Ask The Pros Archive:

Subject
Ultra 3-in-1 Ear Loop Face Masks, XE0365VMAX

Question
Will this mask prevent swine flu?

Answer
Below is some information about surgical & procedure masks.

Ultra 3-in-1 Ear Loop Face Masks item# XE0365VMAX is PFE rated at 99.7% at 0.1 micron.

The intended use of a surgical / procedure mask is to help prevent large particles expelled by the wearer (e.g. spit, mucous) from reaching the patient or work environment. Some surgical masks also have fluid resistant properties to help reduce the risk of splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions from reaching the wearer's mouth and nose. Fluids contacting the outer surface of the surgical mask will not immediately soak through to the interior of the surgical mask and contact the wearer's lips or skin.

Surgical masks are not designed to pass a fit test. Flat surgical masks fit loosely over the face leaving large gaps between the mask and the wearer. It is unlikely that most of the air will pass through the mask material. The air (and any airborne particles) will go through the gaps. Cup or Cone shaped surgical masks appear to fit tighter to the face, but they are not designed to seal to the face and cannot be relied upon to provide respiratory protection.

Surgical masks are typically donned for a specific procedure. For infection control purposes masks are typically disposed of after each procedure/patient activity.

In the United States, surgical masks are cleared for sale by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA reviews data submitted by the manufacturer but does not test the surgical mask. The FDA only allows the sale of products that meet their minimum requirements based on the data supplied.
Common tests for surgical masks include: particle filtration efficiency (PFE), bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), fluid resistance, differential pressure and flammability.

PFE: The PFE test is a quality indicator for healthcare surgical masks. The PFE test is not an indicator of respirator protection performance The filter media of a surgical mask with a very high (>95%) PFE may be less than 70% efficient when tested with the NIOSH N95 test method. The results of the surgical mask PFE testing and NIOSH filtration efficiency testing should not be compared. Conditions of the PFE test include:

• Polystyrene latex sphere test aerosol approximately 0.1 m in size;
• Airflow rate of 28 liters per minute (lpm). o Unneutralized test aerosol.
• No preconditioning

BFE: This test assesses the ability of a mask to provide a barrier to large particles expelled by the wearer. It is not a filtration efficiency test and it does not evaluate the mask's ability to provide any protection to the wearer. Two methodologies are available: the "Modified Greene and Vesley Test or ASTM method F2101-01. Fluid Resistance: The fluid resistance test is typically conducted based on the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Test Method F 1862 "Resistance to Penetration by Synthetic Blood" which determines the mask's resistance to synthetic blood squirted at it under varying pressures.

Subject
Invacare Oxygen Regulator, RMME8GSIISG

Question
Will this work with both D & E Tanks

Answer

Larry,

This oxygen regulator is universal and is made to fit most standard oxygen cylinders.

Subject
Digi-Flex Exercise/Rehabilitation System, 442BAFMM

Question
Which color requires the least resistance? How much resistance will that be? This is for someone who is overcoming a stroke and has the strength of a weak woman. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Answer

Elaine,

The Digi-Flex Exerciser that requires the least resistance is yellow.  The resistances are:

Yellow: 1.5 Lbs
Red: 3 Lbs
Green: 5 Lbs
Blue: 7 Lbs
Black: 9 Lbs

Subject
Tuning Fork C 128, 1006044SDMMD

Question
Hello,I am interested in purchasing a tuning fork to rule out fractures. Which frequency would be th best to ascertain a fracture? Which tuning fork would you recommend?

Answer

We do not have specific data on which tuning fork may work best for detecting fractures.  Since it is the vibration of the tuning fork which is what may cause increased pain/discomfort for a patient when the fork is applied within the area of a potential fracture, most tuning forks should have the same impact.  However, it is always advisable to get an xray of the potential fracture.

Subject
Malibu Lightweight Push Down 4 Wheeled, F41B-D-TRVE

Question
I recently had bunion surgery and I was wondering if this walker will work for me to prop knee on and be able to walk and work.

Answer

The walker/ rollator will enable you to get around with ease.  The seat will also allow you to rest and has a weigh capacity of 260lbs.  However, it is not clear whether you will be able to use the Malibu Lightweight Push Down 4 Wheeled Rollator  to prop your knee.

Subject
Fitted Disposable Stretcher Sheets, 00043NONMD

Question
Do these sheets have elastic on each corner to secure underneath? Can I get custom made to different sizes?

Answer

Jana,

Yes, this Fitted Stretcher Sheet is contoured on each corner to fit the mattress.  Unfortunately, we are unable to do custom sizes, however, we do several other Disposable Bed & Stretcher Sheets.

Subject
mens diabetic shoes

Question
have a pair of black shoes no 1270MW08 and need new pair?

Answer

Here are the Ambulator Conform shoes you are looking for by Aertex.  Conform Footwear Men's Diabetic Shoe - Black Lace-Up item# M0721AFHI 

Subject
Thermoskin Sport Shoulder, 651IPUMM

Question
How would you determine the size necessary for a woman?Would this support provide support for a deltoid muscle strain? I have already be advised that I do not have a RTC injury... I need something to provide support while I continue bowlingThank you

Answer

Jean,

In order to determine the size needed, you will measure expanded chest around middle. 

This will provide protection, heat and support for the shoulder. It keeps the shoulder warm and flexible while playing sports. It is not to be used for dislocations or bracing.

Subject
Knee Elevator, 202ROCMM

Question
Can this knee elevator be helpful to take pressure off of the lumbar spine? What are the dimensions?Thanks

Answer

Sharon,

This Knee Elevator can be used as a simple positioning wedge for support and reduces circulatory problems, knee pains and lower back pain.

The dimensions are 17" L x 10" W x 7" H

Subject
Beds

Question
I am looking for a bed that keeps the patient moving, to help prevent bed sores

Answer

What you are looking for are Low-Air Loss Pressure Mattresses or Air Mattresses.  These mattresses are especially designed to minimize the occurance of bed sores and to maximize comfort.  Please contact us at 877-706-4480 and we will be happy to provide you with options which best suite your needs.