Hospital gowns are never intended to make a fashion statement. They are more intended for comfort, along with saving and protecting the dignity of the patient from unnecessary exposure. Hospital gowns need to be seen from different perspectives, which will also allow ease of access to the patient, while treating the patient and performing bedside procedures.
Typical hospital gowns can be made from a mix of cotton polyester blend or just pure cotton fiber. There is also an option of flannel material for enhancing the patient’s comfort during winter months. Hospital gowns can be designed either on unisex format or a back wrap design to protect women from unintentional exposure. Usually, the gowns come in different sizes for men, women and children.
Factors that go into consideration while making hospital gown include cost of the gown. Sizes of a hospital gown are measured in the length, sweep, and sleeve. The typical length of the gown is measured from the top neck area to the bottom; sweep is the distance at the bottom of the gown, and sleeve is measured from armpit to the sleeve end.
The closure mechanisms for the hospital gowns are either hook and loop closures or snaps or a tie. By and large, hook and loop are the most popular ones, and only thing is they need to be closed (stuck together) while washing. Snaps are essential when people cannot use their hands due to reasons like arthritis, Parkinson’s, or other mobility limiting disorders. Snaps last longer than hooks and loops. The last closure option is tie, wherein there is tie near the neck and near the mid-section of the gown.
References
Assisted Living Store (ALS). (2014). Hopsital Gown Buyer's Guide. Retrieved from Assisted Living Store (ALS): http://www.assistedlivingstore.com/t-hospital_gown_buyers_guide.aspx
Meidcal Supplies and Equipment Compant (MSEC). (2014). Hospital Gowns are more than Paper Cut-outs. Retrieved from Meidcal Supplies and Equipment Compant (MSEC): http://medical-uniforms-apparel.medical-supplies-equipment-company.com/PPF/page_ID/486/article.asp
