SMS Gown vs PP Gown: Which Is Better for Your Facility

What You Need to Know

Picking the right gown for your healthcare facility is a big deal. You want to keep your staff safe. You want to stay on budget. But how do you choose?

Two main types of gowns are used today: PP gowns and SMS gowns. Both are made from polypropylene. But they work very differently.

This guide will help you pick the right one for your needs.

What Is a PP Gown?

A PP gown is a simple protective gown. It is made from one layer of spunbond polypropylene.

Think of it like a thin sheet. It is light. It is cheap. It lets air flow through easily.

PP gowns are good for:

Basic patient care

Short visits

Low-risk tasks

Places where fluids are not expected

These gowns cost $1.20 to $2.25 each. That makes them very budget-friendly.

What Is an SMS Gown?

An SMS gown has three layers. The name tells you what it is made of:

S = Spunbond (outer layer)

M = Meltblown (middle layer)

S = Spunbond (inner layer)

This trilaminate construction creates a stronger barrier. The middle meltblown layer blocks tiny particles. It stops fluids better than a single layer.

SMS gowns are used for:

Surgical procedures

High-risk tasks

Places with lots of body fluids

Long procedures

These gowns cost $4.50 to $4.90 each. They cost more. But they protect more too.

How They Protect You

Fluid Resistance

This is how well a gown stops liquids.

SMS gowns can handle much more pressure from fluids. They keep you dry when liquids splash or spray.

Blocking Germs

Both gowns block some germs. But SMS gowns do it better.

PP gowns filter about 80% of particles

SMS gowns filter over 99% of particles

The meltblown layer in SMS gowns catches tiny viruses and bacteria. PP gowns have bigger holes in the fabric. Germs can get through more easily.

Strength

Strong gowns don't rip or tear. This keeps you safe during busy work.

SMS gowns are much tougher. They hold up better when you move around. They don't break as easily if something sharp touches them.

Comfort Matters

A gown that feels bad won't get worn right. Staff need to be comfortable.

Breathability

PP gowns let more air through. They feel cooler. But this means they protect less.

SMS gowns let less air through. They can feel warmer. But they keep fluids out better.

SMS gowns have a moisture vapor permeability of 585.7 g/m²/day. This means some air still moves through. You won't feel like you're in a plastic bag.

Weight

PP gowns are lighter. They feel like you're wearing almost nothing.

SMS gowns are heavier. But not by much. Most staff get used to them quickly.

Cost Comparison

Money matters. Every facility has a budget.

Price Per Gown

PP gowns: $1.20 to $2.25

SMS gowns: $4.50 to $4.90

PP gowns cost 50% to 75% less than SMS gowns.

Real Cost

But price isn't everything. Think about these questions:

What if a cheap gown fails during a high-risk procedure?

What if a staff member gets sick?

What will that cost your facility?

Sometimes paying more upfront saves money later.

Which Gown for Which Job?

Use PP Gowns For:

✓ Basic exams ✓ Quick patient visits ✓ Non-invasive procedures ✓ Tasks under 1 hour ✓ Places with no expected fluid contact

Use SMS Gowns For:

✓ Surgical operations ✓ Emergency room work ✓ Tasks with blood or fluids ✓ Long procedures (1 to 4 hours) ✓ High-risk infection control situations

Real-World Results

Studies show that using the right gown makes a difference.

When facilities use proper barrier protection (including SMS gowns when needed), they see:

26% to 40% fewer infections at surgical sites

Better staff safety

Less cross-contamination

Using a PP gown in a high-risk setting is dangerous. Using an SMS gown for basic care wastes money.

Match the gown to the risk level.

Making the Right Choice for Your Facility

Small Clinics

You do mostly basic care. You see patients for short visits. You don't do surgery.

Best choice: Stock mostly PP gowns. Keep a few SMS gowns for unexpected situations.

Medium Facilities

You do some procedures. Some involve fluids. Some don't.

Best choice: Keep both types. Use PP gowns for exams. Use SMS gowns for procedures with fluid risk.

Large Hospitals

You do many surgeries. You have an operating room. You see high-risk cases every day.

Best choice: Stock plenty of SMS gowns. Use them for all surgical work and high-risk areas. Use PP gowns only for basic care areas.

Storage Tips

Both gown types last 3 to 5 years if stored right.

How to store gowns:

Keep them in a cool, dry place

Protect them from moisture

Don't let them get too hot

Keep them in original packaging until needed

Check expiration dates

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using PP gowns during surgery ❌ Wasting money on SMS gowns for basic exams ❌ Not listening to staff feedback about comfort ❌ Buying only one type of gown ❌ Storing gowns in damp areas

The Bottom Line

There is no "best" gown for everyone. The right choice depends on what you do.

PP gowns are:

Cheaper

Lighter

More breathable

Good for low-risk tasks

SMS gowns are:

Stronger

Better at blocking fluids

Better at stopping germs

Needed for high-risk tasks

Your action plan:

List all the tasks your staff do

Mark which ones involve fluids or high risk

Buy SMS gowns for high-risk work

Buy PP gowns for basic care

Train staff on when to use each type

The best protection comes from using the right gown at the right time. Too little protection puts staff at risk. Too much protection wastes money.

Most facilities need both types. Stock your inventory based on what procedures you do most often.

Quick Reference Guide

Final thought: The right gown protects your staff and your budget. Take time to assess your needs. Choose wisely. Your facility will be safer and more efficient.