Scott Safety’s Duraflow Powered Air Respirator system is set to be discontinued. A phased replacement starts in March 2021. Learn what the Duraflow replacement is…
3M have recently announced that the Scott Safety Duraflow replacement is the 3M™ Versaflo™.
The announcement has been disappointing to us here at a1-cbiss but not a shock as 3M continues to replace Scott Safety branded safety products with 3M branded ones. We report on the good, the bad yet fortunately, there’s no ugly news from this announcement.
The Bad
We’ll start with the bad news and get it out of the way. The bad news is the definite obsolescence of the Duraflow PAPR. The Duraflow has been a very popular PAPR because it is well regarded in both healthcare and industry. Over the past year, the Duraflow has protected thousands of NHS key workers in the battle against COVID-19. The Duraflow is a comfortable to wear respirator that offers the highest levels of PAPR protection. The Duraflow has been so popular because it’s a well made respirator available at a mid-range price.
The Good
Swiftly moving onto the good. The good news is for Duraflow customers that wish to continue using their Duraflow respirator. They can continue to do so.
Duraflow hoses and head tops will be available until the summer. 3M will provide alternative consumable products to extend the lifetime of your Duraflow unit.
Following the discontinuation of the FH range headtops from June onwards, some of the Versaflo headtops will be compatible with the Duraflow (with the use of the ADP-03 adapter).
For workers that value comfort and simplicity, the 3M™ Versaflo™ brand provides a versatile system. A system that is comfortable, and easy to use. The Versaflo™ Powered Air Respirator systems have many advantages over the Duraflow Powered Air Respirator system. Versaflo™ systems are approved with a wide range of hoods, face shields and helmets.
Transition Period
However, before you panic, there is a transition period. Between now and June 2021, Scott Safety FH1, FH2 and FH21 head tops will still be available. From July 2021, The FH range of headtops will be replaced with the 3M™ Versaflo™ hose and headtops. You can choose from select 3M™ Versaflo™ S-Series soft hoods and M-Series helmets that are approved for use with the 3M™ Duraflow Powered Air Respirators. The ADP-03 adapter makes it possible to connect your Duraflow PAPR and hose to the Versaflo head top.
| Product Category | Date of Obsolescence |
| Duraflow Unit & Kits | Mar-21 |
| FH1/2/21 Headtops | Jun-21 |
| Spares, Accessories & Batteries | Dec-21 |
FAQ’s
Q. I recently purchased a Duraflow, will it be covered under warranty?
A. If you’re concerned about your warranty, 3M have confirmed that in the period following discontinuation of the Duraflow product but within its warranty period, 3M at its sole discretion, will arrange to either fix the defective equipment or offer a suitable alternative 3M replacement product.
Q. I need to replace the breathing hose and filters. Do I use the same part numbers?
A. Whilst the breathing hose and filters are affected by this announcement, the part numbers will change in line with 3M part numbers. Contact a1-cbiss for details.
Q. Can I use my Duraflow filters on the Versaflo
A. Gas, P3 or combined Pro2000 filters that are currently used with Duraflow are not affected by this announcement and will continue to be available.
Life After the Duraflow
Duraflow users looking to learn more about 3M’s newest technology in respiratory protection can request a demonstration of 3M™ Versaflo™ TR-800 or 3M™ Versaflo™ TR-600 or Versaflo TR-300 PAPR or see for themselves.
The 3M™ Versaflo™ TR-619UK+ Starter Kit and TR-602E Powered Air Turbo unit that are the most similar to the Duraflow for certain particulate and/-or gas and vapour environments. For those who work in potentially explosive atmospheres, the TR-819UK kit is Intrinsically Safe.
If you’re unsure of the details, please contact our sales team to discuss
