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Waterproof Fabrics for Diaper Covers and "Pants"

Waterproof Fabrics for Diaper Covers and "Pants"

Posted by Laurie on 2017 Sep 19th

At Rearz we pride ourselves in offering the largest range of "plastic" pants in North America.  These incontinence pants come is a range of fabrics that can often be confusing and hard to navigate.  There are basic and more technical fabrics that are now available to meet a wide range of needs.  We offer custom tailored products as well for those with special need or special requests. No matter the age or size, we can help.

PVC Pants

PVC is short for PolyVinyl Chloride and is the cheapest and most readily option available in the marketplace.  It can come in many thicknesses and can be textured or smooth.  PVC can also be softer or more rigid depending on the brand.  PVC is very effective and economical. The draw back to this product is PVC can become brittle and often does not last a long time.

Rubber

Rubber is a natural product and has been used in waterproof products for a very long time.  Gerber used to make all baby diaper pants from rubber.  Rubber is comfortable to wear and has a small amount of stretch.  For containing odors, especially for fecal incontinence, there is nothing better than rubber.  Rubber can be delicate and does require more careful care than other options, however it is quiet, effective and discreet. Those with a latex allergy should avoid rubber products.

Latex

Like rubber, latex is made from the same raw material of the "rubber tree."  Latex can be made in thinner films and is much stretchier.  It is often more durable than the rubber pant, however it can be significantly more expensive.  It is also good at containing odors and is thinner and more lightweight.  Latex pants are available both in hand sewn and in seamless version.

Urethane

This is a very smooth, thin and stretchy material.  Urethane is relatively new in the use of plastic pants and diaper covers.  This fabric is extremely soft and lightweight.  High quality, medical grade urethane is extremely durable and will last a very long time.  Euroflex pants manufactured by Gary manufacturing are excellent and rumored to last forever.  These are expensive to buy, but well worth the investment.

PUL/TPU

These technical fabrics are laminated.  Most commonly this polyurethane coating is applied to the back of a polyester knit, however can be found laminated on all kinds of woven and knitted fabrics to make them waterproof.  Most commonly used for waterproof covers is a polyester knit.  A high quality PUL/TPU can last many years.  Knits will have a 2 way stretch which is comfortable to wear.  This is considered to be the coolest pant as it is gas permeable and does not hold heat like the other styles of pants.  Beware of cheaper quality PUL products which are often made in China, as they can leak and do not last long.