Filter Media FAQ's

Cuff and Shroud Systems – Filter Cartridges:

The 2180-05 HE Filter Cap is MAXAIRs most recent filter innovation for MAXAIR Cuff and Shroud outfits. This filter provides NIOSH HE level particulate filtering efficiency at a very low cost.

The 2167-10 XP and 2166-10 XP N-OV filter cartridges are convenient snap-on/snap-off filters for use with the MAXAIR CAPR Cuff and Shroud System configurations. 

The 2167-10 XP Filter Cartridge provides NIOSH HE particulate filtration for Cuff and Shroud Outfits.

The alternate 2166-10 XP N-OV Filter Cartridge provides High Efficiency filtration and additionally provides relief from nuisance levels* of organic vapors when used with both Shrouds and Cuffs. It also provides XP (High APF, APF of 1000) for Shroud Outfits. 

* Levels below the OSHA PEL level, typically 5%-10% of the OSHA PEL.

Note that for Cuffs and Shrouds with Filter Caps and Filter Cartridges, the filters are covered and protected by the required Filter Cover Cap. 

Hood Systems Filters:

CAPR Hoods have the High Efficiency particulate filtration of a 2167-10 integrated into the top of the Hood, and therefore do not require a separate filter cartridge. 

Each “-07” style Hood includes and requires a HLF (Heavy Loading Filter) pre-filter that is assembled over the top of the Hood.

Each “PB-07” Hood w/HLF provides XP (High APF, APF of 1000) performance.

Note that All MAXAIR Hoods may be worn with an optional High Fluid Resistant Filter Cover Cap for maximum fluid protection of the filter area. 

PAPR Classes, HE and PAPR100, are primarily determined by filter capabilities, as indicated in the table below.

In general, MAXAIR System filters are not intended to be exposed to water.

If water spray is a potential, it is recommended to use -

1. A Shroud configuration which includes a Filter Cover Cap (FCC) that protects the Filter Cartridge.
2. A Hood configuration with a HFR FCC (High Fluid Resistance Filter Cover Cap) that protects the Hood Filter.

If filters do become wet with non-toxic and otherwise non-harmful material, they should be allowed to dry thoroughly before next use.

Note that all head and face covers are designed for single use. Hoods (with integrated filters) are single use headcovers.

It depends upon the application, the enviornment where used, the frequency and duration of use, and the orgnaization’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 a heavily loaded filter. 

Otherwise, filter change-out a minimum of every six-to-twelve months is recommended.

Most users prefer to use the Cuff system configuration for Infection Control in patient care areas because it more conveniently accommodates stethoscope use. 

The Cuff configurations are the primary choice where contact and fluid contamination are not of major concern as the neck and side and back of head are exposed with a Cuff configuration. 

Shroud configurations are usually recommended over cuffs when -

1. More complete, 360o, contact and fluid contamination needs to be considered
2. When it is acceptable and desirable to use the Filter multiple times (applies to Cuffs as well, not to Hoods).

Hood configurations are typically the configuration of choice for when the combination of maximum protection of a Shroud is needed or desired, and when the easy discarding of the entire head cover and filter is acceptable and economic. 

Both Shroud and Hood configurations are available in both single and double shroud styles -

1. The outer shroud is nearly always worn on the outside of the outer body gown to protect against splash.
2. The inner shroud of the double-shroud and double-hood configurations, worn inside the body gown, provides
   1. An improved "airborne contaminant seal".
   2. A filtered air escape mechanism.

MAXAIR Cuff and Shroud configurations use a separate, independently assembled Filter Cartridge, either the 2167-10 XP Filter Cartridge or the 2166-10 XP N-OV Filter Cartridge. All MAXAIR Hoods have the XP Filter integrated into the top of the hood. 

MAXAIR XP filter designations indicate they meet the NIOSH HE approval for PAPR filtration.

The N-OV designation of the 2166-10 XP N-OV Filter Cartridge indicates that it additionally provides relief from nuisance levels of organic vapors when used with CAPR Shrouds, i.e. levels below the OSHA PEL level, typically 5%-10% of the OSHA PEL. 

Some additional considerations for when to choose different configurations include:

The Cuff configurations are the primary choice where full 360o head contact and fluid contamination is not of major concern as the neck and side and back of the head are exposed with a Cuff configuration. 

Shroud configurations are usually recommended over cuffs when -

1. Contact and fluid contamination needs to be considered
2. When it is acceptable and desirable to use the Filter multiple times.

Hood configurations are typically the configuration of choice when the combination of maximum protection of a Shroud is needed or desired, and the easy discarding of the entire head cover and filter is acceptable and economic. 

Both Shroud and Hood configurations are available in both single or double shroud styles.

1. The outer shroud is nearly always worn on the outside of the outer body gown to protect against splash.
2. The inner shroud of the double-shroud and double-hood configurations, worn inside the body gown, provides
   1. An improved "airborne contaminant seal".
   2. A filtered air escape mechanism.

Bio-Medical Devices International, Inc. does not recommend what PPE should be worn during any type of maintenance of your MAXAIR Systems, including change-out of filters, just as we do not recommend what type or configuration of PPE is appropriate for your applications.

We recommend that you consult with your institutional protocols and appropriate departments, e.g., Safety, Infection Control, etc., for protocols and procedures for handling contaminated waste.

For additional reference, we recommend you consult relevant sources such as CDC, OSHA, and NIOSH. References that may also be helpful include:

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3151.pdf

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/powered-air-purifying-respirators-strategy.html#:~:text=When%20removing%20organic%20and%20inorganic,the%20potential%20for%20self%2Dinfection