Understanding Respiratory Protection

Yes, 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film will help protect intact skin from moisture and friction and, when used properly, would not be expected to interfere with the fit¹ of 3M FFR.

*Please refer to the product inserts (Instructions for use) for 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film and/or 3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant for complete Indications and Instructions for Use, Contraindications, Precautions, and Warnings.

¹No effect on respirator fit was observed in studies comparing the fit of filtering facepiece respirators with and without these Cavilon products applied to skin as shown in this application guide (PDF, 139 KB). If there is any doubt or concern regarding the impact of these products on the respirator’s seal, employees should be fit tested with these products applied to the skin as they would be during respirator wear.

3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant*,** can be used to help protect damaged skin, e.g. abrasions from friction or other superficial skin damage.

The 0.7 ml applicator is recommended.
 

• It can be used on the face, but should not be applied in or near the eye
• The product should be applied in a thin layer
• The product should be allowed to dry completely (at least 90 seconds) before the FFR is donned (put on). This allows fluid to dry on the skin and vapors to dissipate.
• Upon application, an odor may be noted as the solvent ingredient evaporates. The odor will disappear as the product dries.
• Always read and follow all respirator user instructions, including conducting a use seal check every time the respirator is donned (put on).
• We recommend starting with a 2-3 times per week application. If the user notes buildup of the product, decrease the frequency of application, e.g. 1-2 times/week.
• Cavilon Advanced Skin Protectant does not require removal but can be removed with a medical adhesive remover containing hexamethyldisiloxane or a silicone.
• Every time an FFR is donned, the wearer must conduct a user seal check. If a successful user seal check cannot be conducted, the wearer should not use the product with the respirator.

*Please refer to the product inserts (Instructions for use) for 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film and/or 3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant for complete Indications and Instructions for Use, Contraindications, Precautions, and Warnings.

**USA only: Federal Law (U.S.A.) restricts the device to sale by or on the order of a health care professional.

The 0.7 ml† is recommended.

If the 2.7 ml† applicator is used, the following steps are recommended to minimize fluid dripping or pooling during application:
 

• Open and retain package nearby.
• Activate the applicator and allow the foam to fill.
• Press the foam applicator against the white package flap to express excess fluid.
• Then, apply as indicated.

†Single use only

Once completely dry on the skin, 3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film or 3M Cavilon Advanced Skin Protectant is not expected to transfer off the skin onto FFRs. However, 3M has not tested FFRs for the presence of residual barrier film or skin protectant, or the impact that this material could have on decontamination processes.

Note: No effect on respirator fit was observed in studies comparing the fit of filtering facepiece respirators with and without these Cavilon products applied to skin as shown in this application guide (PDF, 139 KB). If there is any doubt or concern regarding the impact of these products on the respirator’s seal, employees should be fit tested with these products applied to the skin as they would be during respirator wear.

3M does not recommend use of dressings such as polyurethane foams and hydrocolloids. These types of dressings can raise the respirator off the cheeks and nose and may interfere with the intended seal and exposure reduction associated with the respirator.
 

• If use of a dressing or bandage is desired, select the thinnest dressing available (e.g. 3M™ Tegaderm™ Transparent Film Dressing) AND perform fit testing, as well as a user seal check every time the respirator is donned (put on).
• Fit testing (PDF, 77.07 KB) should be conducted following local regulatory requirements or recognized fit test protocol where fit testing is not required by local regulation.
• For those respirators with adjustable headbands, it is important to not over-tighten the headbands as this can interfere with the seal against the skin and increase the risk of pressure-related skin damage

Note: Dressings or film barriers can be used to help prevent or cover areas of skin damage under equipment, such as face shields, where fit and seal is not critical to the function of the protective equipment.