You have heard of nonwoven fabrics before. They are widely used in the medical industry for creating disposable products like Surgical Gowns, Surgical Drapes, Masks, and other types of coverings. But what actually are nonwoven materials or medical nonwovens, and how do they differ from cloth and other fabrics that are traditionally used?
What is nonwoven material?
The term "nonwoven" refers to the fact that the material is not woven or knitted. Nonwoven materials are created through bonding sheet or web structures together by entangling fiber or filaments using mechanical, thermal, or chemical methods. Nonwoven fabrics aren't fabrics at all. They are typically made from composite or synthetic materials like Polypropylene. Spunbond-meltblown-spunbond or SMS is the most used medical nonwoven used in the industry.
As its name implies, SMS material is created by combining layers of spunbond and meltblown nonwoven materials.
- Spunbond – This process involves spinning fibers and dispersing them into a web by deflectors or air streams. The spunbond process is a thermal bonding method that does not use any chemicals. It is a cost-effective process that has been used since the 1940s to create products like diapers, protective apparel, hygiene products and more.
- Meltblown – This process works by blowing hot air onto molten thermoplastic resin that is extruded through a linear die containing hundreds of holes. The result is a fine fiber, self-bonded nonwoven web. Meltblown products are ideal for creating filters or absorbent materials like wipes.
SMS material is created by combining both spunbond and meltblown nonwovens. By layering the two together, manufacturers can utilize the advantages of both products and create a material that has high tensile strength, excellent barrier qualities, breathability, softness and is lightweight.
Why SMS nonwovens are used in the medical industry
Barrier protection, low weight, air permeability, abrasion resistance, absorbency and all its other properties make SMS materials perfect for use in the medical industry. Manufacturers create a wide range of medical products, including Gauze, Wound Care Products, Gowns, Caps, Masks, Wadding, and much more, all using SMS material.
One of the primary advantages of using medical nonwovens is that they can be manufactured at a low cost, so it's economical to create single use medical products. When compared to reusable materials like cloth, disposable SMS products make it less likely for doctors and patients to transmit infections and reduce the chance of contamination. The reason for this advantage is that disposable products do not rely on cleaning and sterilization methods that could be completed incorrectly.
Nonwoven medical supplies and PPE, on the other hand, simply can be discarded and recycled after they are used, avoiding the spread of germs and pathogens.
Why SMS material thickness matters
There are varying types of SMS medical nonwovens which have different thicknesses. Depending on the thickness, the material may be better suited to particular products and applications.
- Thin SMS products – thin SMS is less bulky but still waterproof and breathable, making it compatible for baby diapers, sanitary pads, and sanitary napkins.
- Medium thickness SMS products – medium thickness SMS is what is primarily used in the medical industry. Bulkier than thin SMS, this material creates an effective fluid barrier and offers greater abrasion resistance. It is used for Gowns, Drapes, Bandages, and other medical and surgical products.
- Thick SMS products – the thickest SMS products are commonly used in different types of gas and liquid filters or as oil absorbing products.
Welmed's SMS disposable medical products
At Welmed, we use high quality SMS material to create the Surgical Drapes, Hospital Gowns, Gauze, Surgical Masks, Surgical Covers, and other disposable products your facility needs. Although the global SMS supply chain has been disrupted due to COVID-19, we are working hard developing new suppliers to ensure you have the supplies you and your patients require.
Contact Welmed for Disposable Face Masks, Surgical Gowns, Drapes, Covers and more!