Import must decide which material you need we importing medical gowns. Facts you need consider include product sustainability, decreasing production costs, and comfortable to wear.
Most medical gowns are made of non-woven synthetic fibers. As protection levels increase, laminated materials are used to strengthen, reduce permeability, or make it flame retardant.
Sometimes, the barrier properties of single-layer materials may not be enough for certain medical procedures. To create composite materials, additional materials may be added such as coatings, reinforcements, and laminates. Coating and lamination provide additional fluid resistance, including antibacterial, antiviral, and other functional properties.
You can also enhance product attributes to increase absorbency, slip resistance, or other desirable characteristics.
4 Common Types of Fabric Used in Medical Gown
Polypropylene (PP)
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyester (PET)
Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond (SMS)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene fabric can be affordable, comfortable, and breathable. ******A single layer of PP non-woven fabric constitutes a soft cloth-like material that allows minimal exposure to fluids. Additionally, it acts as a protective barrier against harmful agents.
PP is a plastic that comes in many varieties which has the added benefit of being the least harmful to the environment. PP, a polymer that is inert and environmentally friendly, is gaining popularity across industries.
Polypropylene has many great features including:
- very durable and resistant to wear, water, and stains to withstand long-term, repeated use
- being an excellent insulator because it has the lowest thermal conductivity among all synthetic and natural fabrics
- resistant to bacteria, mildew and other microorganisms
- high resistance to ignition (they can be ignited but are not combustible, their fire resistance can be enhanced by adding specific additives)
- dyed polypropylene fibers are resistant to sunlight and are fade-resistant.
These incredible benefits are the driving force behind the widespread adoption of PP in various industries, including textiles, manufacturing, and the medical sector worldwide.
Polyethylene (PE)
PE is a single-layer plastic film that resists fluid. This fabric is highly durable, but has minimal breath-ability. PE isolation gowns are used in situations where the patient’s blood, sputum, and breath may contain pathogenic bacteria, posing a potential threat to health and safety.
Typical Nomenclature for PE Includes:
- Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
- Low-density PE (LDPE)
- Medium-density PE (MDPE)
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Ultra-high molecular weight PE (UHMWPE).
Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond (SMS)
SMS fabric has a unique trilaminate structure that provides high tensile strength and toughness. SMS is also soft, comfortable, and breathable. The material inherently serves as a barrier against fluids and particulates to protect its users.
The spunbond layer consists of continuous filaments, offering good tensile strength and elongation, is commonly used in laboratories, industrial applications, sanitation and the medical field.
Spunbond-Meltblown-Meltblown-Spunbond Nonwoven (SMMS)
SMMS fabric belongs to a type of laminated nonwoven with four layers. It is composed of two layers of spunbond and two layers of meltblown.
Similar to SMS fabric, SMMS features an additional layer providing enhanced fluid resistance, making it well-suited for extended use in conditions with moderate to high fluid exposure.
Polyethylene-Coated Polypropylene Spunbond (PPSB + PE coating)
PP stands for polypropylene, a thermoplastic known for its strength and ability to withstand high temperatures. PE, another thermoplastic, shares similarities with PP.
When the spunbond PP is combined with a PE coating, it provides an additional barrier for chemical resistance and waterproof performance. This standard fabric is designed for protection against microbial particulates and lighter fluid in non-toxic workplaces and grim work environments.