SMS vs Impervious Drapes

Understanding the differences between drape materials and choosing the right option for your procedure.

Quick Comparison

A side-by-side look at how the two drape materials compare across the factors that matter most when planning a procedure.

Attribute	SMS	Impervious
Fluid Protection	Fluid Resistant	Fluid Proof
Breathability	High	Moderate
Comfort	High	Moderate
Typical Applications	Routine Procedures	High Fluid Procedures
Cost	Lower	Higher

How They're Made

Both drapes share the same three-layer SMS core, where each layer does a distinct job. Impervious drapes bond an extra impermeable film beneath that core for fluid-proof protection.

SMS Drape3 layers

Spunbond

Outer shellContinuous filaments give the drape its strength and soft, conformable drape.

Meltblown

Filtration coreFluid barrierMicrofine fibres filter strike-through and microorganisms.

Spunbond

Backing faceA second spunbond layer adds durability and a smooth patient-side finish.

Fluid resistantStrike-through is filtered at the meltblown core — built for routine fluid levels.

Impervious Drape4 layers

Spunbond

Outer shellContinuous filaments give the drape its strength and soft, conformable drape.

Meltblown

Filtration coreMicrofine fibres filter strike-through and microorganisms.

Spunbond

Backing faceA second spunbond layer adds durability and a smooth patient-side finish.

Barrier FilmAdded

Impervious filmFluid barrierA bonded polyethylene film blocks fluid entirely, even under heavy irrigation.

Fluid proofThe added impervious film blocks fluid completely, keeping the field dry.

What is SMS?

SMS stands for Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond — a multi-layer nonwoven polypropylene material commonly used in surgical drapes. The outer spunbond layers provide strength and durability, while the inner meltblown layer provides barrier protection against fluids and microorganisms.

Key benefits

Breathable
Lightweight
Comfortable
Fluid resistant
Cost effective

What is an Impervious Drape?

Impervious drapes include an additional impermeable film barrier layer designed to prevent fluid penetration. This provides enhanced protection in procedures involving higher fluid exposure, keeping the surgical field dry even under significant irrigation.

Key benefits

Fluid proof
Enhanced barrier protection
Suitable for higher irrigation volumes
Reduced strike-through risk

Which Should I Choose?

Choose SMS if

Routine oral surgery procedures
Lower fluid exposure
Comfort is a priority
Cost efficiency is important

Choose Impervious if

Significant irrigation is expected
Longer procedures
Maximum fluid protection is required
High fluid environments

Common Applications

SMS drapes

Simple extractions
Routine implant procedures
General oral surgery

Impervious drapes

Full arch surgery
Bone grafting procedures
Multiple implant cases
High irrigation procedures

Key Takeaway

SMS drapes offer excellent comfort and fluid resistance for routine procedures, while Impervious drapes provide an additional fluid-proof barrier for procedures involving greater fluid exposure.