Frequently Asked Questions

What does your product do?

Our pre/Vent system is a freestanding, air-handling apparatus that provides an additional layer of protection to traditional PPE and augments local engineering controls (i.e., your HVAC system), to mitigate through filtration the effects of airborne particles by greatly increasing room ventilation and preventing the dispersal of potentially pathogenic airborne particulates at the source.

How does your product work?

Our pre/Vent system deploys innovative and effective methodologies to mechanically filter ambient indoor air. The product has two modes. In its “patient mode”, during the patient encounter, our pre/Vent system provides source control by producing a directed, gentle, nonturbulent, laminar flow of upwardly moving, filtered air (i.e., an air column or curtain) that contains, transports, and removes (through mechanic filtration) microscopic particulate matter generated at the source (nose and mouth). Within a 360-degree air column, an area free of external microscopic airborne contaminants results, which reduces the possibility of airborne transmission from/to the patient, the provider and the operatory.

In pre/Vent’s “turbo mode”, during the room turn between patients, after disconnecting and disposing of the bib, the system filters the ambient air of the entire room at the rate of 540 cubic feet of air per minute, which would turn the air in an operatory of 8 ft. x 12 ft. x 10 ft. (or 960 cubic feet) almost 6 times in 10 minutes (the CDC guidelines recommend ventilation at a minimum of 6 times per hour).

What are the operational components?

In patient mode, the operational system consists of pre/Vent (base and hood), the pre/Vent disposable filter, and the pre/Vent disposable bib (attached to a plastic hose). Perforations located around the perimeter of the pre/Vent bib create the upward air flow.  

In turbo mode, generation of a directed, laminar flow of air is not necessary.  The disposable bib and hose attachment are removed prior to operation.  After completing the room turn, the old filter and bib are properly discarded, and new ones attached.

Can the filter or bib be reused on another patient?

No, to protect the patient and caregiver the filter and bib are intended to be single-use components for maximum hygiene.

What is the weight of the system?

The Unit (base and hood) weighs 65 pounds.  The weight of the filter, bib, and hose are negligible.

What is the tilt angle of the system?

What are the dimensions of the standing unit?

What is the airspeed from the bib in patient mode?

Uni-directional 4-6 mph, about the speed of a brisk walk.

Where is the Unit (base and hood) positioned in patient mode?

The base may be positioned anywhere on the floor that allows the hood to be positioned directly over the patient’s face and head.

How long does it take to set up the unit upon receipt?

Less than 10 minutes.

How much time is required to train staff?

In-service training is under 30 minutes.

How does it impact the normal work flow?

The use of the pre/Vent does not interfere with the normal workflow.

Turning over the operatory?

After the procedure, the unit is set to “Turbo” and the room air is fully filtered. Filter is changed after “Turbo” and once a new filter is installed, the unit is ready for another patient.

How often is the filter replaced?

The hood filter is replaced after each patient.

Will this work in a standard 120-Volts 15-Amp outlet?

Yes, the system will work in any standard outlet.

What is the maintenance for the device?

The only maintenance is the changing of the hood filter after each use and wiping down the outside of the machine with Cavi-Wipes.

Is the system mobile?

Yes, the system is on five wheels for easy positioning and safety.

Is there a risk of the unit falling over?

The unit is counter weighted in the bottom to prevent tipping.

What is the material of the bib?

Bib material is 2-ply tissue paper with a poly backing which is the same as a standard dental bib.

What is the filter construction?

Filter is made from a non-woven N99 material that is produced, shipped, and installed in a flat orientation.

How do you know if the unit captures airborne particles?

The filter material has been tested in a lab environment and shown to capture 99.9% of all virus sized particles.

What is the warranty?

1 year.

What is the process if the unit malfunctions?

Contact CLAEROSOL Customer Service for a replacement machine.

What is the minimum time required to turnover the air in a room (8′ x 8′) with the device in “Turbo mode”?

5 minutes should fully filter the room air.