A hospital gown is a specialized garment designed to facilitate medical care by providing easy access for examinations and procedures while offering the wearer modesty and comfort. These garments are constructed to be simple to remove quickly and often feature openings in the back or side. As more individuals recover from procedures or manage conditions at home, the need to purchase these items outside of a hospital setting has increased. Finding a reliable source for a patient gown is straightforward, depending on the specific features and quality required for home use.
Primary Retail Locations for Standard Gowns
Large, national chain stores, often referred to as big-box retailers, are the most accessible places to find a basic patient gown quickly. These stores maintain a wide inventory that typically includes a small selection of medical and home health supplies. Shoppers should look for the home health or bedding aisle, where standard, reusable patient gowns are commonly stocked alongside items like crutches or mobility aids.
The gowns found in these general merchandise stores are usually constructed from durable cotton or a cotton-polyester blend, designed for repeated washing and long-term use. This blend offers a balance between patient comfort and the fabric’s ability to withstand high-temperature laundering necessary for sanitation. Selection is generally limited to one or two standard adult sizes, prioritizing convenience and immediate availability over specialized fit or material.
National pharmacy chains, which have locations in many neighborhoods, also represent a convenient option for obtaining a standard patient gown. These stores often dedicate a section to durable medical equipment and personal care items. While the stock may be limited to a few common colors or materials, the proximity of these stores makes them an excellent choice for a fast, unplanned purchase.
Specialized Medical Supply Stores
Dedicated medical supply providers, sometimes known as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) stores, are the preferred destination for consumers seeking a greater variety of materials, sizes, or specialized features. These businesses focus solely on healthcare products and maintain a significantly broader inventory than general retailers.
These specialized locations often stock gowns designed for specific purposes, such as isolation gowns made from fluid-resistant materials or higher-quality surgical preparation gowns. They also carry bulk options, including disposable gowns constructed from non-woven polypropylene material, which are useful for short-term needs or situations requiring frequent changes.
Staff at these establishments typically possess greater knowledge regarding specific product specifications and can assist in selecting the proper fit and material for a particular medical requirement. The expanded selection often includes specialized sizing that accommodates a wider range of body types, including bariatric sizes that offer more coverage and secure closures. Purchasing from a DME store provides access to products that meet specific industry standards for durability and barrier protection.
Key Features When Selecting a Gown
Material Choice
When selecting a patient gown, the intended use should guide the material choice between reusable fabrics and disposable options. Reusable gowns, typically made from a cotton-poly blend, provide greater comfort and are more economical for long-term home care, but they require regular laundering. Disposable gowns, often made of lightweight paper or non-woven polypropylene, are ideal for situations where contamination or frequent, single-use changes are a concern.
Closure Mechanisms
The closure mechanism is important, as it directly impacts ease of use and patient dignity. Traditional gowns utilize ties at the neck and waist, which allow for a customizable fit but can sometimes be difficult to secure for individuals with limited mobility. Some modern designs incorporate snap closures along the shoulder or side seams, which can be faster and easier for a caregiver to fasten and unfasten.
Sizing and Length
Sizing and length considerations are paramount to ensuring both patient comfort and full coverage. Most standard gowns are one-size-fits-most, but checking the specific dimensions, especially the sweep across the back, is important to ensure proper overlap. Gowns are available in different lengths, with knee-length styles being common, while full-length options provide maximum coverage and warmth for individuals who spend extended periods in bed.
Laundry Instructions
For any reusable gown, reviewing the laundry instructions is necessary to maintain sanitation and fabric integrity. Most patient gowns are designed to tolerate high washing and drying temperatures to eliminate microbes effectively. Ensuring the gown can withstand the required sanitation process will prolong its lifespan and maintain a clean environment for the patient.