charge or

change out the battery, and/or change the filter.

The yellow LED indicates a low airflow condition. If it becomes lighted during use it indicates that the system is nearing a point when it won’t be able to maintain desired air flow and it is time to check the filter to see if replacement is necessary.

The three green LEDs together with the red LED provide the user general progress status of the battery charge level. Three green lit LEDs indicate approximately 75%-100% charge remaining, two green lit LEDs indicate approximately 50%-75% charge remaining, one green lit LED indicates approximately 25%-50% charge remaining – if not before, at this condition the user should be planning on recharging the battery or replacing it at the next opportunity. No green lighted LEDs and a red lighted LED indicates 0%-25% charge remaining and that it is urgent that the user replace or recharge the battery as soon as possible.
 

If both red and yellow LED’s are lit, both battery and filter need to be checked for change out.

In the Infection Control environment, the yellow LED should rarely illuminate because it is not a “heavy particulate” loading” environment as compared to industrial applications.

How does MAXAIR accommodate different user head sizes?

The helmets are equipped with a universal head band or liner with a ratchet knob to adjust for proper circumferential fit. Additionally, the helmets have height adjustments to allow proper vertical size adjustment, and proper tilt of the helmet to insure easy visualization of the safety LEDs in the peripheral vision.

Filter Media:

What is the (blue) combination filter?

The 2160-10 HE Filter is an overall light weight, high performance filter that is designed to be ideally compatible with the

Filter Cover (2061-XX) in the 2000-700 System configurations.

What is the filter cartridge?

The 2164-10 filter cartridge is a HE Filter fitted into a convenient snap-on/snap-off frame.

Will the filters withstand water?

Yes. The pre-filter will absorb water and once dried, it can be reused. The HE filter is water resistant (hydrophobic).

How often does the filter need to be changed?

It depends upon the application, the frequency of use and the hospital’s protocol for the prevention of cross contamination.

In addition, due to its self-monitoring system, the yellow LED will illuminate when airflow intake nears the

threshold of 6 cfm (170 lpm), allowing the user ample time to exit the working environment, and change out the filter.

What is the proper configuration for Infection Control in hospitals?

Most users prefer to use the Cuff system configuration for Infection Control in patient care areas because it more conveniently accommodates stethoscope use. Two choices for cuff configurations are available.

The 710-DLC CAPR is optimized for daily routine use. The unique DLC (Disposable Lens-Cuff) combines a full face coverage lens and a face-seal cuff into one convenient single piece, low cost disposable. This is an extremely easy and fast snap-on/snap-off disposable, cost competitive with an N95 Mask plus goggles. It provides full visibility and safety protection for the user and full face visibility to the patient for optimum communication.

The 2000-700 Cuff offers an alternative cuff design that is also disposable and is used with a separate lens integrated with a top Filter Cover. The Filter Cover-Lens greatly extends the useful life of the HE Filter, and can be decontaminated and reused indefinitely.

Which HE filter is used for pathology, laboratories, and primate research centers?

We recommend using the disposable filter hood (2000-25DM) of the 2000-800 System. In an effort to maximize efficiency, reduce cost, and reduce decontamination time, we have combined the pre-filter with the HE filter hood as an integral one piece unit. This configuration provides full, 360^o head and neck coverage.

Battery & Charger:

What is the standard MAXAIR System battery and how long does one battery charge last?

The 2000-36 Lithium-Ion battery is the primary battery included in system configurations. It provides 8-10 hours of continuous use per charge, ideal in a low particulate filter loading environment as a Hospital. This battery is small and lightweight enough that it may be conveniently placed in a scrub pocket as an option to wearing with the included battery belt.

The 2000-30 Lithium-Ion battery is optional for all systems; it provides 16-20 hours continuous use per charge.

How many times can the battery be recharged?

The battery can be recharged between 450-500 times (also known as “cycles”). A cycle is defined as a complete discharge and recharge.

How long does it take to charge the battery?

The 2000-36 Lithium-Ion battery takes approximately 4-6 hours to completely re-charge; the 2000-30 requires approximately 6-8 hours for a complete recharge.

How long can I leave the battery on the charger?

Do not leave the battery on the charger continuously for more than 4 weeks at a time.

If I don’t use the system on a regular basis and only use it for emergency preparedness, how often does the

battery need to be maintained?

Upon initial purchase, the battery is delivered and can be stored “as is” (at about 50% of full charge) and will provide 4-5

hours of use without being charged. Thereafter, we recommend you recharge the battery at least annually or bi-annually. (See User Instructions included with each System shipment for details about intermittent use and long term storage.)

There are no electrical outlets in the ante room. Where do you suggest we charge the battery?

Check with your Bio-Hazard / Bio-Engineering or Safety department for existing hospital protocol and procedures for

charging batteries.

Healthcare users are typically wearing scrubs. Do you have a belt to hold the battery?

Yes, a belt is supplied with all systems. It will prevent the scrubs from being pulled down by the battery. The smaller,

light weight 2000-36 battery is compact enough to be placed in a scrub pocket, and the battery belt may not be

needed.

Do you have a gang charger?

A 5-Charger Rack kit, 2610-05K is planned for availability Q4 2010 as an accessory kit. It will accept 1 to 5 single charging units.

Other Parts & Accessories:

Can we clean and re-use the latex-free rayon cuff?

Yes. It can be washed like other hospital garments (i.e. scrubs) up to 10 times or until visibly worn.

What material are the disposable cuffs and shrouds made from?

Cuffs: Barrier Material and polyurethane/polypropylene.

Shrouds: White portions are polypropylene; Blue portions are polypropylene/polyurethane/polyethylene.

What material are the lenses made from?

Polycarbonate and PETG (DLC).

Is the lens fog proof?

Yes, since MAXAIR uniquely channels the airflow down across the front of the user’s face, “fogging” of the lens is

virtually eliminated.

How do we change out the comfort strips on the head band?

The Velcro backed foam strips are placed on the front and back of the headband for comfort and hygiene on the -700 and -800 systems, and on the front headband on the CAPR systems. Replace the comfort strips by simply pulling off the used ones and pressing on the new strips.

Where do I store (hang) my MAXAIR Systems?

The helmets are either stored on a cart, inside a cabinet in the anti room, or they may be hung at a location of choice on

“J” hooks. “J” hooks (2000-204) are available for purchase.

Cleaning & Decontamination:

What is the recommended decontamination procedure for MAXAIR?

Please refer to your institution’s standard operating procedures for cleaning surfaces with blood or bodily fluid

contamination.

Dispose of the pre-filter, filter, and filter cartridge if there is blood or bodily fluid contact.

Helmet – We suggest the use of Quaternary Ammonia, Bleach, or Alcohol based wipes for wiping down all external

surfaces other than the pre-filter, filter, and comfort strips.

Lens – We suggest the use of Quaternary Ammonia, Bleach, or Alcohol based wipes. These materials will not adversely

affect the clarity of the lens.

Rayon Cuff (blue) – This cuff can be washed like other hospital garments (i.e. scrubs) up to 10 times or until visibly worn.

Disposable Cuff (white) and DLC – Dispose of after one time use. In emergency situations these cuffs may be cleaned with Quaternary Ammonia, Bleach, or Alcohol based soaking solutions and dried.

Battery & Power Cord – We suggest the use of Quaternary Ammonia, Bleach, or Alcohol based wipes. They will not

adversely affect the function of the battery and power cord.

Is there a hard cover which can be placed on top of the helmet, to further simplify the decontamination process

and provide additional protection to the filters?