COATED BARRIER FABRIC FOR A REUSABLE MEDICAL PRODUCT

Abstract

A coated barrier fabric is provided for use in a reusable medical product (e.g., surgical gown, surgical drape, etc.) and has two woven or knitted layers. Each of the two layers is coated on one side with a fluorine-free polymer that maintains a comfort and feel similar to that of uncoated woven or knitted fabrics. The coated sides of the layers face each other (i.e., inward) on the inside of the barrier fabric. Due to the orientation of the layers, the coated sides of the layers can come into direct contact and move freely against each other within the barrier fabric. The coating on each layer is protected from external and environmental factors, including repeated institutional washing / autoclaving cycles, which could wear down and degrade the coating. This extends the lifespan of the reusable medical product, which includes the barrier fabric.

Description

COATED BARRIER FABRIC FOR A REUSABLE MEDICAL PRODUCT Technical field This application relates, in general, to barrier fabrics and, more specifically, to coated barrier fabrics for use in reusable medical products. Background Barrier fabrics are generally characterized by their resistance to liquid penetration. Because of this property, barrier fabrics are particularly suitable for use in the medical field to prevent or control the spread of infectious microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria found in blood, and other potentially infectious materials (PIMs) associated with, for example, surgical procedures. The properties of barrier fabrics are critical for medical products such as surgical drapes used to maintain sterile surgical or procedural fields and protective clothing such as surgical or isolation gowns. Particularly where there is a possibility of contact with bodily fluids, every effort is made to protect both the healthcare professional and the patient. Healthcare professionals routinely use medical barrier fabrics during surgery, blood draws, or while working with specimens containing contaminated fluids to protect themselves and prevent cross-contamination or secondary contamination of subsequent patients through the inadvertent transmission of infectious materials. Generally, there are two types of medical barrier fabrics: (1) single-use, or disposable, fabrics, and (2) reusable fabrics. The performance of single-use or disposable fabrics in terms of fluid resistance is generally acceptable; however, these fabrics often fail to provide the range of properties considered necessary for adequate protection in many medical applications. Additionally, single-use items contribute significantly to the volume of medical waste and are incompatible with accepted principles of environmental sustainability. Reusable medical barrier fabrics, on the other hand, can offer equivalent or better performance with respect to fluid resistance, improved drape, wearer comfort, and lower cost per use.However, it is also known that reusable barrier fabrics are commonly associated with decreased protector performance over the course of their useful life. It is important to note that reusable medical gowns, surgical drapes, and other non-disposable medical barrier fabric products have requirements that distinguish them from other products or garments incorporating barrier fabrics. Specifically, after each use, a reusable surgical gown, for example, must be washed, dried, and sterilized for subsequent reuse. These procedures often involve harsh detergents and high temperatures that can rapidly degrade the gown's barrier properties and limit the number of times it can be reused. A typical institutional wash / autoclave cycle for these reusable medical products generally comprises one or more initial flushes in which the products are soaked in water at 90–100°F for two to five minutes. Following one or more flushes, the products are soaked in an alkali bath at approximately 120–160°F for three to ten minutes to loosen soiling. The products are then placed in a detergent bath at approximately 160°F for approximately five to ten minutes. This is followed by one or more rinses at temperatures that may be progressively reduced from approximately 140°F to room temperature. The products are mechanically agitated in some, but not all, of these baths. In addition, after each bath, there is a drain to minimize the vehicle fluid carried over to the next procedure. Finally, there is an acid bath in which the pH is adjusted to the range of 4.0 to 7.0, and in which an emollient may also be used.After washing, the products are extracted (by centrifugation or hydraulic pressing) to remove as much water as possible before drying. The products are dried in a drum dryer at an average temperature of 160°F. Typical drying times for the products are on the order of 15 to 30 minutes. It should be noted that hot spots may occur in such dryers, which can subject the products to temperatures exceeding 400°F. After drying, the products are placed in an autoclave and sterilized with pressurized steam at a temperature of approximately 270°F for at least four minutes in a commercially available vacuum pre-steam sterilizer. Sterilization parameters will differ for a gravity-fed steam sterilizer. These harsh conditions are several orders of magnitude greater than those encountered in the washing or dry cleaning of barrier fabrics incorporated into ordinary garments. In fact, many barrier fabrics intended for use in normal (e.g., non-medical) garments, such as bad-weather gear, become unusable after only one, or relatively few, institutional wash / autoclave sterilization cycles. While efforts to produce reusable barrier fabrics with the required resistance to liquids and microorganisms for use in medical applications have met with some success, known fabric coatings tend to degrade the fabric's feel and give the coated fabric a rubbery finish, which is not desirable for many fabric uses, particularly in apparel. Furthermore, severe abrasion or multiple harsh institutional washing / autoclave cycles often result in breakdowns of the protective properties of some known reusable barrier fabrics, which can significantly shorten their potential lifespan. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide an improved coated barrier fabric, such as for use in a reusable medical product, that achieves excellent liquid resistance without sacrificing the fabric's comfort or feel. Furthermore, the fabric should be able to maintain these barrier properties after at least 10 institutional autoclave washing / sterilization cycles without compromising the fabric's comfort or feel. Brief description of the invention The present invention relates, in general, to barrier fabrics and, more specifically, to coated barrier fabrics for use in reusable medical products. In one embodiment, provided that a coated barrier fabric includes a first layer and a second layer, each comprising a coated side and an uncoated side, wherein the first layer and the second layer are peripherally bonded to form the barrier fabric, wherein the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer face each other and define an interior of the barrier fabric, with each coated side capable of coming into direct contact with the other but remaining movable and capable of forming a separation between them, and wherein the uncoated side of the first layer and the uncoated side of the second layer face each other in opposite directions and define an exterior of the barrier fabric. qc Lnnn / zznz / E / YiAi In another embodiment, a reusable medical product includes a two-layer barrier fabric having a first layer and a second layer, each comprising a coated side and an uncoated side, wherein the first layer and the second layer are bonded peripherally to form the barrier fabric, wherein the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer face each other and define an interior of the barrier fabric, with each coated side capable of coming into direct contact with the other but remaining movable and capable of forming a separation between them, and wherein the uncoated side of the first layer and the uncoated side of the second layer face each other in opposite directions and define an exterior of the barrier fabric. For example, the reusable medical product could be a surgical gown, an isolation gown, or a surgical drape.In another example, the two-layer coated barrier fabric is provided within a critical area or areas of the reusable medical product. In another embodiment, a method is provided for manufacturing a two-layer barrier fabric for use in a reusable medical product and includes applying, by means of a single pass, a fluorine-free polymer coating to one side of each of the two separate layers of a woven or knitted fabric, wherein the coating is applied at a rate of 1 g / m2 to 75 g / m2.The fabric coating is then cured using a simple curing procedure, and the first and second coated layers are then bonded peripherally to form the barrier fabric. The coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer face each other, defining an interior layer of the barrier fabric. Each coated side is capable of direct contact with the other but remains mobile and able to form a separation between them. The uncoated side of the first layer and the uncoated side of the second layer face each other in opposite directions, defining an exterior layer of the barrier fabric. The barrier fabric is suitable for use in or as a reusable medical product. In one example, the polymer coating is silicone and is applied at a rate from 10 g / m² to 50 g / m².In another example, the content of the first and second layers comprises at least 25% polyester or at least 25% polyamide. qc Lnnn / zznz / E / YiAi Brief description of the drawings The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of this descriptive memorandum, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a surgical gown, including a coated barrier fabric, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a fragmented, enlarged top plan view of the circled portion 2 of the gown in Figure 1 showing a coated barrier woven fabric; Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the gown in Figure 1, showing a gap between the layers of the gown's coated fabric; and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the gown in Figure 1 similar to Figure 3A, but showing no gaps between the layers of the gown's coated fabric. Detailed description The illustrative embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not exhaustive. Other illustrative embodiments are possible, and modifications to the illustrative embodiments may be made within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this detailed description does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Figures 1 to 3B show a reusable surgical gown 10, or portions thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention. At least some portions of the gown 10 are made of a two-layer coated barrier fabric 12. The fabric 12 provides a reliable, effective, and durable liquid barrier without sacrificing comfort or feel (as is the case with known coated barrier fabrics or laminates in the art) due to the two-layer coated construction of the fabric 12. Furthermore, the fabric 12 exhibits the durability to withstand repeated institutional washing / autoclave cycles while maintaining effective liquid barrier properties. Other advantages and technical effects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following description. oc Lnnn / zznz / E / YiAi The use of descriptive terms below, such as left, right, top, bottom, front, back, or vertical, as the terms pertain to or describe gown 10, should be interpreted from the point of view of the wearer of gown 10, when properly worn, unless otherwise indicated. With specific reference to Figure 1, the reusable surgical gown 10 generally includes a front 14 and a back 16, a top 18 and a bottom 20, an inner surface 22, and an outer surface 24. The gown 10 also includes a central body 26 and a pair of opposite long sleeves, namely, a right sleeve 28 and a left sleeve 30. Each of the sleeves 28, 30 is located adjacent to and extends away from a neck opening 32. The neck opening 32 is generally defined by the upper portion 34 of the central body 26. In addition, the sleeves 28, 30 each have an optional terminal cuff 36. The sleeves 28, 30 can be attached to the central body 26, and the cuffs 36 can be attached to their respective sleeves 28, 30 by techniques known in the art, such as sewing. One or more of the terminal cuffs 36, in other embodiments, may be entirely absent, defining the long sleeves 28, 30 simply as an opening folded over at a distal end of each sleeve 28, 30. In another example, the long sleeves 28, 30 may be short sleeves or may be sleeveless, if desired. In other embodiments, the terminal cuff 36 may be replaced by long sleeves 28, 30 having thumb loops, for example. Furthermore, although the central body 26 and the sleeves 28, 30 are shown as one piece in Figure 1, it will be appreciated that the central body 26 or the sleeves 28, 30 could be formed from multiple pieces of fabric sewn or joined together, or similarly, by means known in the art. Still referring to Figure 1, at least some portions of gown 10, such as certain critical zones 11, can be manufactured from the two-layer coated barrier fabric 12. The construction and composition of the fabric 12 are described in more detail below in relation to Figures 2-3B. As used herein, a critical zone 11 is an area of ​​a medical product, such as a gown or drape, where the product is most likely to come into direct contact with potentially infectious material. According to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (“AAMI”) Standard PB70, the critical zone 11 of a surgical gown, such as the gown 10 depicted in Figure 1, includes, at a minimum, the front of the gown from the chest to the knees and the sleeves of the gown from the cuff to the upper elbow. It will be appreciated that alternative embodiments can take forms other than a reusable surgical gown 10. For example, the fabric 12 can alternatively be incorporated into other reusable medical products, such as a surgical drape, a table support or cover, wraps, or other protective clothing. In the case of an isolation gown, AAMI PB70 dictates that the critical zones 11 are the entire gown, including the seams, but excluding the cuffs, hems, and piping. In the case of a surgical drape, the critical zone 11 can be defined as the area of ​​the drape that generally surrounds the fenestration. Regardless of the embodiment, it should be understood that the critical zones 11 of the embodiments (e.g., gowns, drapes, etc.) can be made from a coated, two-ply barrier fabric 12. However, the fabric 12 can be used in other embodiments (in addition to the critical zones 11 of gowns and drapes).In this way, fabric 12 is not limited in use to any specific reusable medical product. With reference now to Figure 2, the figure shows an enlarged view of a portion of the reusable surgical gown 10 of Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 2 shows a layer 44, i.e., a top or outer layer, of the fabric 12 used to manufacture at least the critical areas 11 of the gown 10. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the fabric 12 is defined by a woven band of warp yarns 38 and weft yarns 40. In one embodiment, at least some of the yarns are multifilament, although other yarns (e.g., monofilament) may be used. In an alternative embodiment, the fabric 12 may be knitted or similar, as opposed to woven. It should be understood that other fabric constructions known in the art may be used, regardless of how the fabric 12 is produced (e.g., woven, knitted, etc.).In one embodiment, the yarn content comprising fabric 12 is 25% or more polyester or polyamide filaments. In one example, the yarn of one layer 44, 46 may include polyester, and the yarn of the other layer 44, 46 may include polyamide; or, in another example, the yarns of either layer 44, 46 may include combinations of polyester and polyamide. In an alternative embodiment, the yarn content comprising fabric 12 is up to 100% polyester or polyamide filament. Polyester or polyamide, such as nylon, may be chosen due to the material properties (e.g., lint generation performance, colorfastness, inherent hydrophobicity, etc.), wide availability, and cost. It should be understood that other non-lint polymers or fibers could be used. With reference now to Figures 3A and 3B, the figures show a cross-sectional portion in a critical zone 11 of an embodiment of the gown 10. More specifically, the figures show the coated two-layer barrier fabric 12, from which the selected portion of the gown 10 is constructed. The fabric 12 comprises two layers 44 and 46, namely a first layer 44 of woven material and a second layer 46 of woven material, each layer having a coating 42 thereon. Together, the two layers 44, 46 define an interior 48 of fabric 12 and an exterior 50 of fabric 12. The interior 48 of fabric 12 is the region between the first layer 44 and the second layer 46 that is generally protected from the surrounding environment by virtue of the two-layer construction of fabric 12. The exterior 50 of fabric 12 is the region on opposite sides of the first and second layers 44, 46 that is exposed to the surrounding environment. As can be seen in Figures 3A and 3B, only one side of each of the first and second layers 44, 46 is coated with a coating 42. In alternative embodiments, only one of the two layers 44, 46 may have a coating 42 on one side. However, in this embodiment, one side of the first layer 44 is coated with a coating 42 and one side of the second layer 46 is coated with a coating 42. The coated side of the first layer 44 and the coated side of the second layer 46 face each other on the inside 48 of the fabric 12. In this construction, the coating 42 of the first and second layers 44, 46 is not exposed to the environment. Instead, the coating 42 of the first and second layers 44, 46 is protected internally. Such a construction offers substantial advantages over other barrier fabrics known in the art.This coating-to-coating orientation reduces abrasion of the coating material and extends the product's lifespan. Specifically, the lifespan of gown 10 (or other garment, drapery, etc., in which fabric 12 is used) can be extended because coating 42 is not exposed to external elements, such as during the washing / autoclave cycle, which typically lead to degradation of coating 42 (and thus to the loss of the fabric's barrier properties). Furthermore, the comfort and feel of gown 10 (or other garment, drapery, etc.) incorporating fabric 12 are improved since each or any of the product's layers can have a coating weight that is lighter than has historically been the case. qc Lnnn / zznz / E / YiAi Additionally, a wearer of gown 10, for example, is exposed to one uncoated side (e.g., woven, knitted, etc.) of fabric 12, thus eliminating direct contact with the coating materials 42 by the wearer or user of a finished product (as is the case with some known reusable barrier fabrics). In one example, the wearer of gown 10 is exposed only to one or more uncoated sides of fabric 12. Wearers generally dislike the feel of the coating 42 against their skin, especially over extended periods (as may be the case with gowns 10 and other surgical or medical garments in medical or surgical applications). As such, the fabric 12 incorporated into gown 10 offers improved comfort and tactile sensitivity compared to other barrier fabrics known in the art. The coating material 42 can be applied to one side of each of the first and second layers 44, 46 using conventional coating technologies to impart a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or vaporized chemical (e.g., sublimation) coating to one side of the fabric 12, as is known in the industry. For example, the coating 42 can be applied to the fabric 12 using a blade coating, a spray coating, a foam coating, or a similar methodology. It should be understood that alternative methodologies, as generally known in the art, in addition to those specifically listed, can be used to apply the coating 42 to one side of each of the first and second layers 44, 46 of the fabric 12. After application, the coating material 42 can interact with the surface of the layer 44, 46 in various ways, as would be understood in the industry, to provide the coating 42.For example, the applied coating material can adhere to the surface of layer 44, 46 and can form a layer on it, such as by bonding the surface fibers (e.g., through covalent and / or non-covalent bonds, etc.) or the coating material can be trapped within the fibers of layer 44, 46. In addition, a combination of some of these polymerization, bonding, and physical entrapment mechanisms can be used to adhere the coating 42 to layers 44, 46. Furthermore, when applying coating 42, it is advisable to limit the penetration of coating 42 through layer 44, 46. It is known in the industry that applying a coating to one side of layer 44, 46 can result in an undesirable bleed-through effect, whereby the applied coating can penetrate through and appear on the other side of layer 44, 46. It should be understood that the term "coated," as used herein, excludes the bleed-through of coating 42. It should also be understood that the term "uncoated" includes the bleed-through of the coating material 42.For example, if a coating 42 is applied to one side of a layer 44, 46, then the side of the layer 44, 46 to which the coating 42 was applied would be considered coated; however, the opposite side of the layer 44, 46, to which a coating 42 was not applied, could be considered 'uncoated', even if it exhibits carryover effects of the coating 42 on the opposite side of the layer 44, 46. Still referring to Figures 3A and 3B, coating 42 can be applied to the fabric in a single pass and dried or cured in the same pass. In one example, coating 42 can be applied in a single pass and in a single cure application. Here, coating 42 is heated, as is known in the art, to conveniently cure the coating 42 applied in each layer 44, 46, where the curing time and temperature, for example, may generally depend on the selected coating material. A single-pass, single-cure application of coating 42 offers distinct advantages over two (or more) curing applications and two (or more) passes, as can be used with barrier fabrics known in the art. Specifically, a single-pass, single-cure operation conveniently provides cost and efficiency benefits over an application that requires additional passes and curing time.Instead of two (or more) passes, coating 42 can be applied to one side of the first or second layer 44, 46 in a single pass. This reduces production time and, consequently, the production cost of the coated fabric 12. Similarly, the coated fabric 12 can be cured in a single curing procedure, as opposed to two (or more) cures, at least one for each application pass. This also reduces production time and, consequently, the production cost of the coated fabric 12. The benefits translate into the ability to produce more coated fabrics 12 in a shorter period without sacrificing the quality of the coating 42. Therefore, the overall cost and the cost per use of the fabric 12 are reduced, making reusable medical products incorporating fabric 12 attractive alternatives to disposable barrier fabrics or other known reusable barrier fabrics. When coating 42 is applied to a layer (first or second layer 44, 46 of fabric 12), coating 42 can be applied at a rate from 1 gram per square meter (g / m²) up to 75 g / m². More specifically, in one embodiment, coating 42 can be applied at a rate from 10 g / m² up to 65 g / m². In another embodiment, coating 42 can be applied at a rate from 15 g / m² up to 50 g / m². In another embodiment, coating 42 can be applied at a rate from 15 g / m² up to 35 g / m². In a further embodiment, coating 42 can be applied at a rate from 20 g / m² up to 30 g / m². Even more specifically, in one embodiment, coating 42 can be applied at a rate of approximately 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 g / m2. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the total cumulative weight of the coating 42 through the first layer 44 and the second layer 46, combined, can be 100 g / m2 or less.In another embodiment, the total cumulative weight of coating 42 across the first layer 44 and the second layer 46, combined, can be 75 g / m² or less. In yet another embodiment, the total cumulative weight of coating 42 across the first layer 44 and the second layer 46, combined, can be 50 g / m² or less. For example, the coating 42 in the first and second layers 44 and 46 can be 20 g / m² each, for a total of 40 g / m² across both layers 44 and 46, and is applied in a single pass. Alternatively, the coating rate in each layer 44 and 46 can vary. For example, the coating 42 in the first layer 44 can be 20 g / m2 and the coating 42 in the second layer 46 can be 25 g / m2— for a total of 45 g / m2 in both layers 44, 46 and it is done in a single pass. Applying the lightweight coating 42 to the first and second layers 44, 46 of fabric 12 results in layers 44, 46 with a comfortable feel. Some well-known coated fabrics used in reusable medical products have thick coatings. As such, these fabrics have an unpleasant, rubbery feel. Specifically, medical garments made from such thicker coated fabrics are uncomfortable to wear, especially for extended periods (such as during a medical procedure). In contrast, applying the lightweight coating 42 to the first and second layers 44, 46 (as opposed to a thicker coating on a single layer) results in a finished fabric 12 that is similar in feel and comfort to an uncoated fabric, but with the convenient barrier properties of a coated fabric 12.As such, fabric 12 achieves the convenient properties of a reusable barrier fabric without sacrificing comfort or feel. Still referring to Figures 3A and 3B, coating 42 can be a fluorine-free coating. Other known coated barrier fabrics often use chemical hydrophobic finishes containing fluorocarbons; such coatings are known to have layers 44, 46, each comprising one coated side. The redundancy of having each of the two layers 44, 46 coated on one side provides a more reliable fabric 12 with a longer service life than other known coated barrier fabrics in the art. In addition to that, it is a feature of fabric 12 to exhibit excellent barrier fabric properties. The two-layer configuration of fabric 12 results in greater hydrostatic resistance than either of the two layers 44, 46 would produce individually or would be produced by a single layer coated with a thicker coating 42.In one embodiment, a finished garment (e.g., gown 10) or cloth made from fabric 12 shall be tested to not less than 20 cm of hydrostatic resistance within a critical zone 11 of the respective gown 10 or cloth when tested in accordance with the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Standard 127 Hydrostatic Pressure Test Procedure. Similarly, in another embodiment, a finished garment (e.g., gown 10) or cloth made from fabric 12 shall be tested to not more than 1 gram of penetration within a critical zone 11 of the respective gown 10 or cloth when tested in accordance with the AATCC Standard 42 Impact Penetration Test Procedure. In other words, in one embodiment, a finished garment (e.g., gown 10) or cloth made from fabric 12 shall meet at least the minimum standards established for Level 2 classification by AAMI Standard PB70.Additionally, in one embodiment a finished garment (e.g., gown 10) or cloth made from fabric 12 will maintain the above-described hydrostatic strength and impact penetration performance after at least ten institutional washing / autoclave cycles and reliably for the full anticipated institutional lifetime prescribed by the manufacturer, which may significantly exceed ten cycles. Advantageously, the two-layer coated barrier fabric 12 described herein avoids problems of other barrier fabrics known in the art. For example, the two-layer construction of fabric 12, where the coated side of the first layer 44 and the coated side of the second layer 46 are oriented inwards 48, improves the durability of fabric 12. By protecting the coating 42 from environmental factors (e.g., institutional washing / autoclave cycles), the service life of fabric 12 is extended. Other known barrier fabrics often use chemical hydrophobic finishes, containing fluorocarbons, which are known to degrade through repeated processing and use cycles. Leaving the coating exposed can drastically reduce the service life of the barrier fabric. Furthermore, the construction of fabric 12 offers a more reliable barrier without sacrificing the feel of fabric 12.By using two layers 44, 46 with thin coatings 42, fabric 12 can achieve the barrier properties of a fabric with a much thicker coating without compromising the fabric's feel. While fabrics known in the art with thicker coatings typically have an uncomfortable and undesirable rubbery feel, the fabric 12 described above maintains the feel and comfort of a woven or knitted fabric because the coated sides of layers 44, 46 are not exposed to a user or wearer. Moreover, the two coated layers 44, 46 of fabric 12 offer barrier redundancy that is not provided by known coated barrier fabrics in the art.The two-layer configuration of fabric 12 produces greater hydrostatic resistance than either of the two layers 44, 46 would yield individually or would be produced by a single layer or a layer coated with the same amount of coating 42 used cumulatively for the two individual layers 44, 46. These and other features and their combinations (as described in the preceding paragraphs) improve upon the shortcomings of reusable barrier fabrics known in the art. Other advantages and technical effects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to a person skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Although the present invention has been illustrated by the description of several embodiments, and although these embodiments have been described in some detail, the applicant does not intend to restrict or limit the scope of the invention in any way to such detail. Further advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Consequently, changes may be made to these details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general concept of the invention.

Claims

1. A barrier fabric comprising: a first layer and a second layer, each comprising a coated side and an uncoated side, wherein the first layer and the second layer are peripherally bonded to form the barrier fabric, wherein the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer face each other and define an interior of the barrier fabric, with each coated side capable of coming into direct contact with the other, but remaining movable and capable of forming a separation between them, and wherein the uncoated side of the first layer and the uncoated side of the second layer face each other in opposite directions and define an exterior of the barrier fabric.

2. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the first layer and the second layer are woven or knitted.

3. The fabric of claim 2, wherein the first layer and the second layer are at least partially woven or knitted from monofilament or multifilament yarn.

4. The fabric of claim 3, wherein the first layer and the second layer are completely woven or knitted from monofilament or multifilament yarn.

5. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the content of the first and second layers comprises at least 25% polyester or at least 25% polyamide.

6. The fabric of claim 5, wherein the content of the first and second layers comprises approximately 100% polyester or approximately 100% polyamide.

7. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer comprise a coating applied at a rate of 1 g / m2 to 75 g / m2.

8. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the combined coating of the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer is applied at a rate of not more than 100 g / m². qc Lnnn / zznz / E / YiAi 9. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer comprise a coating applied at a rate of approximately 25 g / m2.

10. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer comprise a polymer coating that does not contain fluorine.

11. The fabric of claim 10, wherein the polymer coating is selected from the group of fluorine-free polymers consisting of acrylic, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, and combinations thereof.

12. The fabric of claim 10, wherein the polymer coating is silicone.

13. The fabric of claim 10, wherein the polymer coating is silicone applied at a rate of 10 g / m2 to 50 g / m2 and wherein the content of the first and second layers comprises at least 25% polyester or at least 25% polyamide.

14. A reusable medical product comprising: a two-layer barrier fabric, the fabric including a first layer and a second layer, each comprising a coated side and an uncoated side, wherein the first layer and the second layer are bonded peripherally to form the barrier fabric, wherein the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer face each other and define an interior of the barrier fabric, with each coated side capable of coming into direct contact with the other, but remaining movable and capable of forming a separation between them, and wherein the uncoated side of the first layer and the uncoated side of the second layer face each other in opposite directions and define an exterior of the barrier fabric.

15. The reusable medical product of claim 14, wherein the medical product is tested to 20 cm or more of hydrostatic resistance within a critical zone of the medical product when tested in accordance with a standardized AATCC 127 test procedure.

16. The reusable medical product of claim 14, wherein the medical product is tested to 1 gram or less of penetration within a critical zone of the medical product qc Lnnn / zznz / E / YiAi when tested in accordance with a standardized AATCC 42 test procedure.

17. The reusable medical product of claim 14, wherein the hydrostatic strength and impact penetration performance of the medical product withstands at least 10 institutional wash / autoclave cycles.

18. The reusable medical product of claim 14, wherein the reusable medical product is a surgical or isolation gown.

19. The reusable medical product of claim 18, wherein a critical area of ​​the gown is made of the two-layer barrier fabric.

20. The reusable medical product of claim 14, wherein the reusable medical product is a surgical drape.

21. The reusable medical product of claim 14, wherein the content of the first and second layers comprises at least 25% polyester or at least 25% polyamide.

22. The reusable medical product of claim 14, wherein the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer comprise a coating applied at a rate of 1 g / m2 to 75 g / m2.

23. The reusable medical product of claim 14, wherein the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer comprise a fluorine-free polymer coating.

24. The medical-surgical product of claim 23, wherein the polymer coating is applied at a rate of 10 g / m2 to 50 g / m2, and wherein the content of the first and second layers comprises at least 25% polyester or at least 25% polyamide 25. A method for manufacturing a two-layer barrier fabric for use in a reusable medical product, the method comprising: applying, in a single pass, a fluorine-free polymer coating to one side of each of the two separate layers of a woven or knitted fabric, wherein the coating is applied at a rate from 1 g / m2 to 75 g / m2; and curing the fabric coating by a simple curing process.and peripherally joining the first and second coated layers to form the barrier fabric, wherein the coated side of the first layer and the coated side of the second layer 5 face each other and define an interior of the barrier fabric, with each coated side capable of coming into direct contact with the other, but remaining movable and capable of forming a separation between them, wherein the uncoated side of the first layer and the uncoated side of the second layer face each other in opposite directions and define an exterior of the barrier fabric, 10 and wherein the barrier fabric is suitable for use in or as a reusable medical product.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the reusable medical device is a surgical gown, an isolation gown, or a surgical drape. 15 27. The process of claim 25, wherein the polymer coating is silicone and is applied at a rate of 10 g / m2 to 50 g / m2.

28. The process of claim 25, wherein the content of the first and second layers comprises at least 25% polyester or at least 25% polyamide.