Choosing the Right Protection: A Guide to Type 5 & 6 Fabrics

In the world of industrial safety, the terminology can often feel like alphabet soup. When you see "CE Type 5" or "Type 6" on a coverall label, you aren't just looking at a rating—you’re looking at a specific engineering choice in fabric technology.

Understanding the materials behind these suits is the difference between staying protected and being exposed to hazardous chemicals or particles. Here is a summary of the three primary fabrics used in Type 5 and Type 6 protective clothing.

The Ratings: A Quick Refresher

Before diving into the fabrics, let's define what we are protecting against:

• Type 5 (EN ISO 13982-1): Protection against hazardous dry particles (solid dusts).

• Type 6 (EN 13034): Protection against light liquid sprays and splashes.

Most modern disposable coveralls are dual-rated as Type 5/6, meaning the fabric must be versatile enough to block both fine dust and liquid mists.

1. Microporous Film (MPF)

The Best All-Rounder for Liquids.

Microporous Film is a "laminated" fabric. It consists of a tough spunbond polypropylene base bonded to a specialized polyethylene film. This film contains millions of tiny pores that are too small for liquid droplets to pass through, yet large enough to allow water vapor (sweat) to escape.

• Best for: Tasks involving liquid chemical splashes or biological hazards.

• Key Advantage: It offers the highest liquid repellency of the three and is virtually lint-free, making it ideal for paint booths or cleanrooms.

• Trade-off: Because the film is a solid layer, it can feel warmer than SMS during high-intensity labor.

2. SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond)

The Champion of Breathability.

SMS is a three-layer "sandwich." The outer layers provide structural strength, while the middle "Meltblown" layer acts as a sophisticated filter. Think of it like a high-grade furnace filter for your body.

• Best for: High-temperature environments where dry dust (Type 5) is the primary concern.

• Key Advantage: Incredible breathability. It allows maximum airflow, significantly reducing the risk of heat stress for the wearer.

• Trade-off: It is less effective against liquids with low surface tension (like oils), which can sometimes "wick" through the fiber matrix.

3. Flash-Spun Polyethylene (e.g., Tyvek®)

The Durability Leader.

Unique among the three, flash-spun polyethylene is a non-layered, monolithic material. It is created by spinning continuous high-density fibers that are then heat-bonded together.

• Best for: Rugged environments where the suit might snag or scrape.

• Key Advantage: Inherent protection. Because it isn't a laminate or a sandwich, the barrier exists throughout the entire thickness of the fabric. If the surface gets scratched, the protection remains.

• Trade-off: It offers a middle ground in breathability—better than MPF, but not as airy as SMS.

Comparison Summary

Fabric Type. Particle Protection. Liquid Protection. Breathability. Durability

MPF Excellent Excellent Low/Moderate Moderate

SMS Good Basic High Moderate

Flash-Spun Excellent Good/Very Good Moderate High

Which Should You Choose?

The "best" fabric depends entirely on your environment:

1. Facing chemical splashes? Choose Microporous Film.

2. Working in a hot, dusty warehouse? Go with SMS.

3. Doing heavy-duty demolition or remediation? Reach for Flash-Spun Polyethylene.

By matching the fabric technology to the specific hazards of your job site, you ensure that your team stays not just compliant, but truly safe.