Tuesday, January 31, 2006
The ProPak II Portable Delivery Unit and ProAir I Portable Compressor by DNTLworks are designed to be used as a portable system for general dental procedures. The system is lightweight, compact, and easily transported in two hard-plastic cases (modules). The ProPak II Unit module measures 18 inches by 14 inches by 7.5 inches and weighs 18 pounds. Assembly is quick and simple, aided by a pictorial illustration on the interior of the unit's case lid. Due to space limitations, the color-coded location and labeling of the unit controls are included on the pictorial illustration. The unit is supplied with two non-fiberoptic handpiece connections, a foot control with wet/dry toggle switch, air/water syringe, handpiece selector switch, air and water coolant adjustment knobs, and separate water system with handpiece flush. The air-venturi suction is designed to provide high-volume evacuation. A low-volume evacuation hose is provided as an accessory that is connected to the high- volume hose. Operators must choose to use either high- or low-volume evacuation, but cannot use both at the same time. The second module contains the oil-less air compressor with 1-liter air storage tank. The compressor module measures 21.9 inches by 18 inches by 8.4 inches and weighs 48 pounds. The compressor can be configured for either 110 or 220 volts.
At only 66 pounds the ProPak II Portable Unit and ProAir I Portable Compressor are lightweight, compact, and easy to assemble. The unit controls are easy to use and understand, and evaluators felt the operating instructions were complete and easy to understand. The waste canister was easy to remove and clean.
The oral evacuation system lacked sufficient suction and the high- and low-volume suction could not be used simultaneously. Vacuum activation required manual use of a toggle switch. The water reservoir and waste canister lacked sufficient volume, and the waste container had no solids collector. Evaluators reported that the handpiece hoses did not reach all areas of the oral cavity. The compressor met noise specifications but evaluators thought it was still too noisy. Although provided with a duplex box to run such accessories as amalgamators and curing lights, it was located too near the compressor impeller, which could create a safety hazard. The unit must be configured for either 110 or 220 volts--it is not field switchable.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
Review Synopsis
Product
ProPak II Portable Unit and ProAir I Portable Compressor
The Good
Lightweight, compact, easy to assemble. Entire system weighs only 66 pounds. Controls are easy to understand. Waste canister easy to remove and clean.
The Bad
Inadequate suction for evacuation.Operator cannot use high- and low-volume suction simultaneously. Water reservoir and waste canister too small. Handpiece hoses do not reach all areas of oral cavity.
The Bottom Line
Lightweight, compact, easy to assemble field unit with inadequate suction, water reservoir, and waste canister.