Going Disposable: A Safe, Cost-Effective Option for Protective Apparel
Almost as soon as news of the pandemic hit the airwaves, every man, woman, and child became instantly familiar with the acronym
PPE. But while media attention focused primarily on masks and gloves, the largest piece of any healthcare worker’s personal protective equipment is apparel—and for dental professionals, that means lab coats and jackets.
The Case for Disposables
Disposable protective apparel has long been considered advantageous for industries in which staff comes into contact with hazardous chemicals, bodily fluids, or infectious pathogens. Disposables are recommended when apparel needs to fit different body types, be worn for a variety of indications and/or one-time uses, and when laundering isn’t possible or preferable. All these scenarios fit the dental industry to the proverbial “T.”
The first and most obvious benefit of “going disposable” is the enhanced protection for patients and staff that wearing a new lab coat for every patient encounter provides. Disposal after each appointment ensures that no pathogens leave the operatory. And because they’re typically less porous than cloth fiber, disposables can be wiped down with alcohol or bleach and reused for several days when working in non-patient areas such as on-site labs, lowering replacement costs.
Wearing disposables also eliminates the need for laundering, reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and contributing to a much loftier goal. Further, it’s important to remember that inexpensive reusable apparel could end up costing more in the long run since inferior-quality lab coats need more frequent replacement and repair and, with tears and punctures, can fail to provide adequate protection. The good news? Disposable apparel can be both inexpensive and high-quality, keeping you on or even under budget.
A Promising Option
FitMe disposable lab coats and jackets offer a uniquely promising solution. Made of soft, breathable, fluid-resistant premium polypropylene spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) material, FitMe combines the heavy-duty tear- and puncture-resistant protection with the lightweight comfort that make disposables a good value.
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The only fitted lab jackets and coats available, FitMe—available exclusively from Unipack Medical, recently acquired by Dukal—provides a true custom fit with a patent-pending, 3-position adjustable waist band. This, along with availability in sizes small to XXL, provides an optimal fit for virtually all staff members. The latex-free apparel comes in 8 colors, has knit cuffs and collars, snap fronts and 3 pockets, and is washable and autoclavable for maximum cost-effectiveness.
Meeting Your Unique Needs
Ultimately, the best disposable protective wear is that which will meet your practice’s unique needs. To that end, choose a product line with custom features that accommodate the needs and preferences of staff members with respect to size, style, comfort, and the task at-hand. If lab coats will be worn for lab work, a material that can be washed or spot-cleaned is best. Materials for operatory work should be strong enough to resist tears and punctures but sufficiently flexible and lightweight to allow the movement needed for a range of procedures.
And don’t forget appearance. A good fit conveys professionalism, and pleasing colors enhance patient comfort. To learn more about FitMe disposable lab jackets and coats, click here.
