1. Why am I having thermoplastic shrinkage?
First of all, check your water temp. An ideal setting would be 165º F for perforated & 170º F for solid sheets. The temp of the water will affect the shrinkage.
Shrinkage and its effects can be minimized during the initial molding process by using proper water temp and allowing enough cooling time of the heated thermoplastic. You can help speed up and complete the cooling process by applying cold, damp towels or our cold mit or cold spray.
The HipFix™ and Uni-frame® thermoplastic should be completely cooled before removing from patient. Try using a cool damp towel to draw the heat from the thermoplastic.2. Why does my HipFix™ thermoplastic sheet stick to my handles?
When assembly the handle sets to the HipFix™ thermoplastic, be sure to spray silicone mold release both the HipFix™ sheet and the handle sets to prevent them sticking together.
3. Skin reaction. “Will your masks cause any type of skin reaction?
Since our thermoplastic contains no latex, there should be little to no reaction. Use a thinner material like 2.4mm or 1.8mm to minimize a possible risk.
4. Does the ComfortPerf? thermoplastic mask hold the shape as well as the regular masks?
Yes, it holds it shape very well while enhancing patient comfort, maintains rigidity, and reduces shrinkage with its custom perforation pattern around the eyes and mouth.
5. What is the correct water temperature setting when softening the thermoplastic?
165º F
6. What if the water temperature is correct and the masks are still to tight?
The use of shims can also help offset the effects of excessive shrinkage that can occur after the initial molding process. Remember to use shims in simulation and remove them when treatment sessions begin. Removing the shims for treatment ensures that the mask will fit the patient comfortably.
7. How long do I need to let the mask cool before taking it off the patient?
Until mask turns completely white or 15-20 minutes minimum.
8. How long does the mask need to stay in the waterbath?
2-3 minutes or until thermoplastic material is clear.
9. Are your thermoplastic masks designed for single or multiple use?
Uni-frame® thermoplastic material has a perfect memory. If one pulls a mask and reheats it after it was formed, the thermoplastic will become flat. Although theoretically thermoplastic material in the Uni-frame® and Type-S™ can be reuse, however we do not recommend it for cancer centers. The main reason for this is hygiene. Thermoplastic is a porous material. It is very hard to clean the mask from bodily fluids excreted by patient and to thoroughly disinfect the thermoplastic. In addition, the more times one heats up the thermoplastic, the less rigid thermoplastic masks becomes due to changes in the molecular structure of the thermoplastic.
10. Why do you have three different thicknesses of thermoplastic masks and which one is the best for me?
Although when the mask is pulled, the thermoplastic is thinly stretched, the material will still create a build up effect. The attenuation factor depends primarily on the energy of the machine and thickness of the thermoplastic.
When deciding on thickness of the mask, one must take into consideration the energy of the machine. A thicker mask can be used with higher energy Linac. A thinner 1.6 mm material is recommended for Cobalt machines. In addition, the thinker the mask is the more rigid the mold will be.
Lastly, the price of the mask is a factor in the decision process as well. 1.6 mm Uni-frame is less expensive than 2.4 mask, and 2.4 mm material is less expensive than 3.2 mm masks. | 
