A Complete Guide to Hospital & Patient Gowns

Sheena

2022-12-19

Guides

Hospital gowns, also known as patient gowns, are an essential item in any healthcare facility. They are designed to provide a practical and comfortable solution for patients who are in the hospital, as well as to protect the patient's modesty. Hospital gowns come in a variety of styles, materials, sizes, and features to suit the needs of different patients. Hospital and patient gowns are mainly used for patients unlike medical scrubs which are used for nurses and doctors.

Types of Hospital Gowns

There are several different types of hospital gowns available, including full-length gowns, short gowns, and wrap gowns. Full-length gowns cover the entire body, including the arms and legs, and are typically used for surgery or other procedures that require more coverage. Short gowns, also known as johnny gowns, only cover the upper half of the body and are usually worn for exams or diagnostic tests. Wrap gowns, also known as tie-back gowns, are made of a single piece of fabric that wraps around the body and ties at the back. There are also other gowns like Kimono gowns and Three-hole wrap around gowns.

Hospital Gown Materials, Types of Usage

One should always consider the type of use for the patient gown. For example, Patient gowns that are worn during X-rays should not be have multiple layers of material or white coloured highlights to reduce the chances of the gown appearing in X-ray.

These will affect the type of materials that are made available. Hospital gowns are typically made of lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton, polyester, rayon or a blend of either. The material should be comfortable and easy to wash, as hospital gowns may need to be laundered frequently. Some gowns may also be treated with antimicrobial agents to help reduce the risk of infection.

Cotton-Polyester Hospital Patient Gowns:

Cotton polyester blend patient gowns are a popular choice in healthcare facilities because they offer several benefits:

Comfort: Cotton is a soft, breathable material that is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Polyester is also a lightweight, moisture-wicking material that helps keep the skin dry and comfortable. The combination of these two materials can create a comfortable and breathable patient gown.
Durability: Polyester is a strong and durable material that can withstand frequent washings and wear. When combined with cotton, it can create a patient gown that is long-lasting and able to withstand the demands of a healthcare setting.
Easy to clean: Cotton and polyester are both easy to clean and maintain. They can be laundered in a washing machine and dried on a low heat setting, making them convenient for healthcare facilities that need to clean and sterilize patient gowns on a regular basis.
Hypoallergenic: Cotton and polyester are both hypoallergenic materials, meaning they are unlikely to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This is important for patients who may have allergies or sensitivities to certain materials.
Cost-effective: Cotton polyester blend patient gowns are typically more cost-effective than gowns made of 100% cotton or polyester. This makes them a budget-friendly option for healthcare facilities.

100% Cotton Hospital Patient Gowns:

Comfort: Cotton is a soft, breathable material that is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. It absorbs moisture and allows the skin to breathe, which can help reduce irritation and discomfort.
Hypoallergenic: Cotton is a hypoallergenic material, meaning it is unlikely to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This is important for patients who may have allergies or sensitivities to certain materials.
Durable: Cotton is a strong and durable material that can withstand frequent washings and wear. This makes it a good choice for patient gowns that need to be laundered and sterilized on a regular basis.
Easy to clean: Cotton is easy to clean and maintain. It can be laundered in a washing machine and dried on a low heat setting, making it convenient for healthcare facilities that need to clean and sterilize patient gowns on a regular basis.
Natural: Cotton is a natural material that is derived from plants. It is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a good choice for those who are environmentally conscious.

Hospital Patient Gowns made from Synthetic Fibers (Polyester, Rayon, Viscose):

Patient gowns made of synthetic materials, such as polyester, rayon, viscose, offer several benefits:

Moisture-wicking: Synthetic materials, such as polyester, are moisture-wicking, meaning they can absorb and wick away moisture from the skin. This can help keep the skin dry and comfortable, especially in warm or humid environments.
Durability: Synthetic materials are typically more durable and less prone to tearing or fading than natural materials such as cotton. This makes them a good choice for patient gowns that need to withstand frequent washings and wear.
Easy to clean: Synthetic materials are easy to clean and maintain. They can be laundered in a washing machine and dried on a low heat setting, making them convenient for healthcare facilities that need to clean and sterilize patient gowns on a regular basis.
Cost-effective: Synthetic materials are often less expensive than natural materials, such as cotton, which can make patient gowns made of synthetic materials more cost-effective.
Quick-drying: Synthetic materials dry quickly, which can be beneficial in a healthcare setting where gowns need to be laundered frequently.

Hospital Gown: Fit, Size & Design

Hospital gowns are available in a range of sizes to ensure a proper fit for patients of all sizes. It is important that the gown fits properly to allow for easy access for medical procedures and to maintain the patient's modesty. However, due to operational best practices, most small to medium clinics will stock a one size fits all gown or two sizes at most.

In addition to the basic design of hospital gowns, there are also several features that can make them more practical and comfortable for patients. These features may include snaps or Velcro closures to make it easy to put on and take off the gown, as well as ties or loops to keep the gown in place. Some gowns may also have pockets to hold personal items such as a phone or glasses. Such gowns with pockets should only be used as recovery gowns. It is often best practice to not have gowns with pockets as a patient may forget about their personal items when heading for an X-ray or MRI.

Hospital Gown: Hygiene, Laundry & Wash Instructions

Hospital gowns should be washed daily to maintain proper hygiene and reduce the risk of infection. It is important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer when laundering hospital gowns. If gowns are exposed to bodily fluids, these gowns should be washed in warm water up to 60 degrees Celsius. Gowns with spandex are not recommended to wash under higher temperatures. You may find out more about laundering hospital garments here.

In conclusion, hospital gowns are an important part of the healthcare experience, providing a practical and comfortable solution for patients while also protecting their modesty. By understanding the different types of hospital gowns available, the materials they are made of, and their features and care instructions, you can ensure that you have the right gown for your needs.

If you're ready to buy hospital gowns, you may check out our article here on where to buy hospital gowns.