Nonwovens are extensively used in the medical field and in protection against biological agents in other sectors. For example, they can be designed to deliver critical safety properties, such as prevention against infections and diseases. With today’s multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria and virus, nonwovens can help in the fight against cross-contamination and the spread of infection in a medical or surgical environment. Because they are used only once and incinerated after use, the need for handling is avoided and the spread of contaminants is minimised.
Nonwovens are also increasingly a major component in the design of "smart" wound care products, providing such functions as the creation of a moist wound healing environment, with controlled vapour transmission, absorbency and low skin adhesion .
Most recent nonwoven innovations include the design of new scaffolds for 3D biological tissue engineering, implantable fabrics that can reinforce natural tissues, and nanofibre nonwoven filtration media offering enhanced particle capture properties. New nonwoven materials with improved finishes including liquid repellent, virus proof and bacterial barrier properties have also been developed for applications such as surgical masks, gowns and drapes.
Some examples of where nonwovens are used:
Surgical: disposable caps, gowns, masks, scrub suits and shoe covers
Drapes, wraps and packs
Sponges, dressings and wipes
Bed linen
Contamination control gowns
Examination gowns
Lab coats
Isolation gowns
Transdermal drug delivery
Shrouds
Underpads
Procedure packs
Heat packs
Ostomy bag liners
Fixation tapes
Incubator mattress
Sterilisation wraps (CSR wrap)
Wound care
Cold/heat packs
Drug delivery (patches etc.)
The advantages of using nonwovens:
Protection against
dry or wet contact
air-borne particles
Single-use = 100% certainty
Custom-made for the operating theatre
procedure-specific design
optimum wearer comfort
strong yet light in weight
optimal fluid absorbency
exchange of air, body heat and moisture
Excellent barrier properties
Excellent uniformity
Breathability
Abrasion resistance and lint free
Repellency
Self-adherent edges
Aseptic folding
Engineered stability for ETO, plasma , radiation , or steam sterilisation
