Holbrook, Mass.-based Eastex Products Inc. — a supplier of textile products and solutions for healthcare and other markets — has introduced a line of air- and water-holding thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-coated nylon fabrics that are suitable for manufacturing inflatable medical products such as blood pressure cuffs, circulation leg wraps, cold-water circulating therapy wraps, hold or cold gel packs, hospital air mattresses and seat cushions.
Eastex Tek Air Medical Fabrics are soft and non-stretch; offer properties including flame retardancy, fluid and stain resistance, antibacterial and antifungal performance; and are easy to clean. The fabrics may be manufactured using radio frequency welding and heat and sonic sealing techniques as opposed to traditional sewing of seams. "The ability to seal these fabrics is what makes them unique," said Eastex Vice President of Marketing John Kimball. "By sealing as opposed to sewing, the manufacturer can create air holding bladders and such. In medical applications, sealing as opposed to sewing also helps keep the seam cleaner and not as prone to collecting bacteria and microbes."