What Are Disposable Coveralls Made Out Of?

What Are Disposable Coveralls?

Disposable coveralls are a type of protective clothing used in many industries to prevent exposure to contaminants. The medical community uses disposable coveralls in the maternity ward, surgical procedures, and emergency rooms to prevent spread of contagious diseases or infections. Factory or manufacturing workers wear disposable coveralls to prevent dust, chemicals, or liquids spread. The European Union created 6 Types of coveralls so people will wear the most appropriate disposable coverall.

They are different than regular cloth coveralls in both fabric and use. Typical coveralls are made from cloth and have unique properties like High-Visibility, Insulation, or Flame Resistant. Nearly all disposable coveralls do not have these properties, but are designed to keep particles, chemicals, sprays, and liquid out.

WHAT ARE DISPOSABLE COVERALLS MADE OUT OF?

Protective coveralls are usually made from materials such as Polypropylene or trademark fabrics such as Tyvek. They are often grouped to represent the way the fabric is made. These terms are often abbreviated as Spun bound/meltbound/spunbound fabric (SMS) or Microporous fabric (MPF).

You may need a certain fabric of disposable coverall depending on your environment. Cleaning up hazardous chemicals will be different than painting your room. This article will discuss the various types of materials you will find disposable coveralls made out of. Let’s discuss the types fabrics used in manufacturing disposable coveralls.

POLYPROPYLENE

Polypropylene is a polymer that can be shaped into fibers that are then turned into a non-woven fabric. Polypropylene coveralls are usually not tight enough to provide serious protection. Typically, polypropylene coveralls are used to protect against dust and dirt. They are also the most affordable fabric when purchasing coveralls.

Watch this video to learn more about polypropylene.

Spunbond coveralls

Spunbond is a process in which a layer of meltblown polypropylene is sandwiched between two layers of Polypropylene. This results in a strong and durable material with high barrier properties. Spunbound coveralls are generally breathable with some permeable characters.

Tyvek polyethylene coveralls

Tyvek is a proprietary fabric manufactured by DuPont. It is a high-density polyethylene fiber that is heat-welded together. Since it is not woven or multi-layered, it has a smooth and durable surface and provides excellent protection. Tyvek also provides better tear and abrasion resistance than coated-Polypropylene and Polypropylene. They are manufactured as Type 5 and 6 which protect against liquid splatters, gaseous sprays, asbestos, lead, and dust.

COATED POLYPROPYLENE COVERALLS

Coated Polypropylene is manufactured from a spun bond, lightweight fabric that is coated with polypropylene. The coveralls offer great protection since polypropylene is non-porous. The polypropylene coat also makes this material more durable, abrasion resistant, and do not tear easily. Excellent material to protect yourself with liquid splatters, gaseous sprays, asbestos, lead, or dust.

Kleenguard polypropylene

Kimberly-Clark’s Kleenguard coveralls are a proprietary polypropylene blend made of five layers of non-woven fabric. They are made of microporous film to protect against dust, debris, and non-hazardous liquids. The fabric passes NFPA 99 for antistatic materials, passes ASTM-F1670 tests for blood and bodily fluid penetration. Lastly, the material meets ANSI/ISEA 101-1993 sizing standards. They have better protection compared to Tyvek and Polyproplyne coveralls.

Wearing Disposable Coveralls over Frs

Disposable coveralls are not flame resistant. There are flame resistant disposable coveralls on the market but they are meant to be worn over regular FRs (flame resistant clothing). They are not as protective as cloth FRs. Wearing flame resistant coveralls over regular coveralls will prolong the life of cloth coveralls. They are all designed for one time use.