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Isolation Gowns Explained: GSM, Materials and Levels of Protection
Disposable isolation gowns protect skin and clothing from contamination during patient care, cleaning and outbreak management. The specifications on the box (GSM, material, cuff type) tell you a lot about how much protection a gown gives.
Key takeaways
- GSM is fabric weight; heavier usually means more durable and more fluid resistant.
- PP is breathable for low-risk tasks; SMS adds fluid resistance; PP+PE is the most fluid resistant.
- Knitted cuffs sit more securely under gloves than elastic cuffs.
- Take gowns off carefully: the outside is contaminated.
What does GSM mean?
GSM stands for grams per square metre: the weight of the fabric. Lighter gowns (around 18–20 GSM) are breathable and economical for short, low-risk contact. Heavier gowns (25–30 GSM and up) are more durable and better at resisting fluids.
Common gown materials
| Material | Features | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| PP (polypropylene non-woven) | Light, breathable, economical | Visitors, general care, low-risk contact |
| SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) | Three layers; better barrier while staying breathable | Routine clinical care, cleaning |
| PP + PE (polyethylene-coated) | Laminated, highly fluid resistant, less breathable | Splash-prone tasks, outbreak management |
| CPE (cast polyethylene) | Waterproof plastic, often with thumb loops | Short wet tasks, showering, wound care |
Elastic vs knitted cuffs
Elastic cuffs are economical and fine for general use. Knitted cuffs sit snugly at the wrist, stay in place under glove cuffs and are more comfortable for longer wear, which makes them common in clinical and outbreak settings.
Gown protection levels
Some gowns are labelled with barrier levels under the US AAMI PB70 standard, from Level 1 (minimal fluid risk) to Level 4 (highest barrier). If your facility specifies a level, check the packaging. If not, match the material and GSM to the task's splash risk.
Putting on and taking off
A common sequence is: hand hygiene, gown, mask or respirator, eye protection, then gloves. To remove: gloves, hand hygiene, eye protection, gown (rolling it inside out away from the body), hand hygiene, then mask or respirator outside the room, and hand hygiene again. Follow your organisation's procedure, as sequences vary.
Shop isolation gowns
CoShield gowns in 18–30 GSM, elastic and knitted cuffs, by the gown or carton.
CoShield 30 GSM knitted cuff →CoShield 20 GSM SMS →All protective clothing →Frequently asked questions
What GSM isolation gown do I need?
For short, low-risk contact, around 18–20 GSM is usually enough. For routine clinical care choose SMS around 20–25 GSM, and for splash-prone tasks or outbreaks a heavier PP+PE gown around 30 GSM or more.
Are isolation gowns waterproof?
Standard PP gowns are not waterproof. SMS gowns offer some fluid resistance, while PE-coated and CPE gowns are highly fluid resistant.
Can disposable gowns be reused?
No. Disposable gowns are single-use and should be removed and discarded after each patient or task, or when they become soiled or damaged.
What is the difference between a yellow and a white gown?
Colour doesn't indicate protection level. Many facilities use colours to identify gown types or areas, so check the material and GSM on the packaging.
Related guides
- N95 vs P2 vs Surgical Masks: What's the Difference and When Do You Need Each?
- How Much PPE Do You Need? A Stock Planning Guide for Clinics and Care Providers
- Nitrile vs Vinyl vs Latex Gloves: How to Choose the Right Disposable Glove
Sources and further reading
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Last reviewed: October 2026 by the Innovation Project team.