Medical Grade Non Woven Fabric

Medical-grade non-woven fabric is a specialized material widely used in healthcare due to its properties of filtration, sterility, and disposability. It’s commonly made from synthetic materials like polypropylene, polyester, or blends and is produced through techniques like spunbond, meltblown, or SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) to create a fabric with distinct characteristics ideal for medical and hygiene applications. Here’s a breakdown of the key features, types, and applications of medical-grade non-woven fabric:

Key Features of Medical Grade Non-Woven Fabric

Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE)

High BFE (typically ≥ 95% or ≥ 99%) is essential for preventing bacterial and viral contamination, particularly in surgical masks and gowns.

Breathability

The fabric is designed to be breathable while providing protection. Breathability is crucial for comfort in masks, gowns, and other wearable medical items.

Fluid Resistance

Medical-grade non-woven fabric offers varying levels of fluid resistance to protect healthcare workers and patients from liquid exposure. This is especially important in surgical drapes, gowns, and sterile wraps.

Sterilization Compatibility

The fabric can be sterilized by methods like steam, ethylene oxide (EtO), or gamma radiation without degrading, ensuring that it meets hygiene and safety standards.

Lightweight and Disposable

Non-woven fabric is lightweight, flexible, and disposable, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination between uses. It is often single-use to ensure hygiene.

Hypoallergenic

Medical non-woven fabrics are hypoallergenic, reducing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions, which is essential in direct-contact applications like face masks and wound dressings.

Common Applications

  • Face Masks: Used in surgical and N95 masks for filtration and breathability, with meltblown layers providing high BFE and particle filtration efficiency (PFE).
  • Surgical Gowns and Drapes: This fabric is often used for gowns and drapes due to its fluid resistance, durability, and sterilization compatibility, helping protect both patients and healthcare workers.
  • Sterile Wraps: Non-woven wraps are used to cover and protect surgical instruments and supplies during sterilization, ensuring they remain sterile until use.
  • Disposable Bed Linens and Patient Underpads: Non-woven fabric is used in disposable sheets, underpads, and covers to provide hygiene and comfort for patients, especially in situations requiring frequent linen changes.
  • Medical wipes and swabs: Used for cleaning and disinfection.
  • Medical packaging: Protects medical devices and instruments from contamination.

  • Surgical Masks: Medical-grade non-woven fabric is essential for surgical masks due to its high filtration efficiency, comfort, and protective capabilities. These masks are designed to prevent respiratory droplets and airborne particles from entering or exiting the mask, helping to protect both healthcare workers and patients from potential infections. The non-woven structure is well-suited for creating a mask that is both breathable and effective in blocking bacteria and viruses.

  • Isolation Gowns: Medical-grade non-woven fabric is a key material in the production of isolation gowns, which are essential for protecting healthcare workers and patients from cross-contamination and exposure to infectious agents. Isolation gowns made from non-woven fabrics are designed to provide a protective barrier while ensuring comfort for extended wear.
  • Wound Dressings: Medical-grade non-woven fabric is a critical component in wound care, especially for wound dressings. Its unique structure, breathability, and hypoallergenic properties make it ideal for wound management, providing protection, moisture control, and comfort.
  • Caps and Hair Covers: Medical-grade non-woven fabric is a preferred material for making caps and hair covers used in healthcare and sterile environments. These caps help prevent contamination by containing hair, skin particles, and other potential contaminants, maintaining a clean environment and reducing the risk of infection.
  • Shoe Covers: Medical-grade non-woven fabric is commonly used to make disposable shoe covers for healthcare settings, providing a hygienic, protective layer that minimizes contamination. These shoe covers are essential in sterile environments like operating rooms, laboratories, and isolation wards to prevent the spread of pathogens and maintain cleanliness.
  • Face Shields and Respirators: Medical grade non-woven fabric plays a vital role in the production of face shields and respirators, offering essential protection against airborne particles, droplets, and splashes.

  • Lab Coats and Coveralls: Medical grade non-woven fabrics are extensively used in the production of lab coats and coveralls due to their unique properties and benefits. These garments are essential for protecting healthcare workers from exposure to hazardous substances, infectious agents, and bodily fluids.

Specifications of Medical-Grade Non-Woven Fabric

  • Material Composition: Typically polypropylene (PP), sometimes combined with polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET).
  • Colour: Gray & Custom as per requirement
  • Width: 1.6, 3.2 or as per request
  • Length: as per requirement
  • Packaging Type: Roll From
  • Weight (GSM): 10 gsm to 150
  • Packaging Type: Roll From

Advantages of Medical-Grade Non-Woven Fabric

  • Cost-Effective: Economical for single-use applications, reducing risks of cross-contamination.
  • Eco-Friendly Options: Available in biodegradable and recyclable versions, though standard non-woven fabrics are often petroleum-based.
  • Easy Manufacturing and Customization: Non-woven fabrics can be manufactured in various thicknesses, textures, and finishes for specific medical needs.

Key Advantages of Medical-Grade Non-Woven Fabric

Medical grade non-woven fabrics offer a wide range of advantages that make them indispensable in the healthcare industry. Here are some of the main key benefits:

Performance Advantages:

  • High Breathability: Allows for optimal air circulation, preventing moisture buildup and ensuring comfort for the wearer.

  • Excellent Fluid Barrier Properties: Effectively repels fluids, protecting against contamination and infection.

  • Superior Absorbency: Can quickly absorb fluids, making them ideal for wound dressings and other absorbent products.

  • Strong and Durable: Withstands rigorous use and sterilization processes, ensuring long-lasting performance.

  • Soft and Gentle: Provides a comfortable and gentle touch to the skin, minimizing irritation and discomfort.

  • Customizable Properties: Can be tailored to specific needs, such as varying levels of fluid resistance, absorbency, and breathability.

Hygienic Advantages:

  • Sterilizable: Can be sterilized using various methods, including autoclaving, ethylene oxide, and gamma radiation.
  • Low Lint: Minimizes the risk of fiber contamination during medical procedures.
  • Biocompatible: Safe for use on the skin and does not cause allergic reactions.
  • Antimicrobial Properties: Can be treated with antimicrobial agents to reduce the risk of infection.

Practical Advantages:

  • Lightweight and Disposable: Easy to handle and dispose of, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
  • Cost-Effective: Offers a cost-effective solution for many medical applications.
  • Versatile: Can be used in a wide range of medical products, including surgical gowns, masks, drapes, wound dressings, and more.

FAQs About Medical Grade Non-Woven Fabric

What is medical grade non-woven fabric?

Medical grade non-woven fabric is a type of material commonly used in healthcare for its barrier properties and comfort. It is produced by bonding fibers together through chemical, mechanical, heat, or solvent processes instead of weaving them.

What materials are used in medical grade non-woven fabrics?

These fabrics are typically made from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PET), or a combination of different synthetic fibers.

Is medical grade non-woven fabric safe?

Yes, it is safe and widely used in healthcare settings. These fabrics are designed to meet stringent safety and hygiene standards to protect both patients and healthcare workers.

Can medical grade non-woven fabric be recycled?

While recycling options vary, many non-woven fabrics can be recycled. The recycling process depends on the material composition and local recycling capabilities.

Why is non-woven fabric preferred for medical masks and gowns?

Non-woven fabric is lightweight, provides high filtration efficiency, resists fluids, and is comfortable and breathable for prolonged wear. Additionally, its disposable nature reduces contamination risk, making it ideal for PPE like masks and gowns in healthcare.

Is medical-grade non-woven fabric hypoallergenic?

Yes, medical-grade non-woven fabrics, especially polypropylene-based types, are generally hypoallergenic. This is essential in healthcare settings where the fabric may come into prolonged contact with sensitive skin.

Can non-woven fabric be sterilized?

Yes, medical-grade non-woven fabric can be sterilized using methods such as ethylene oxide (EtO), gamma radiation, or steam. The material remains effective and retains its protective qualities after sterilization, making it suitable for use in sterile settings.

How should medical-grade non-woven fabric be disposed of?

Since it is single-use, medical non-woven fabric should be disposed of following healthcare facility protocols, which typically include incineration or hazardous waste procedures to prevent contamination and environmental impact.

Are medical-grade non-woven fabrics waterproof?

Many medical non-woven fabrics are fluid-resistant but not completely waterproof. However, some are treated or coated to improve water resistance for applications like surgical drapes and gowns where high fluid resistance is necessary.