Disposable Coverall Material Comparison
| Material | Structure / Composition | Barrier / Protection | Breathability / Comfort | Durability / Strength | Typical Applications | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP (Polypropylene) Nonwoven | Single-layer spunbond nonwoven | Low – protects against dust and light particulates | High – lightweight and breathable | Low – can tear under stress | Low-risk environments: labs, visitor coveralls, light industrial work | Low |
| SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) | Three-layer laminate: S-M-S (outer spunbond, middle meltblown, inner spunbond) | Moderate – resistant to light liquid splashes and dust | High – comfortable for long shifts | Moderate – stronger than PP | Healthcare, laboratories, cleanrooms, pharmaceutical inspections | Moderate |
| PE-coated Nonwoven | Polypropylene nonwoven coated with polyethylene film | High – waterproof, blocks liquid splashes and low chemicals | Low – less breathable than SMS | Moderate – coating adds strength | Food industry, chemical handling, healthcare where fluid protection is needed | Moderate |
| Microporous Film | Nonwoven with microporous PE film lamination | Very High – liquid-proof, chemical-resistant, particle-resistant | Moderate – some breathability | High – tear-resistant | Hazardous material handling, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, high-risk lab work | High |
| Tyvek® / Spunbonded HDPE | Flash-spun high-density polyethylene fibers | Very High – liquid, particle, and chemical barrier | Moderate – limited breathability | High – very durable | High-containment labs, pharmaceutical, industrial hazardous work | High |
| PVC / EVA | Plastic film (PVC or EVA) | Very High – fully waterproof, chemical splash resistant | Low – not breathable | High – puncture-resistant | Industrial, chemical, rain protection, heavy-duty cleaning | Moderate |
Material Selection Guidelines
Low-risk tasks / visitor use: PP nonwoven
Moderate fluid exposure / lab or healthcare staff: SMS
Waterproof / food processing / wet work: PE-coated
Hazardous chemical or particle exposure: Microporous / Tyvek®
Heavy-duty industrial or chemical splash protection: PVC / EVA
Notes
Breathability vs Protection: There is always a trade-off; more protective layers tend to reduce comfort.
Cost vs Performance: PP is cheapest but offers minimal protection; microporous or Tyvek® is most expensive but provides maximum safety.
Single-use vs Limited Reuse: Most disposable coveralls are single-use, especially SMS, PE-coated, and microporous types.
