Table 2.

Common materials in protective apparel

Material	Characteristics	Uses	Product examplesa
Spunbonded polypropylene	Economical; maximal breathability; strong; lightweight; low linting; not liquid-resistant	Protects against dirt, grime, and some dry particulates in nonhazardous environments; ideal for less critical areas or pregowning entry rooms; food processing environments; general purposes	VWR Basic Protection SPP Lab Coats
Multiply polypropylene	Densely packed meltblown layers sandwiched between strong, spunbond outer layers; comes in multiple weights; low linting; may be liquid-resistant	General purposes or isolationb	Medline mediumweight and lightweight polypropylene gowns (Figure 2 A)
Low-density polyethylene	Low-cost, waterproof protection for light duty; convenient; flexible	General purposes, depending on the design	Medline Thumbs Up polyethylene gown (Figure 2 B)
Multilayered spunbonded–meltblown–spunbonded (SMS) fabric	High tensile strength; soft, comfortable, and breathable; low linting; resistant to tears and punctures	Light fluid and particulate barrier Isolationb	VWR Basic Protection SMS Gowns (Figure 2 C) Medline Eclipse Surgical Gowns
Flash-spun, high-density polyethylene	Lightweight; excellent abrasion resistance; expensive	Effective against hazardous dry particles and aerosols and nonhazardous light liquid splash; isolationb	DuPont Tyvek (Figure 2 D)
Monolithic filmc made from copolyesters	Good to very good breathability; no voids or holes in these types of films; high liquid repellency; excellent comfort when bonded to polyethylene terephthalate nonwovens or glued to polypropylene nonwovens	Isolationb	DuPont HyTrel DSM Arnitel
Microporous film, laminated	High strength; good dust and liquid repellent; great breathability	Isolationb	VWR Advanced Protection Coveralls Kimberly-Clark KleenGuard A40 Kappler ProVent 10000
Spunbonded polypropylene with polyethylene coating	Comfort and flexibility during use; protects against fine sprays and particles; lightweight; low linting; hard-wearing	Isolationb	VWR BioClean-D, Clean-Tough Medline mediumweight and heavyweight coated isolation gowns

^aReview of manufacturer information is needed. Final determination of the use of the PPE needs to be in consultation with the institutional occupational health and safety unit.

^bIsolation apparel needs to have at least level 1 barrier performance over its entire area.

^cMonolithic film is a polymer film, usually of urethane or copolyester material, which can pass water vapor but does not have physical voids or cells.