Barrier is Key
Every effective surgical drape design starts with one critical attribute: the base material must create a barrier between the non-sterile patient and the sterile procedure above.
SMS – The standard is human surgical drape
Strengths
• Allows steam to pass through (as sterilization wrap)
• Allows heat to escape (for gown wearers)
Spunbond layers – softer for comfort
Excellent barrier, even in light basis weights
Lowest Cost (by far) due to high demand/use in human surgery
Meltblown (middle) layer provides breathable barrier
Absorb/Repellent Base Material
But wouldn’t it be nice if, after the barrier has been established, that drape also had other characteristics as well? For example, do your procedures generate lots of blood and body fluids that routinely pour onto the floor? How about a fluid absorption feature built into the drape material?