HexArmor® + Mips®: Smarter protection, better answers [FAQ]

You might have seen Mips® mentioned when browsing safety helmets lately and wondered what all the hype is about. What does Mips® do, and who does it benefit?   

It’s a feature designed to help with a very specific type of protection, but how does it actually work? And, more importantly, how could it benefit you in the real world?

As Mips® newest industrial safety partner, we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about Mips®— from the basics of what it does to whether it could be a helpful addition to your head protection. Let's dive in and unpack some of the most frequently asked questions about this innovative safety system:

What is Mips®?

Mips® is a safety system designed to provide added safety for helmets during accidents. For certain impacts, the Mips® system can reduce and redirect harmful forces that might otherwise be transferred to the user’s head.

How does it protect you?

Unlike traditional helmets, which focus on straight impacts, the Mips® safety system uses a low-friction layer that mimics the brain’s own defense against rotational motion. Attached to the interior of the helmet, this layer moves inside the helmet to help reduce the effects of angled impacts on the head.

When to Choose Mips®: Understanding impact protection needs

While every accident is unique, research shows that helmets with the Mips® safety system provide at least 10% better protection against rotational impacts than those without. Traditional helmets primarily guard against straight-on (linear) impacts, but most workplace impacts occur at an angle. The Mips® safety system adds crucial protection from rotational forces, reducing strain on the brain. This added layer of defense makes Mips® an effective choice when rotational forces from a slip, trip, or fall is a primary risk factor.

What industries are best for Mips®? 

The Mips® safety system is ideal for industries where workers are exposed to a higher risk of angled impacts, such as construction, utilities, oil and gas, and forestry. In these environments, the unpredictable nature of slips, trips, and falls - a leading causes of head injuries - make head protection crucial.

Does the Mips® safety system add weight to the helmet?

The Mips® system is designed to be lightweight and integrated into the helmet, adding only a few grams to the overall weight.  

Is Mips® certified to any specific standards?

Mips® is an added safety feature, and helmets incorporating it still need to meet established safety standards, such as ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 or other global head protection standards. 

Our XP450A/AE meet the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (Type 1) and EN397 standards for safety helmets. 

Will Mips® make the helmet less comfortable to wear?  

Mips® is designed to have minimal impact on comfort. The low-friction layer is thin and lightweight, adding only a small amount of material to the helmet, and is barely noticeable during normal wear. Many users report that helmets with Mips® feel just as comfortable as non-Mips®® helmets, as the system is designed to integrate smoothly without compromising fit or comfort. 

How do you clean a helmet with Mips® safety system?

To clean a helmet with Mips®, gently wash it by hand with water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and air dry—avoid direct sunlight. Never use solvents, harsh cleaners, or put the helmet in a washing machine or dishwasher, as this can damage it.

What is rotational motion?

In most instances when you fall and hit your head, you don’t fall in a straight line. Rather, you fall at an angle, similar to how a tennis ball makes contact with the ground after being hit with a racket. When your head hits something at an angle, it exposes your head to rotational motion, which studies have shown can be more dangerous than linear impacts.

What happens during impacts to the head?:

In an impact event, there are two primary forces that cause injuries to the head and brain:

Linear force

A linear force of an impact travels linearly through the skull and brain in a straight line, causing damage to the tissues e.g. skull fractures or brain contusions (bruising). Traditional helmet materials such as thermoplastics or foams work to absorb this linear force, keeping you safe.

Rotational force

A rotational force of impact causes rotation, or twisting, to the head and brain. This force can cause shearing of the brain tissue - a leading cause of concussions; The Mips® safety system is specifically designed to reduce and redirect the rotational force of an impact to the head by mimicking our brains natural defense mechanisms.

How does Mips® mimic the brain? 

Helmets with the Mips® safety system are designed with a three-layer structure that reflects the brain's natural layering. This setup allows it to provide effective protection by simulating the brain's own protective mechanisms.

• Outer Layer: This serves as the first line of defense against external impacts, similar to the skull.
• Low-Friction Layer: Positioned beneath the outer shell, this layer allows for slight movement between the helmet and the head, mimicking the role of cerebrospinal fluid in cushioning the brain.
• Inner Padding: This layer adds comfort and additional shock absorption, supporting the overall protective function of the helmet.

How much rotational movement does the Mips® system allow inside the helmet?

The brain is cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid, which allows it to slide within the skull during angled impacts. The Mips® low-friction layer mimics this natural defense by enabling a similar movement of 10 to 15 millimeters in any direction. This design enhances safety by reducing the rotational forces that can occur during impacts, helping to minimize the risk of brain injuries. This addresses the gap in traditional helmets that are designed to primarily protect against linear impacts. 

How does Mips® perform in cold or extreme cold weather conditions? 

Mips® technology is generally effective in various weather conditions, including cold and extreme environments. However, it's important to note that extreme temperatures can affect the overall performance of your safety helmet. Reach out to the manufacturer to understand the recommended environment for your PPE.

Is Mips® more effective at certain impact speeds? 

Mips® provides rotational protection at all impact speeds. However, studies have shown that the effectiveness increases during higher-speed impacts and can significantly reduce the rotational force compared to non-Mips® helmets.

Why do you always need to pair a chin strap with Mips®?   

The Mips® safety system is designed for the unpredictability of accidents, however, the system can only perform effectively if the helmet stays securely on the head. A chinstrap ensures that the helmet stays in place, even during unexpected impacts. Every HexArmor® safety helmet with Mips technology will come pre-assembled with a chin strap for added security.