Swiss producer of warp and weft knitted fabrics Christian Eschler has earned an excellent reputation in recent years as a manufacturer of highly functional knits for clothing in the health sector. The company says it profits from its know-how in the active sports sector, gained over decades spent developing fabrics, and this valuable experience now benefits personnel in hospital operating theatres and in the nursing sector.

Fabrics for the operating theatre

 The 100% micro-polyester knit is said to be permanently anti-bacterial and have a velvet-soft texture. The outer side of the fabric is water-repellent (hydrophobic), whereas the inner side is water-absorbent (hydrophilic). The special treatment, which Eschler calls H2 (hydrophilic/hydrophobic), aims to make the surgeon feel comfortable even when wearing the standard air-impermeable operating theatre coat.

“Moisture is transported efficiently from the inner-side to the outer-side, thanks to the absorbent inner-side – thus the surgeon is not ‘drowned’ in his own perspiration. Since a thin film of perspiration always remains on the skin, the body does not need to continually produce more perspiration – the body is cooled optimally and the underwear actively supports thermoregulation. The moisture which was transported to the outer-side remains between the operating theatre coat and the underwear since the water-repellent finish prevents a ‘back-flow’ of moisture to the skin. The surgeon remains dry and thus enjoys a feeling of well-being,” an Eschler spokesperson said.

Anti-statistic fabrics are also important for operating theatre clothing and Eschler says it is able to fulfil this requirement in three ways. The company’s circular knitted e1 Piqué Negastat, which meets EN-Norm 1149/5, covers the polo shirts sector and its e1 Supermicro Negasta warp knitted fabric   is recommended for coats and trousers, as it has been fully tested and homogenized for the operating theatre, according to EN-Norm 13795 ‘Clean Air Suits’. In addition, Eschler’s e2 Cloque Rhombe Negastat warp knitted fabric is used for the production of isolating jackets and coats, as well as for anti-static blankets in the operating theatre and in the wake-up zone.

Fabrics for the care sector

Eschler’s e1 Polyester Plain fabric is used for clothing in the nursing sector and is a hydrophilic warp knit made from 100% polyester. The clever combination of polyester filament yarn on the outer-side and a special yarn on the inner-side is said to give the fabric the feel of cotton, excellent moisture transportation properties and make it very wearable. The fabrics is said to be ideal for the manufacture of tunic jackets and trousers.

Eschler’s e1 Piqué Bioactiv fabric , a hydrophilic circular knit made from 100% polyester, is designed for piqué polo shirts, is permanently antibacterial and was awarded the 1.0 mark (very good) by the Prüfinstitut Hohenstein for its wearable properties.

“Whether for clothing in the operating theatre or in the nursing sector – all the Eschler fabrics stand out due to their high respiratory qualities and excellent moisture transportation properties. These features guarantee the body a unique feeling of well-being while working,” says Eschler.

“The elastic knitwear assures maximum freedom of movement and thus improved ergonomic wearable qualities. The fabric is very robust thanks to the use of synthetic fibres and offers a high level of durability. The clothing dries extremely fast, whereby the laundry can save energy. A long life span and energy-saving – two further important aspects which prove convincing in the cost-conscious health sector!”