Hospital Gowns, Disposable Patient Gowns & Paper Exam Room Gowns

The main difference between a regular face mask and an N95 or KN95 6-ply mask is the extent to which they offer protection to the wearer and the people around them. A surgical mask acts as a barrier for splashes and sprays of blood and sputum and is mostly intended to protect the patient from contamination by the wearer. Regular disposable face masks like these are loose-fitting and do not filter or block very small particles. This is where the N95 standard comes in. In addition to this barrier, surgical N95 masks also provide respiratory protection by efficiently filtering airborne particles. They provide a close facial fit and protect the wearer from a contained environment.

While most exam gowns have their opening in the back, some have it in the front and others overlap, offering full coverage. If you are a patient and the nurse handing you the hospital gown does not mention how to put it on, ask for instructions or even help to put it on should you need it. You can also ask about keeping your underwear on as not all procedures require you to remove all pieces of clothing. For most gowns — the ones that remain open in the back — it is akin to putting on a robe backward. Hold the patient gown with the opening facing you and slide your arms through the sleeves. Secure it with the attached ties or hook and loop closures. If the gown comes with ties, make sure you only tie them in loose bows, without double knotting. This way, you will be able to take them off more easily.

Disposable thongs, panties, and briefs are generally made of soft, breathable, non-woven fabric like SMS (spunbond/meltblown/spunbond) polypropylene and sometimes have a thin cotton lining. Besides disposable underwear, this fabric is widely used for face masks, exam gowns, beddings, caps, and other medical healthcare and sanitary products. The reason meltblown and spunbond PP are combined in these garments is to provide both water-resistance and comfort. The fact that they are very lightweight and skin-friendly also contributes to comfort.

Disposable hospital patient gowns should not be reused. However, a lot of exam gowns are made of a blend of cotton and poly, which makes them machine washable and thus reusable. Some can be tumbled dry, like ScripHessco economy patient gowns and medical gowns, others specify drip-dry only.

The AAMI classification system for protective apparel in healthcare facilities goes from Level 1 to Level 4 and is based on their water resistance. Level 1 offers minimal protection against liquids, Level 2 low, Level 3 moderate, and Level 4 offers high protection against liquid and viral penetration. Level 1 hospital gowns can be provided as a cover for visitors, Level 2 can be used while drawing blood or suturing, Level 3 is recommended for inserting IVs, in the ER and for trauma cases, while Level 4 is needed during long procedures that involve lots of fluids.

Disposable CPE Level 3 isolation gowns are made from durable blue-coated CPE (chlorinated polyethylene) and they protect from dust, dirt, minor splashes, and particulates. Other Level 3 surgical gowns can be made of PP, PE, or SMS.

ScripHessco.com carries a wide selection of disposable and reusable patient gowns, as well as disposable underwear for men and women. To make the most out of your budget, opt for larger packs, choose to subscribe to periodic deliveries, and split the cost into four interest-free payments.