FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Klarity has been dedicated to creating higher quality thermoplastic since our inception.
Klarity masks have less-shrinkage, are less-sticky, and stronger than other mask brands.
We provide different types of plastic, each with their own set up characteristics, to fit the
needs of all clinics. We now offer four types of thermoplastic: Klarity Whiteâ„¢, Klarity
Green®, Klarity LiteGreen™, and Klarity Blue™. Each color has been specially formulated
to offer different advantages and to work optimally with different frame-types and
treatment systems.
Allow the masks to cool completely before removing them from the patient to minimize shrinkage. Leave the mask on for at least 10 minutes. Using moist towels can speed up cooling but will increase shrinkage. Masks made in an oven shrink less due to the absence of water evaporation.
In both water baths and ovens, an ideal temperature should be maintained between 165-
170°F (73-77°C). Lower temperatures can cause uneven molding and inadequate working
time. Higher temperatures can cause tackiness, excessive stretching and difficult
handling.
Total heating time varies according to the thickness of the mask, heating method, ambient
room temperature and the mask’s perforation pattern. Usual times are 1-2 minutes in a
water bath, or 3-10 minutes in an oven, depending on the oven model. Be sure that the
mask is thoroughly heated at the recommended temperature before removing from the
oven or water bath. Masks will become translucent when heated, but an additional 30
seconds to a minute will insure complete and even heating.
Klarity AccuPerfâ„¢ and reinforced masks are designed to meet the higher stability requirements of IMRT. Reinforcing strips hold firmly while the more open perforation areas allow for comfortable breathing and patient visibility.
If the mask is too tight, you can use shims to relieve excessive shrinkage. However, with some Klarity thermoplastics, shims are usually not needed if masks are heated at the proper temperature (165ËšF in an oven or 70ËšC in water bath) and allowed to cool completely before being removed from the patient.
We recommend leaving the mask on the patient for at least 10 minutes. This minimizes
shrinkage and insures an accurate fit for subsequent treatments.
Thicker (3.2mm) masks will provide the highest stability. However, thinner masks
(2.4mm) may have less attenuation and are sometimes preferred.
Klarity thermoplastic contains no latex and is not known to cause any allergic or skin
sensitive reactions.
Yes. You can use scissors for custom cut-outs in all Klarity masks. We also offer Open
Face and Open Eye & Mouth masks in several frame-types as an alternative to cutting
masks yourself.
All thermoplastics eventually expire. Klarity masks have a shelf life of 3 years. Each
Klarity mask has both the manufacture date and the expiration date printed on the label
of the product bag for easy reference.
Klarity mask contain no toxic chemicals or components. They can be safely disposed of
with normal hospital or household waste.