31 Mar Fire-Dex announces new verification

Fire-Dex has announced that its AeroFlex turnout gear has been independently verified to provide effective protection against harmful fireground particulates, while maintaining breathability to reduce heat stress.

Firefighters have long faced a trade-off between protection and comfort, with additional layers offering improved resistance to contaminants but often increasing heat retention and fatigue.

However, new testing conducted by RTI International and verified by UL suggests AeroFlex overcomes this challenge.

The study involved a fully equipped firefighter performing typical fireground movements in a controlled environment containing fine particulate matter. Researchers found no additional particulate intrusion, even without a dedicated blocking layer in the coat. Instead, the design relies on the sealing effect of SCBA straps to prevent contaminants from entering vulnerable areas.

The results indicate that AeroFlex achieves full particulate protection without adding bulk, allowing for improved ventilation. The gear incorporates breathable panels and one-way ventilation systems designed to release heat while preventing contaminants from entering.

In a post regarding the news, Fire-Dex said the findings show AeroFlex ‘effectively blocks fireground particulates” and “achieves complete particulate protection without adding bulk to the coat’, while also maintaining breathability that helps reduce heat stress.

The company added that ‘firefighters don’t lose protection to gain comfort and they don’t gain protection at the cost of performance’, describing the system as providing ‘proven protection—without compromise.’