Polyethylene vs. SMS Isolation Gowns: Which Is Better for Embalming?
Most disposable gowns are made of one of two materials: polyethylene (PE) film or SMS nonwoven fabric. They look similar in a photo but behave very differently when fluid hits them.
What each material is
Polyethylene gowns are thin plastic film, usually low-density PE (LDPE). The film is impervious, so liquid beads up and runs off. Most are cut as slip-over gowns with thumb loops and long back ties.
SMS stands for spunbond-meltblown-spunbond, a three-layer nonwoven fabric. It feels like soft cloth and breathes, but it's fluid-resistant rather than impervious, so heavy fluid under pressure can work through over time.
| Polyethylene film | SMS nonwoven | |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid | Impervious; liquid runs off | Resistant; can soak through under pressure |
| Breathability | Low; warmer over long cases | Breathable |
| Typical style | Slip-over, open back, thumb loops | Wrap or tie back, knit or elastic cuffs |
| Lint | None | Low |
| Cost per gown | Lowest | Higher |
| Best for | Wet work, embalming, removals, quick changes | Long dry procedures, patient care |
Why funeral homes favor plastic
Prep-room work is wetter than most clinical work, and gowns are changed every case. An impervious film that sheds fluid and costs under a dollar is hard to beat. The open back keeps the gown cool enough and lets it come off in one motion with the gloves.
When to choose something else
For full-body coverage or heavy-fluid and infectious cases, use a fluid-resistant embalming coverall or Tychem. For long dry tasks where comfort matters most, an SMS gown or embalming coat works well.
Cost per gown
Our AME polyethylene thumb loop gowns run $97.02 per case of 100, about 97 cents a gown, at every quantity from 100 to 1,000. See full case pricing.
AME thumb loop isolation gowns, 100 per case
Impervious polyethylene embalming gowns with thin plastic thumb loops, one universal size, in blue or pink. From $97.02 per case of 100, in 100-gown steps up to 1,000. See case pricing and specs or request a bulk quote.
More isolation gown guides
- Funeral home PPE: embalming gowns, isolation gowns and supplies
- Blue embalming gowns with thumb loops
- Level 2 isolation gowns explained
- Thumb-loop vs. knit-cuff vs. open-cuff gowns
- Pink isolation gowns and color-coding PPE
- How to put on and remove a thumb-loop gown
- How many isolation gowns a funeral home needs
Related PPE guides
- OSHA PPE requirements for embalmers
- Prep room PPE problems and solutions
- New funeral home PPE checklist
- Mass fatality PPE stockpile guide
- Infectious disease decedent care: PPE for funeral homes
- OSHA PPE levels A–D: a Tychem selection guide
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