Cleaning and disinfecting 3M versaflow Powered air purifying respirators

3M versaflow for health care- 3M 

If available, the proper use of a HEPA filtered powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) can be used to reduce the use of N-95s by health care workers as the HEPA filter on the device may be used for an extended period of time without changing.  The face shield and covers can also be disinfected.  These series of videos show proper assembly, donning and doffing of one style of 3M PAPR.

These supplemental notes to the videos on PAPR use and decontamination were developed by Nancy Rolstad from the BioSafety group at University Health and Safety.

Before Starting:

Eyeglass users: 

Consider a strap retainer to hold the eyeglasses in place. This may take a little adjusting as the hood is donned and more care when doffing to not be tempted to reach for glasses before hand hygiene is performed.  People may also use medical tape over the frame to their temples too but not without some discomfort.

There are also silicone retainers to slide on frames to help eyeglasses stay in place. https://www.amazon.com/Benvo-Eyeglasses-Retainers-Anti-slip-Protectors/dp/B07TTW1LD7/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=eyeglass+retainers&qid=1585941102&sr=8-3

Precheck:

Test airflow with the ball tube  (set out of the way so it doesn't become contaminated during doffing)

Hand over the output to test alarm  (shown in the video posted below)

Verify that there is enough battery power

The battery may need a good thump to get it locked in on the respirator, try pulling it off to verify it's tight.

To facilitate decontamination, install a plastic sleeve over the tube and secure with twist ties, tucking ends of twist ties in a way to prevent snagging.  (Consider taping, with a tab for easy removal as another option)

Check the hood for leaks before donning by gathering up the shoulder shroud (as if choking it) to verify it fills with air and you don't hear or feel any air pushing out any little holes. 

Donning:

Shroud Layering- Leave the longer shroud inside the disposable gown to help protect in from contamination

Use the gown to cover the unit to help protect it from contamination as shown in the video.

Doffing:

Follow the demonstration in the video with respect to doffing the disposable gown and gloves to prep for decontamination between patients or end of the shift.

Assure that there is a large enough space for two people.

Decontamination post doffing:

All items to be disinfected must remain visibly wet for the contact time listed on the (EPA approved) disinfectant's container and left to air dry. Do not attempt to wipe it dry. 

Wipe down the plastic sleeve being careful not to poke gloves with the twist tie ends which may be pointy.  Wipe down and carefully remove and properly dispose of the plastic sleeve at the end of the shift or if it becomes damaged.

Gently hang shroud to dry for next use. 

Wipe down table. 

Battery:

Battery connection points can become corroded if they get wet during decontamination. Avoid contact with disinfectant and battery connection points, if they do get wet be sure the battery contact points are dry before starting to charge.

Verify the battery is charging.

If there seems to be a connectivity issue a soft pencil eraser on the copper contact points can help to gently remove residue.     

Locate the battery charger in a place where it will not come into contact with items being doffed/ decontaminated.

Versaflow TR300 Mask 3 min. 27 seconds.

S- series head cover information.  View the first 2 minutes and 15 seconds

Donning, Doffing and disinfecting 3M PAPR breathing apparatus - 10 min. Please note this head cover is different from the s-series head cover in the previous video.  

There is a Cleaning Reusable Respirators-and-PAPR-assemblies document available from 3M