October, 2002
For Immediate Release

3M Health Care Introduces Innovative New Respirator

Revolutionary New Design of 3M Health Care Particulate Respirator for Use Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Laser Plume and other Respiratory Hazards

London, ON - 3M Canada introduces a new, truly unique, patented design of 3M Health Care's Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask (Catalogue No. 1870). This mask not only meets the performance requirements demanded of an N95 filtering face piece respirator, but it also provides a comfortable fit, unlike any other on the market. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an N95 respirator for respiratory exposure control prevention against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other high-risk biological exposures. (Consult OSHA, NIOSH, LCDC and CDC for the most current regulations and guidelines for the appropriate use of an N95 respirator where there may be a potential risk of exposure to certain biological agents).

“This uniquely-designed, three-panel respirator is also suitable for use as a surgical mask for laser and electrocautery procedures in the OR,” says Peter McCaw, Business Manager of 3M Health Care.

With a high fluid and splash resistant performance that surpasses the strictest industry standards, the 1870 respirator and surgical mask reduces the risk of wearer contact with blood and body fluids. When used properly, it helps reduce wearer exposure to airborne particles down to the most challenging size (0.1 microns), and is appropriate for laser and electrocautery procedures. With greater than 99 percent bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE¹), it also helps reduce patient contamination caused by exhaled microorganisms.

Because it is both an N95 respirator and a surgical mask, and because it can provide a proper fit for most face sizes and head shapes, the 3M Health Care Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask 1870 is the perfect choice for standardization to a single respirator for use in the OR and throughout the rest of the facility.

The unique new flat-fold/three panel design of the 1870 respirator and surgical mask has a soft inner panel for increased skin comfort. Moreover, the off-the-face, lightweight, collapse-resistant design provides greater comfort and breathability. The soft and conformable nosepiece helps provide a customized form fit and secure facial seal.

In addition to the 1870's patented design, it also utilizes 3M’s patented Electret Media. The 3M Electret Media is made of electrostatically charged microfibres, aiding in filtering microbes and particles, while making breathing easier and cooler. “It is often difficult to breath with various respirators today,” says McCaw. “The ease of breathing in 3M’s new Particulate Respirators is a definite benefit to wearers. Organization’s trying to improve respirator compliance will also benefit, with the decrease of employee exposure and the reduction in nosocomial infections.”

Latex-and fibreglass-free, the 1870 respirator and surgical mask is hypoallergenic. It comes individually packaged in sealed pouches to ensure product integrity during storage and allows for easy dispensing.

3M offers fit testing equipment, as well as training materials and services to help health care facilities meet OSHA training regulations for the use of respirators.

For more information about 3M infection prevention products, see http://www.3M.com/InfectionPrevention, or call the 3M Health Care Customer Helpline at 1-800-228-3957.

3M is a diversified, international company with a 50-plus-year health care business consisting of more than 10,000 medical, surgical, consumer and home health care, dental and pharmaceutical products. 3M Health Care is committed to supplying reliable products and services that make a difference in the practice, delivery and outcome of health care.

¹Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) determined by the modified Greene and Vesley test method.

Contact 3M Canada PR department.

3M is a trademark of 3M. Used under licence in Canada.