What is the difference between cotton and polypropylene medical clothing?
August 10, 2022

When choosing medical clothing, the material is a very important factor, especially in terms of safety and protection. Cotton is a frequently used material, but we now know of better solutions.

Polypropylene medical clothing

Made from Prolen® Siltex and Prolen® Bodyfresh polypropylene fibre with silver and zinc ions, the garment has ideal characteristics for hospital environments, is reusable, with permanent antimicrobial protection and high wearing comfort.

Reduces the risk of transmission of infections

Prolen ® Medical medical clothing is resistant to the transmission of infections , including MERS. It is permanently treated with an antibacterial and antiviral coating based on silver and zinc ions. These ingredients have been added to the clothing to help reduce unpleasant odors and reduce the risk of infectious contamination.

Prolen ® Medical medical clothing has almost zero absorbency and dries in as little as 1h. As it does not retain moisture, it is more resistant to the transmission of bacteria and viruses compared to cotton clothing.

It has a long service life

In addition to providing better protection against infections, Polypropylene Fiber Medical Clothing has another advantage. It is longer lasting than cotton and can withstand up to 300 washes. Its production does not burden the environment, it is 100% recyclable so it can be considered an eco-friendly product.

Cotton medical clothing

Cotton is still one of the most widely used materials in medical clothing, mainly because of its comfort. Today, however, we are slowly discovering that it has a number of disadvantages when used in healthcare facilities, particularly in relation to the transmission of microbes.

Promotes bacterial growth

Cotton clothing and bedding do not provide sufficient resistance to the penetration of germs and bacteria. It has been found that natural fabrics like cotton can even promote the growth of bacteria and fungi that decompose it.

Retains moisture

Cotton, unlike polypropylene, has a high moisture retention capacity and its polymer bonds are more easily accessible to microbial enzymes. This is why it is more susceptible to microbial penetration. In addition, it can provide nutrients to microbes in the form of proteins or carbohydrates, thus creating a breeding ground for them.