Machovec appreciates your time. Following are some frequently asked questions regarding privacy issues, conditions of sale, etc... We hope this answers your questions. If not, please contact Jay at 612-282-4035.

• What Does 35 lbs. of Buoyancy Mean?
• Inflatable PFDs - Automatic vs. Manual

• How should I clean my Rescue Suit?

• Will my vest turn me over if I am unconscious and face down in the water?

• Is there a difference between a worksuit and a survival suit?

• On Manual Inflatable Lifejackets, do I have to blow it up by mouth?

• Will any size CO² work on the Inflatable Lifejackets?

• What is a "Clo" and what does it mean?

What does 35 lbs. of buoyancy mean?

A 35 lbs. buoyant apparatus is capable of supporting 35 lbs of a very dense material such as lead, iron, gold, granite, etc. It will not allow the material to reach the bottom. The question most people ask is how can this help a 200 lbs. person? The answer is that the average adult only weighs approximately 10 lbs. in the water. Unbelievable? Actually, it is simple science and works like this:

a 200 lbs. man is approximately 80% water, which equals 160 lbs. of his total weight on land. Water has no weight in water. A 200 lbs. man is also approximately 15% fat, which equals 30 lbs. of his total weight on land. Fat is lighter than water and therefore it floats. When you do the math, the man's actual weight in water is equal to 10 lbs. (200-190=10) Thus, a flotation device with 35 lbs. of buoyancy is more than adequate to keep the average human afloat!

Inflatable PFD's - Automatic vs. Manual

The automatic (i.e. water activated) triggers used on inflatable PFD's rely upon a water soluble "bobbin". This bobbin is used to retain a spring which, when released, impacts the firing pin of the inflator valve causing the puncture of a CO cylinder that inflates the air chamber. Manual triggers are simpler. Inflation is accomplished by pulling a ripcord that causes the firing pin to activate. Both PFD styles also have an oral infiltration tube that allows the chamber to be inflated like a balloon.

While automatic inflation is desirable in the event of an unconscious victim, it is imperative to understand that these systems must be maintained. Auto-inflation systems are inherently unstable due to the constant force of the spring in combination with a bobbin that is affected by temperature and humidity. Without proper maintenance, these variables have been known to cause PFD's to suddenly inflate without immersion, as well as to not inflate due to changes in the bobbin that render it insoluble. When deciding between water activated versus manually activated PFD's, it is vital to consider the storage and maintenance aspects.

How should I clean my Rescue Suit?

All Industrial Survival products should be washed by hand in warm soapy water using a mild laundry detergent. Hang to dry in an airy environment ensuring that they are completely dry before storing in a warm, dry place. DO NOT dry clean survival products as dry cleaning solvents will cause the neoprene to break down rapidly. Additional information on the use and care of your Immersion Suit can be found on our Immersion Suit page.

Will my vest turn me over if I am unconscious and face down in the water?

There is a difference between a Lifejacket and a Personal Flotation device (PFD). A PFD is designed for constant wear where comfort and flotation are the critical issues. A PFD will not self right you. A Lifejacket will turn you over, but is less comfortable to wear. Typically, Lifejackets are horseshoe shaped in design and slip over your head with all of the flotation in the front of your body up around your neck.

• View our SeaHorse line of lifejackets

• View our Mustang line of lifejackets and float coats

Is there a difference between a worksuit and a survival suit?

A survival suit is regulated by an Immersion Suit standard. These are suits designed to be donned quickly in an emergency situation where a person could potentially be awaiting rescue for some time. These suits offer maximum flotation and environment protection while letting little to no water into them. A worksuit is designed for constant wear while still offering flotation and environment protection. They are classified as PDF's (personal flotation devices) and are worn in situations where help is closer at hand.

• View our Fitzwright 9700 Survival Suit

• View Mustang Ocean Commander Survival Suit

On Manual Inflatable Lifejackets, do I have to blow it up by mouth?

No. Manual Inflatable Lifejackets are inflated by pulling the cord with the 'Jerk to Inflate' knob at the bottom of the device. This causes the Lifejacket to be inflated using a CO² gas cartridge. All inflatable Lifejackets do have an oral inflation tube as backup should you want or need to inflate by mouth.

• View our Mustang line of inflatable life preservers

Will any size CO² work on the Inflatable Lifejackets?

No, they will not. Different Inflatable Lifejackets can provide varying amounts of buoyancy.

What is a "Clo" and what does it mean?

"Clo" is a measurement of the thermal comfort of a suit or device when it is in the water. The smaller the Clo number, the shorter the survival time in the water.

One Clo represents the thermal comfort of an average person in business clothing in a room temperature indoor environment. Fractions of this thermal comfort are what are perceived when using a device in the water. Each of the values are below 1.0 because water transfers heat out of the body 25 times faster than air.