Personal protective gear works as a layered barrier that limits exposure to droplets, splashes, and contaminants across clinical, lab, and community settings. Full coverage from scalp to soles supports consistent protection, so thinking in zones keeps selection simple and effective.
Head and Hair Protection
Bouffant caps keep hair contained and away from sterile fields, reducing shedding and incidental contact in patient care and procedural spaces. Disposable caps offer lightweight comfort and breathable materials, with diameters that accommodate short, long, or textured hair without gaps at the hairline.
Pro tip: pick a cap diameter that covers the crown and hairline comfortably, so movement does not expose stray strands.
Eye and Face Protection
Face shields and goggles protect mucous membranes from splashes and spray, with shields adding coverage over masks during procedures and high-contact work. Goggles focus on a snug orbital seal, while shields extend below the chin and wrap laterally to reduce side splash.
Fit and use tips:
- Adjust goggles until the seal hugs the orbit without pinching, then position shields to sit below the chin with side coverage for better splash control.
- Clean goggles and shields with approved disinfectants between uses, including straps and hardware, and store them in a clean, labeled pouch.
Respiratory Protection
Surgical masks reduce droplet spread in routine settings, while N95 respirator masks filter airborne particles in higher-risk tasks that call for a tight facial seal. Selection centers on fit, filtration performance, and compatibility with eyewear or shields.
Fit and use tips:
- Perform a seal check for any tight-fitting respirator, shape the nose bridge carefully, and avoid creasing the filter media.
- Match mask or respirator types to local standards and job requirements, then layer with a shield when splash or spray is likely.
Gowns and Body Barriers
Isolation gowns protect the torso, sleeves, and clothing from fluids and contact transfer in patient care and cleaning routines. Poly-coated and fluid-resistant materials provide dependable coverage, and knit or elastic cuffs pair well with glove donning sequences.
Selection tips:
- Choose fluid resistance levels that fit the tasks at hand, confirm sleeve length, and check cuff design for a smooth glove overlap.
- Train on doffing to avoid contaminating scrubs or skin, using deliberate motions that keep the outside surface away from the body.
Hand Protection
Disposable gloves form an immediate barrier for exams, procedures, cleaning, and setup tasks. Nitrile options support durability and chemical resistance, while vinyl offers a budget-friendly choice for low-risk contact.
Good practice:
- Clean hands before donning and after doffing to reduce cross contact, and change gloves promptly after contamination or between patients.
- Keep spare pairs in pockets, carts, or carry kits so replacement is fast and routine.
Foot and Floor Protection
Shoe covers help reduce tracking contaminants between rooms and protect footwear during splash-prone tasks. Traction patterns and durable materials support safe movement on smooth floors.
Usage tips:
- Don covers after other lower-body PPE to protect clean surfaces, then remove at the room exit to limit tracking.
- Replace after visible soil or when the tread wears down to maintain footing and hygiene.
On the Go PPE Kits
Compact carry kits bundle the basics for rounds, transport, mobile visits, and training labs. A streamlined pouch typically includes a washable mask, disposable gloves, sanitizer, wipes, and a no touch key for doors and elevators.
Smart carry:
- Compartments keep items clean and easy to reach, and an exterior dispenser for sanitizer speeds hand hygiene.
- Wrist straps or belt clips attach to bags, walkers, or wheelchairs for quick access on the move.
Building Your PPE Set by Body Area
A head-to-toe approach means choosing at least one item per zone to align with your tasks and exposure profile, starting with head cover, eye protection, mask or respirator, gown, gloves, and foot covers. Retail medical suppliers group these items inside a PPE category so you can stock caps, gowns, masks, and shoe covers in a single order for training cohorts or small practices.
Fit, Comfort, and Workflow
Comfort supports compliance during long shifts, so prioritize breathable materials, correct sizes, and ergonomic designs that do not interfere with dexterity or visibility.
Continuous-use policies during shortages showed how a comfortable seal and compatible layering with shields can sustain performance across multiple care episodes.
Cleaning, Storage, and Replacement
Non-disposable items like goggles and shields should be disinfected thoroughly, dried, and stored clean between uses in labeled bags to avoid mix ups.
Many garments and masks are designed for single use, so follow manufacturer and facility rules for discarding after soil, damage, or at the end of exposure periods.
Trusted Medical Supplies Since 1945
For decades, Cornell Surgical Co. has equipped professionals, students, and homecare customers with reliable medical equipment, diagnostic sets, and everyday clinical essentials from a single, convenient source. Shop category by category, from PPE and gloves to stethoscopes and patient care, and count on a Bergenfield retail showroom for hands-on help and pickup.
Family owned since 1945, we focus on quality products that support patient care and training, with a broad catalog and practical price points. Order online anytime or visit our showroom during weekday hours to get what you need fast.