Prep Room PPE Problems and Solutions: Soak-Through, Tears, Heat and Stockouts

Six common embalming room PPE failures and the product fix for each: soak-through, glove tears, heat stress, split seams, formaldehyde contact and stockouts.
3 min read
SMS disposable coverall and microporous cool-back coverall

Short answer: Most prep room PPE failures come from six problems: fluid soaking through, gloves tearing, heat stress, coveralls splitting, formaldehyde reaching the skin, and running out during a surge. Each has a specific product fix, listed below.

Problem: fluid soaking through

SMS and cloth gowns breathe, which also means fluid can pass through under pressure at the forearms and knees. Solution: switch to a PE-coated fluid-resistant coverall for embalming and add Tychem QC500 sleeves where you lean on the table. For heavy cases use a Tychem 2000 coverall.

Problem: gloves tearing

Thin exam gloves fail at the fingertips on long cases and around sharp bone. Solution: double glove and move the outer glove to a high-risk extended-cuff glove at 9 to 15 mil. Use nitrile rather than vinyl for formaldehyde work.

Problem: heat stress

Impervious suits trap heat, and a long embalming or a summer removal can push staff into heat stress. Solution: a microporous coverall with a cool-back panel for long tasks without heavy fluid, rest breaks, and keep the impervious suit for the tasks that need it.

Problem: coveralls splitting

Torn crotch and shoulder seams are almost always a size problem. Solution: size up one size, especially for anyone who kneels for removals. Stock 2XL to 4XL and up, not just L and XL. Our coveralls are sold by the case in every size, and the size chart is in how to choose disposable coveralls.

Problem: formaldehyde on the skin

OSHA's formaldehyde standard requires preventing skin and eye contact with liquids containing 1% or more formaldehyde. Arterial and cavity fluids exceed that. Solution: chemical-resistant gloves, a face shield over goggles, and a Tychem 2000 or PE-coated layer. Keep eyewash in the immediate work area.

Problem: running out during a surge

Supply disappears when everyone needs it. Solution: keep a sealed surge stock sized with the per-decedent formula, and buy it during a sale. The year-end stock-up is the cheapest time to do it.

PE-coated embalming coverall, hoodPE-coated embalming coverall, hoodfrom $129.95Microporous cool-back coverallMicroporous cool-back coverallfrom $124.95Tychem 2000 QC127Tychem 2000 QC127from $198.95Tychem 2000 QC500 sleevesTychem 2000 QC500 sleevesfrom $390.95

2026 Year-End PPE Stock-Up

Mix gloves, coveralls, DuPont Tychem and embalming coats in one order. Coverall, Tychem and coat cases save 3% at 3 cases up to 10% at 20, and all PPE ships free at $1,500 to the Lower 48.

Build your PPE orderShop mortuary PPE

Frequently asked questions

Why do my embalming gowns soak through?

Breathable fabrics like SMS and cloth pass fluid under pressure. Use a PE-coated or Tychem coverall and add impervious sleeves at the forearms.

What gloves do not tear during embalming?

Extended-cuff nitrile or latex gloves at 9 to 15 mil, worn as the outer glove over a standard exam glove.

How do I prevent heat stress in PPE?

Use a breathable microporous coverall with a cool-back panel for long tasks without heavy fluid, schedule breaks and keep the prep room cool.

Why do disposable coveralls rip at the crotch?

They are too small. Size up one size, especially for staff who kneel or reach.

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