The Ultimate Bandanna Frequently Asked Questions

The Ultimate Bandanna™

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:	WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE BANDANNA
A:	The Ultimate Bandanna is the worlds first nearly completely fire proof bandanna. It was designed by firefighters specifically for wild land firefighting. It is designed to help provide burn protection of major portions of the face and neck from burning sparks and embers. Its second most important function is to provide some measure of relief from airborne particulate matter.
Q:	HOW DOES THE ULTIMATE BANDANNA PROTECT YOU?
A:	#1- The outer shell, inside liner, cinch cord and ventilation orifice are made of CarbonX®, an extremely thermally resistant material that surpasses any and all materials common to the fire industry. CarbonX® has been used extensively in the race car industry to protect drivers from burns and is now being utilized in the fire service for the same purpose. CarbonX® does not degrade or breakdown even after flame exposures and TPP testing in excess of 2600 F. #2- By physically blocking much of the smoke and ash particulate through the use of a fire resistant mesh fabric.
Q:	DOES THE ULTIMATE BANDANNA MEET N.F.P.A. REQUIREMENTS?
A:	As of this writing, N.F.P.A. has not set a standard for facial or respiratory protection. In absence of such a standard, independent testing laboratories cannot ® certify any device or garment to NFPA specs (none exist). However, the Ultimate Bandanna does qualify as an interface component or adjunct to a wildland firefighters protective clothing ensemble, according to N.F.P.A.s own definition of an interface component; “an element or elements of the protective ensemble ® designed to provide limited protection to interface areas”. The Ultimate Bandanna as tested, exceeds N.F.P.A. Radiant Protective Performance (R.P.P.) requirements by over 400% and even greater now with!
Q:	IS THE ULTIMATE BANDANNA A RESPIRATOR?
A:	No, it is not. It is simply a nearly fire proof bandanna. The Ultimate Bandanna is not designed to be used when permissible exposure limits of fire gases are exceeded or for protection against carbon monoxide. No product can legitimately claim to do so. No fit testing is required for its use, and unlike some products marketed, there is no filter to re-purchase after 8 hours exposure to air.
Q:	CAN THE ULTIMATE BANDANNA PROTECT ME FROM SUPER HEATED AIR?
A:	No, only a breathing apparatus can do that! Use of a Ultimate Bandanna does not guarantee a firefighter will not suffer a respiratory burn due to inhalation of superheated air. However, we believe the Ultimate Bandanna offers the best protection available, to date, from this hazard.
Q:	IS THE ULTIMATE BANDANNA COMPATIBLE WITH BOTH FORESTRY TYPE AND STRUCTURE TYPE HELMETS? WHAT ABOUT MY EXISTING SHROUD?
A:	Yes to all of the above. The fact is that you can don the Ultimate Bandanna before or after donning your helmet. This feature is both practical and vital, especially if faced with an intense fire situation. It can also be worn with or without the shroud and the shroud can be closed around it or left open. Conventional shrouds can be fastened around the bottom but should be left open around the ventilation orifice of the Ultimate Bandanna. We recommend the use of the ULTRA SHROUD ® which has been designed specifically for use with the Ultimate Bandanna and has been independently laboratory tested to withstand temperatures in excess of 700% of NFPA requirements!
Q:	IS THE ULTIMATE BANDANNA COMPATIBLE WITH GOGGLES?
A:	Yes. Low profile goggles that have some type of foam (to keep dust out of your eyes) work best with the Ultimate Bandanna. Any helmet will restrict the amount of available forehead area, which is where the upper portion of the goggle occupies. ANY type of facemask you choose must share the nose bridge area, as this is a necessary anchor point for both. Our QuickConnect Goggle Strap (the ”BLAZER”) replaces your existing goggle strap and allows you to remove or don your goggle WITHOUT removing your helmet to do so.

NOTE: The Ultimate Bandanna Wildland Mask is nearly fire proof. WFR does not guarantee that proper use of the Ultimate Bandanna will prevent burns or respiratory injuries in all circumstances. The Ultimate Bandanna has been designed to significantly reduce the risk of burns to major portions of the face and neck areas, but not all areas. We highly recommend the use of the Ultra Shroud designed to work in conjunction with the Ultimate Bandanna. It cannot remove all airborne particulate nor can it remove carbon monoxide or other toxic fire gases. WFR highly recommends the use of carbon monoxide monitors for personnel exposed to wildland fires, along with frequent rotation of personnel to lessen the firefighters total exposure to toxic gases.

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