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The launch of the “X-plore – two-filter
masks incl. filter” project in January 2001
was preceded by a large number of analyses
and discussions. The goals were
ambitious:
- fastest possible availability of the product
- best possible conformity with the core
market and customer requirements for
the product to have any chance at all in
a highly competitive market featuring
only slight product differentiation
- reliable use of the very latest
technologies.
In the past, Dräger traditionally sold only
so-called one-filter systems, i.e. comprising
one filter per mask. The new system uses
two filters for each mask. In North America,
for example, the market for half and full
face masks is dominated by two-filter
models, while their share of the market in
Europe is constantly growing. The market
worldwide is characterized by fierce competition,
high pressure on prices, and a low
level of product differentiation. Dräger's
new X-plore range of two-filter masks, in
other words, faces a very difficult challenge.
For it to have any chance at all in the market,
maximum consideration must be given
to customer needs and requirements, e.g.
features such as low weight, compact
dimensions, ease of use, comfort, reliability
and attractiveness of design!
The principal purpose of the new series of
respiratory protection products is clearly
defined. X-plore is a new and competitive
product range which is designed to achieve
growth for Dräger, i.e.
- open up new markets and attract new
customers, especially in North America
- strongly expand business with dealers
worldwide
- increase the company's share of
industrial markets.
During development of the new respiratory
protection range, therefore, users were consulted
and actively involved. The idea was
to put customer wishes for a user-friendly
and comfortable mask and filter system into
practice. Within a very short time span,
modern two-filter masks with powerful and
efficient filters were the result of the cooperation
and hard work of a highly motivated
team.
The X-plore family of masks currently consists
of two half masks, one full face mask
and the respective filters. The products
have been approved for use in Europe (EN
/ CE), the USA (42 CFR 84 / NIOSH) and
Australia (SAI Global).
Half masks
The entry-level model is the X-plore 3300,
a low-maintenance half mask designed
especially for short-term, economical use.
The X-plore 3500 half mask is the ideal
choice for demanding, longer-term operations.
It is constructed from a new, hypoallergenic
material – DrägerFlex – which is
comfortably flexible and provides an effective
seal.
For an assured fit, both masks are available
in three different sizes. The flexible nose
section is easy to wear with safety glasses
and goggles, and the new FlexiFit head harness
is so soft and flexible that it is hardly
noticeable, even under a safety helmet.
The strap system distributes weight evenly
to ensure a secure seal, and the user can
adjust the straps easily for a good, comfortable
fit. Both masks are suitable for a wide
range of applications and are designed to
interact perfectly with other safety equipment
including welding or grinding shields.
Full face mask
The X-plore 5500 full face mask completes
the new X-plore mask series. The mask
body is constructed from an EPDM mix that
has already proven itself in the highly successful
Panorama Nova full face mask.
Thanks to the double-layer face seal with
triple sealing action, this universal-size
mask ensures a perfect fit on all face sizes.
The wide visor guarantees an excellent field
of vision and offers a high degree of mechanical,
chemical, and heat resistance. The broad straps of the head harness prevent
hair from getting caught. The full face mask
can also be worn comfortably together with
a safety helmet.
Two-filter system with bayonet
connection
The X-plore half masks and full face masks
all feature a new, two-point bayonet connection.
The filters can be easily and securely
fastened into position (top-down) and do
not impair the field of vision. The new filter
range covers a comprehensive range of
industrial applications and fits with all the
masks of the X-plore series.
In a number of customer acceptance tests,
the new respiratory protection range has
received a very good response, and these
preliminary results are being impressively
corroborated by the ongoing market launch.
Trade fair presentations and visits to customers
also indicate a very positive reaction,
and the first new trade partners have already
been won over. In other words, the
market requirements have been met. New
materials and a modern, practical design
ensure a high level of comfort and wearer
acceptance.
Sales personnel and trade partners in all the
sales regions have received intensive training
and have been provided with extremely
detailed yet concise information about the
product and its competition. With this level
of training under their belts, staff could not
be better prepared to convince customers of
the benefits of these new, modern products
and enable Dräger to take another important
step forward to growth in the light respiratory
protection market.
Following the launch of the new X-plore
series, Dräger is now able to present its
customers with a complete selection of
mask/filter systems for light respiratory
protection:
- the new X-plore two-filter system with half
and full face masks and the respective
filters
- the proven one-filter system with a range of half and full face masks, fitted either
with a standard thread connection as per
EN 148-1 or with a Dräger-specific Rd91
connection.
This ensures that every user will find a product
in the Dräger range that suits their
particular application. In addition, Dräger
makes professional, quick and practical
support available to users, e.g. in the VOICE
respiratory protection programme which is
available free of charge at:
www.draeger-safety.com/voice. The combination
of over 70 years of experience in
light respiratory protection with modern
technology and a high level of customer
commitment sets Dräger apart as an innovative
provider of attractive safety products.
Jens Heye
Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA |
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Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA |
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Revalstrasse 1 |
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23560 Luebeck, Germany |
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Tel +49 451 882 0
Fax +49 451 882 2080
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