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12/3 2026

Medical Non-woven Fabric GSM & Material Specification Guide: SMS, Spunlace & Airlaid 2026
Technical Specification · Non-woven Series · March 2026

Medical Non-woven Fabric
GSM & Material Specification Guide:
SMS, Spunlace & Airlaid 2026

18 min read
By Albar · Kingphar Medical
GSM Estimator · EN 13795 Tables · OEM Spec Templates

Specifying "non-woven" without a GSM value is like specifying "stainless steel" without a grade — it gives the supplier latitude to optimise for their margin rather than your performance requirement. This guide maps every fabric type to its correct GSM range, the standards that govern it, and how to verify compliance on receipt.

5
Fabric Types
15–500
GSM Range
EN 13795
Standard Covered
3
OEM Templates
Section 01

What GSM Means — and What It Doesn't

GSM — grams per square metre — is the weight specification for fabric. A 40 GSM fabric weighs 40 grams for every square metre of material. It is the most universally used and most easily verified fabric specification, which is why it appears in virtually every purchase order for non-woven medical products.

The problem is that GSM describes weight, not performance. Two fabrics with identical GSM can have completely different barrier protection, absorbency, tensile strength, and softness depending on their construction type. This is the central misunderstanding that causes the most specification errors in non-woven medical procurement.

Fabric ConstructionGSMBarrier PerformanceAbsorbencyPrimary Use
Spunbond PP (single layer)25 GSMNoneLowCaps, shoe covers, light packaging
SMS (S-M-S)40 GSMModerateLowStandard isolation gowns
SMMS (S-MM-S)40 GSMHighLowHigh-performance gowns, surgical drapes
Spunlace (viscose-PET)40 GSMNoneHighGauze sponges, wound wipes, patient care
Airlaid (SAP core)200 GSMNoneVery highUnderpad absorbent core

All four fabric constructions in the 40 GSM row above are "40 GSM non-woven." A purchase order specifying "40 GSM non-woven gown" without specifying SMS or SMMS gives the supplier room to deliver standard SMS against a specification that clinically requires SMMS. The price difference between the two is 15–25%; the barrier performance difference is significant.

⚠️
The Minimum Specification for Any Non-woven POEvery purchase order for a non-woven medical product must specify at minimum: (1) fabric construction type, (2) GSM with tolerance, (3) fibre composition, and (4) applicable performance standard. Without all four, the supplier can legally deliver a product that meets the written specification but fails the intended clinical purpose.
Section 02

Fabric Layer Anatomy: SMS, SMMS, Spunlace & Airlaid

Understanding what each fabric is made of — and why the layer structure matters — is the foundation of correct specification. The following diagrams show the layer structure of each construction type and how each layer contributes to the product's final properties.

🥼
SMS — Spunbond · Meltblown · Spunbond
Standard barrier
SpunbondPP filament outer layer — structural strength, breathability~12–18 GSM
MeltblownUltra-fine PP fibres — fluid barrier, bacterial filtration~5–10 GSM
SpunbondPP filament inner layer — comfort, structural integrity~12–18 GSM
Total typical range: 30–60 GSM. One meltblown layer. Standard barrier performance. Correct for AAMI Level 1–2, EN 13795 standard.
🏥
SMMS — Spunbond · Meltblown × 2 · Spunbond
High barrier
SpunbondPP outer layer — strength, abrasion resistance~12–18 GSM
Meltblown 1First barrier layer — primary fluid resistance~6–12 GSM
Meltblown 2Second barrier layer — enhanced filtration, redundancy~6–12 GSM
SpunbondPP inner layer — skin contact, structural support~12–18 GSM
Total typical range: 45–80 GSM. Double meltblown = superior barrier at same overall GSM vs SMS. Correct for AAMI Level 3–4, EN 13795 high performance.
🩹
Spunlace — Hydroentangled fibres
Absorb + softness
ViscoseHigh absorbency natural fibre — draws fluid into pad70% typical
PolyesterStructural reinforcement — wet tensile strength retention30% typical
Single-layer entangled web. No chemical binders. Viscose-PET 70/30 most common medical grade. 100% viscose for maximum softness. Typical range: 40–120 GSM.
🛏️
Underpad Composite — 3-layer structure
High absorbency
TopsheetSpunlace or perforated PE — rapid liquid transfer, skin comfort20–35 GSM
CoreAirlaid + SAP (superabsorbent polymer) — fluid lock, capacity80–400 GSM
BacksheetPE film or SMS — liquid barrier, bed protection15–30 GSM
Total composite GSM is less useful than specifying absorbency capacity (ml). Always specify absorbency target, not just GSM, for underpad products.

Why Layer Count Matters More Than Total GSM for Barrier Products

For SMS and SMMS gowns and drapes, the number of meltblown layers is the primary determinant of barrier performance — not the total GSM. A 50 GSM SMMS fabric with two thin meltblown layers will outperform a 50 GSM SMS fabric with one thick meltblown layer on liquid strike-through resistance. The meltblown layer creates the barrier; its density and uniformity, not its absolute weight, determine performance.

This is why SMMS at 45 GSM can meet EN 13795 high-performance requirements while SMS at the same GSM cannot. When a supplier offers to "increase GSM to meet performance" as an alternative to switching from SMS to SMMS, the offer is technically confused — increasing SMS GSM does not replicate the dual-layer SMMS barrier architecture.

Section 03

GSM Estimator — Find Your Specification

Select your product type, application, and required performance level to receive an instant GSM recommendation with fabric type, applicable standard, and key specification parameters.

📐 Medical Non-woven GSM Estimator
Select product type, application, and performance level to generate your specification
1. Product Type
2. Application / Environment
3. Performance Level
—
GSM
Section 04

GSM Reference Scale by Product Category

The following reference table maps every major non-woven medical product category to its correct GSM range and fabric construction type. Use this as a quick-check reference when evaluating supplier quotations or reviewing purchase orders.

ProductFabric TypeFibre CompositionGSM RangeToleranceKey Specification
Non-woven cap (bouffant)Spunbond PP100% polypropylene20–30 GSM±10%Elastic width, crown diameter, colour fastness
Standard isolation gownSMS PP100% polypropylene35–45 GSM±10%EN 13795 standard performance; seam type
High-performance gownSMMS PP100% polypropylene55–70 GSM±8%EN 13795 high performance; AAMI Level 3–4
Surgical drape (standard)SMS PP100% polypropylene40–55 GSM±8%Fenestration dimensions, adhesive border width
Surgical drape (reinforced zone)SMMS or SMS+PE laminatePP + PE film60–80 GSM±8%Strike-through resistance (EN 13795 critical zone)
Non-woven gauze spongeSpunlace70/30 viscose-PET or 100% viscose40–60 GSM±10%Fibre shedding, absorbency rate, ply count
Medical wipe (dry)Spunlace70/30 viscose-PET40–80 GSM±10%Tensile strength wet/dry, fibre release
Lap sponge (non-woven)Spunlace100% viscose or 70/30 blend50–80 GSM±8%X-ray thread, absorbency capacity (ml), colour
Non-woven ball / swabSpunlace100% viscose40–60 GSM±10%Dimensions, absorbency, lint per EN 13726
Underpad topsheetSpunlace or perforated PEViscose-PET or polyethylene20–35 GSM±10%Strike-through speed, rewet volume
Underpad core (standard)AirlaidCellulose + SAP polymer100–250 GSM±12%Absorbency capacity (ml), SAP content (%)
Underpad backsheetPE filmPolyethylene15–30 GSM±10%Liquid-tight, tear resistance, noise level
Non-woven fixing tape substrateSpunlaceViscose-PET60–100 GSM±8%Peel adhesion (N/25mm), skin compatibility ISO 10993
Sterilisation pouch (outer)Spunbond PP (Tyvek equivalent)HDPE or PP spunbond55–75 GSM±8%Microbial barrier, seal integrity, EN 868
💡
Underpad Specification — Absorbency FirstFor underpad products, total composite GSM is a poor primary specification. A 150 GSM underpad with low SAP content will absorb significantly less fluid than a 120 GSM underpad with high SAP loading. Always specify absorbency capacity in millilitres (e.g., "minimum 600ml, tested per EN 14795 rewet method") as the primary functional specification, with GSM as a secondary dimensional reference.
Section 05

EN 13795 & AAMI PB70 Compliance Tables

The two dominant international standards for surgical gowns and barrier protective apparel set specific performance thresholds that directly dictate the minimum fabric specification. Understanding the test parameters helps buyers evaluate supplier test reports critically — not just confirm a certificate exists.

EN 13795 — EU Standard for Surgical Gowns and Drapes

EN 13795 Standard Performance
Standard
Liquid barrier (wet)≥0 cm H₂O
Microbial barrier (wet)No penetration (wet)
Tensile strength (dry)≥20 N
Tensile strength (wet)≥20 N
Lint (particles >0.5µm)≤3.5 per cm²
Typical fabricSMS 35–45 GSM
Suitable for low-fluid-exposure procedures, visitor gowns, general ward isolation.
EN 13795 High Performance
High Performance
Liquid barrier (wet)≥10 cm H₂O
Microbial barrier (wet)No penetration, higher pressure
Tensile strength (dry)≥60 N
Tensile strength (wet)≥40 N
Lint (particles >0.5µm)≤3.5 per cm²
Typical fabricSMMS 55–70 GSM
Required for high-blood-exposure surgery, arterial procedures, major orthopaedic. Specify for GCC high-performance gown tenders.

AAMI PB70 — US Standard for Protective Apparel

AAMI Level 1
Minimal
Liquid challengeWater spray
Hydrostatic pressureNot required
Viral penetrationNot required
Typical fabricSpunbond or SMS 25–35 GSM
Basic splash protection. Visitor gowns, non-clinical isolation, low-risk patient care.
AAMI Level 2
Low
Liquid challengeWater spray + hydrostatic
Hydrostatic pressure≥20 cm H₂O
Viral penetrationNot required
Typical fabricSMS 35–45 GSM
Low-fluid-risk procedures. General isolation gowns for wound care, IV insertion.
AAMI Level 3
Moderate
Liquid challengeWater spray + hydrostatic + impact
Hydrostatic pressure≥50 cm H₂O
Viral penetrationNot required
Typical fabricSMMS 50–60 GSM
Moderate-fluid procedures. Arterial line insertion, trauma response, endoscopy.
AAMI Level 4
Maximum
Liquid challengeAll Level 3 + viral challenge
Hydrostatic pressure≥50 cm H₂O
Viral penetrationNo penetration (ASTM F1671)
Typical fabricSMMS 60–80 GSM or PE laminate
Highest risk procedures. Major surgery with high blood exposure, infectious disease isolation.
📌
Reading the Test Report — What to VerifyWhen a supplier provides an EN 13795 or AAMI PB70 test report, verify: (1) the test laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 and the scope includes these specific test methods; (2) the fabric described in the report matches the GSM and construction of the product being quoted; (3) the report was performed on a sample from the production site stated in the supplier's ISO 13485 certificate. A test report performed on a fabric sample from a different mill than the current production source has no value.
Section 06

OEM Specification Templates

The following specification templates cover the three most commonly OEM-ordered non-woven medical product types. Copy and adapt these for your purchase orders, replacing bracketed values with your specific requirements.

Template A — SMS/SMMS Isolation Gown

// OEM Specification — Isolation Gown
## FABRIC
Fabric construction:[SMS / SMMS] polypropylene// Specify SMS or SMMS explicitly
Total GSM:[45 / 60] GSM ±[10]%// Include tolerance
Colour:[White / Blue / Yellow]
## PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Standard:EN 13795 [Standard / High Performance]// Or AAMI PB70 Level [1–4]
Test report:Required — ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, within 24 months
## CONSTRUCTION
Style:[Open back / Wrap-around]
Closure:[Tie / Snap / Hook-and-loop]
Seams:[Stitched / Ultrasonic welded / Heat sealed]// Welded seams required for Level 3+
Cuffs:[Knit / Elastic / Open]
## CERTIFICATION
ISO 13485:Required — scope must include gowns or protective apparel
CE Class:Class I (non-sterile) — self-declaration acceptable
## PACKAGING
Per polybag:[10 / 50] pieces
Per carton:[100 / 200] pieces
Label:Product name, size, GSM, lot, manufacture date, manufacturer

Template B — Non-woven Gauze Sponge

// OEM Specification — Non-woven Gauze Sponge
## FABRIC
Fabric construction:Spunlace (hydroentangled)
Fibre composition:[70/30 viscose-polyester / 100% viscose]
GSM per layer:[45] GSM ±10%
Chemical binders:None — binder-free construction required
## DIMENSIONS
Size (unfolded):[10×10cm / 7.5×7.5cm] ±3mm
Ply count:[4 / 8] ply folded
Edge type:Folded edges — no cut raw edges in wound-contact area
## QUALITY PARAMETERS
Lint shedding:Pass EN 13726 fibre shedding test — CoA per lot required
Absorbency:Minimum [7]× dry weight
X-ray detectable:[Yes — barium thread per corner / Not required]
## PACKAGING
Format:[Sterile individual / Non-sterile, 100 per bag]
Sterile method:[EtO / Gamma / Not applicable]
Section 07

How to Verify GSM at Incoming Inspection

GSM verification does not require laboratory equipment — it requires a calibrated scale and a known sample area. The following process can be implemented at any warehouse with minimal investment and significantly reduces the risk of accepting under-weight product.

01
Prepare sampling equipment
Required: digital scale with 0.01g precision; steel die cutter or accurate template producing 100cm² samples (10×10cm); ruler; sample log. Calibrate the scale against a known weight before each use. 100cm² is the standard sample area — this simplifies calculation (GSM = sample weight × 100).
02
Select sample positions across the roll or carton
Cut 5 samples from different positions: two edges, two mid-roll positions, and one centre. GSM variation across roll width is the most common quality variation — edge and centre measurements frequently differ in under-controlled manufacturing. Do not sample only from the edge or only from the centre.
03
Weigh each sample and calculate GSM
Weigh each 100cm² sample individually. GSM = sample weight (g) × 100. Record all five values. Calculate the mean and the range (highest minus lowest). A range wider than 10% of the stated GSM indicates significant within-roll variation and should be investigated before acceptance.
04
Compare against specification tolerance
Acceptable tolerance is typically ±10% of stated GSM (confirm against your PO specification). A mean GSM consistently 8–10% below stated specification — even within tolerance — should trigger a corrective action request. A pattern of results at the bottom of tolerance over multiple lots indicates systematic under-supply and warrants renegotiation or supplier change.
05
For SMS/SMMS: verify layer count at the cut edge
Hold a cut sample up to strong backlight and examine the cross-section. SMS fabrics show three visible layers (two spunbond + one meltblown). SMMS shows four layers (two spunbond + two meltblown). The meltblown layers appear denser and more opaque than the spunbond layers. This visual check cannot substitute for a full EN 13795 barrier test but can detect an SMS-for-SMMS substitution in the field.
Non-woven Buyer's Guide Non-woven vs Woven Gauze Factory Audit Checklist Isolation Gown Non-woven Gauze Sponge Request OEM Quote
Section 08

Frequently Asked Questions

GSM specification for isolation gowns depends on the required performance level. For standard performance (EN 13795 standard, AAMI Level 1–2) in low-fluid-exposure environments, specify SMS 35–45 GSM. For high performance (EN 13795 high performance, AAMI Level 3–4) in procedures with significant blood or fluid exposure, specify SMMS 55–70 GSM. Always pair the GSM specification with the fabric construction type (SMS vs SMMS) and the performance level — GSM alone is insufficient. Verify the performance level through an accredited test report, not a supplier declaration. For GCC hospital tender submission, include the EN 13795 test report alongside the CE certificate and ISO 13485 documentation.
SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) has one meltblown barrier layer between two spunbond structural layers. SMMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Meltblown-Spunbond) has two meltblown layers. The double meltblown layer in SMMS provides a superior fluid barrier at any given total GSM. At equivalent GSM, SMMS delivers higher liquid strike-through resistance and better bacterial filtration efficiency than SMS. For EN 13795 high performance and AAMI Level 3–4 isolation gowns, SMMS is the correct specification. SMS is adequate for standard-performance applications (EN 13795 standard, AAMI Level 1–2). When a supplier offers to increase SMS GSM as an alternative to SMMS, the offer is technically incorrect — additional SMS weight does not replicate the dual-layer meltblown barrier architecture of SMMS.
GSM verification at incoming inspection requires: a calibrated digital scale (0.01g precision), a die cutter or template producing 100cm² samples, and the product specification with stated GSM and tolerance. Cut 5 samples from different positions across the product or roll (two edges, two mid-positions, one centre). Weigh each sample and multiply by 100 to get GSM (because 100cm² = 1/100 of 1m²). Calculate the mean and range across all 5 measurements. Compare against the specification tolerance (typically ±10%). A consistent pattern of results at the low end of tolerance — say, 8–9% below stated GSM across multiple lots — indicates systematic under-supply and should trigger a supplier corrective action request even if technically within tolerance.
No — and this is one of the most important technical points in non-woven gown specification. Barrier performance in SMS and SMMS fabrics is primarily determined by the meltblown layer — specifically its fibre density, uniformity, and in the case of SMMS, the existence of a second layer providing redundancy. Adding more spunbond weight to an SMS fabric increases the product's total GSM and improves tensile strength, but does not add meltblown barrier mass. The result is a heavier SMS fabric that still has only one meltblown layer and therefore cannot achieve the hydrostatic pressure resistance of SMMS. If your application requires AAMI Level 3–4 or EN 13795 high performance, SMMS is the correct fabric — there is no SMS GSM equivalent.
A

Albar

Content Auditor & Content Operations · Kingphar Medical

Albar leads content operations at Kingphar Medical. This specification guide was developed from Kingphar's OEM manufacturing experience across SMS isolation gowns, spunlace gauze sponges, and composite underpads — including technical product development, EN 13795 and AAMI compliance projects, and supplier fabric qualification programs.

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📚 Standards & References
  1. EN 13795-1/2 — Surgical gowns and drapes, performance requirements. cen.eu
  2. AAMI PB70:2012 — Liquid barrier performance and classification for protective apparel. aami.org
  3. ISO 13485:2016 — Medical devices quality management systems. iso.org
  4. EN 868 — Packaging materials for terminally sterilised medical devices. cen.eu
  5. ASTM F1671 — Test method for viral penetration resistance. astm.org
  6. EN 13726 — Test methods for primary wound dressings. cen.eu

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