MSA 10214891, 10214805, 10214804 User Manual
Air-Purifying Respirators for Healthcare
What Are The Advantages of Reusable Elastomeric Respirators?
Photo courtesy of Allegheny Health Network
Healthcare workers have faced a severe shortage of disposable N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given these shortages, and in light of the Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA
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, some are using reusable elastomeric respirators
as a complement to their respiratory protection programs. Here are a few key reasons why elastomerics make sense:
REDUCTION OF STORAGE SPACE
Because elastomeric respirators are resuable, they may occupy a
fraction of the storage space needed for stockpiling disposable
N95 respirators.
LOWER TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP
When all costs are considered, reusable elastomeric respirators
are an economical solution for regular and surge use. Authors of
a comparative cost analysis found reusable elastomeric half-face
respirators to be less costly to stockpile than disposable masks.
The study concluded stockpiling an adequate amount of N95
respirators alone to distribute to all rst responders is prohibitive in
terms of both cost and volume, but stockpiling both disposable N95
respirators and reusable half-face respirators may be the best option.
FLEXIBILITY IN PROTECTION
Elastomeric respirators oer further exibility for use in other
national emergencies ranging from natural disasters to national
security threats or other novel public health emergencies.
Filter cartridges are interchangeable, so you can t the same
respirator with lters appropriate to a wide array of hazards.
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1
United States Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/media/135763/download
2
Baracco, G., Eisert, S., Eagan, A., & Radonovich, L. 2015. Comparative Cost of Stockpiling Various Types of Respiratory Protective
Devices to Protect the Health Care Workforce During an Inuenza Pandemic. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness,
9(3), 313-318. doi:10.1017/dmp.2015.12
Air-Purifying Respirators for Healthcare
OptimAir® TL Powered Air-Purifying Respirator
MSA’s NIOSH-approved powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with loose-tting hoods and tight-tting facepieces helps to protect
against particulates, toxic gases and vapors, or a combination.
Smart Features for Intuitive Use:
• The OptimAir TL’s ow rate can adjust automatically for
altitude, and cartridge type through built in smart sensors
• Both audible and visual alarms alert the user if there is a
low ow, or low battery voltage
Comfort:
• Low prole system reduces bulk for mobility
in tight spaces
• Waist belt helps distribute weight evenly
for worker comfort
Versatility:
• Low-prole hood options reduce ear coverage area,
allowing for the use of a stethoscope, while also
maintaining eye and face protection.
• Full hood applications are also available for application
where a higher assigned protection factor (APF),
and full head, face and neck protection is required.
NIOSH-APPROVED
A variety of hood materials, styles and
congurations are all NIOSH-approved,
including DuPont Tychem SL and QC
with single and double bib. A choice
of hose connection is also available.
Unit has an APF of 1,000 (Assigned
Protection Factor) for tight-tting
facepieces and full coverage single and
double bib hoods. Low Prole Hoods
have an APF of 25.
Key components
1. Audible and visible low-ow alarm
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2. Standard battery has a minimum run
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time of 4-hours regardless of cartridge
being used
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3. Audible and visible low-battery
voltage alarm
5. Combination cartridge switch adjusts
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for proper air-ow requirements.
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6. Blower, battery, and cartridges share
common platform with no external
cables required
7. Ergonomic housing design includes
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contoured blower housing for secure
and comfortable t against user’s back
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