Textile materials and products for health and healthcare.

Textiles are by far the most common material for applications worn close to the body and have the potential to significantly impact well-being and health. To assess or optimize such products in terms of function and comfort, a thorough understanding of relevant properties is of utmost importance.

Textiles are by far the most common material category for body-close applications, which means they can have a significant impact on health—particularly on the skin and mucous membranes. Given the wide variety of textile materials and products, it is important for both manufacturers and users to be able to identify the most suitable options for specific applications. To achieve this, several testing methods are available that can quantify relevant properties of different products and materials.

Our services cover a broad range of product categories within health and medical care. These include healthcare textiles such as bed linens, patient clothing, and garments for healthcare personnel. We also work with mattresses and wheelchair cushions for pressure ulcer prevention, as well as other pressure-relieving products. Hygiene and sanitary products, including incontinence items, are also part of our focus area, along with orthoses, prosthetic sockets and associated liners.

We offer our expertise in various contexts to support our clients. It can be challenging for users to understand the differences between products. By utilizing a carefully selected set of measurement methods, we help clarify these differences. In procurement processes, we assist in evaluating different suppliers’ offerings. Manufacturers can benefit from our expertise to benchmark their products against competitors or to receive support in product development, including material selection. We also provide general advice and consultation in this field.

The properties we analyze are crucial for understanding how textile materials affect the user. We focus on product and material characteristics that influence functionality and interaction with the human body. This includes, among other things: the microclimate closest to the skin, moisture management properties, thermal properties, friction, and pressure distribution characteristics.

Examples of measurable properties and applicable test methods:

Moisture and thermal resistance through material layers using the Skin Model (SS-EN ISO 11092)
Measurement of moisture management properties in material layers using the Moisture Management Tester (AATCC 195)
Pressure distribution properties of wheelchair cushions (measured with test subjects)
Pressure distribution properties of medical mattresses according to SS 8760013
Microclimate properties (moisture and heat) of wheelchair cushions and medical mattresses using the Sweating Indenter (internal method)
Microclimate properties of dressings, compresses, bandages, etc. (method adapted to need)
Absorption properties of nonwoven products (diapers, pads, etc.) according to ISO 9073
Total absorption of diapers according to ISO 11948-1 (Rothwell method)
Absorption properties of tampons using Syngina according to EDANA method NWSP 350.1.R1(15)
Absorption capacity and related properties of dressings, compresses, etc. according to EN 13726
Functional properties (selected) of surgical and respiratory masks according to SS-EN 14683
Properties of fabrics for healthcare textiles according to SS 8760002

In some cases, customized testing methods are required. Quite often, no existing method meets the specific requirements. In such cases, we offer tailored adaptations of existing methods or the development of new ones to suit the intended application.