Composite nonwovens in medical applications cover surgical gowns, clinical wearable products, wipes, wound dressings, pads, swabs, tissue engineering scaffolds, hernia mesh, filter materials, and incontinence products. Commercially available innovatively designed composite nonwovens for various medical applications are improving the quality of life of many people. Specific research needs are highlighted to further improve the effectiveness of these products.

Composite nonwovens are fibrous materials in which several layers of different fibers are bonded together or combined with other textile components, while their felt properties still predominate. Composite nonwovens are usually produced by combining multiple fibrous layers of different types of polymers, fibers, or textile components. The integration of multiple fiber layers can be achieved by a set of heated rollers, needling, stitching, ultrasonic treatment, or high-frequency welding.

Such nonwoven products can be customized to meet the requirements of the following specific clinical applications:

1. Personal care/hygiene items such as gowns, masks, wipes, drapes, and bedding.

2. Non-implantable medical dressings, including wound dressings and bandages.

3. Implantable medical products, including scaffolds for tissue regeneration and orthopedic structures.