Washable, reusable and disposable medical textiles

At present, medical textiles comprise many items care items for patients and health professionals, going from personal protective equipment to implantable surgical devices. The textiles in each item presents specific requirements, such as chemical, physical, mechanical, and others, to be considered according to each functional application and the final destination of the item after use. Washables, reusables, or disposables are some examples of them. In this chapter, the medical textiles classification is presented. Then, their chemical, physical, mechanical, and other requirements to be a washable, reusable, or disposable medical textile are described. Indeed, the advances in manufacturing methods and technology of natural nanofibres, antimicrobial, and superabsorbent medical textiles are presented. Finally, the environmental analysis, regulatory control, and future prospects are exposed.