ProCool MediPlus Medical Grade: The Complete Guide to Wazoodle's Level 3 Barrier Medical Performance Fabric

What ProCool MediPlus Medical Grade Is and Why It Matters

ProCool MediPlus Medical Grade Level 3 Barrier PolyNylon is AKAS Tex's liquid-barrier performance fabric — a lightweight technical textile that combines ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 3 liquid resistance with engineered moisture wicking for comfort during extended wear in protective apparel.

What makes MediPlus unique in the ProCool line is the barrier performance. This is not an athletic fabric — it's a medical-grade protective textile that passes both impact penetration testing (AATCC 42) and hydrostatic pressure testing (AATCC 127) for Level 3 fluid resistance. The engineered moisture wicking solves the comfort problem that makes standard barrier fabrics uncomfortable during extended wear: perspiration management prevents the hot, clammy conditions typical of disposable polypropylene gowns and coated barrier materials.

At just 80 GSM with 0.005" thickness, 58–60" width, minimal stretch in both directions, and UPF 50+ sun protection (blocking 98% UV radiation), MediPlus provides barrier protection without the bulk or weight restriction of heavier protective textiles. The 90% nylon / 10% polyester blend with rip-stop equivalent construction provides tear resistance for demanding outdoor applications alongside medical use. This is a single-variant fabric. Manufactured in the USA, CPSIA certified, and Forever Chemicals-Free (no PFAS, BPA, phthalates).

For how ProCool wicking technologies work, see ProCool Wicking Technologies Compared: TransWICK vs Dri-QWick vs Cooling vs Foundation Wicking.

ProCool MediPlus — Single Variant

MediPlus Medical Grade Level 3 Barrier — 80 GSM / 0.005" Thickness (1 Variant)

W-585 — MediPlus Medical Grade Level 3 Barrier PolyNylon: 90% nylon / 10% polyester, 58–60" width, minimal stretch both directions. ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 3 barrier performance with engineered moisture management. UPF 50+. Rip-stop equivalent tear resistance. Customer-validated for outdoor protection applications — gun dog vest linings extending gear life economically, basha bags and emergency shelter construction, and treat bag linings preventing grease stain transfer to clothing. Described as simple to cut and sew despite technical barrier performance.

Key Concept — Water-Resistant vs Waterproof: MediPlus is water-resistant, not waterproof. It protects against splashes, rain, moderate fluid exposure, and impact penetration — meeting Level 3 barrier standards for surgical and patient care environments. It does not protect against submersion, sustained water pressure beyond Level 3 hydrostatic limits, or continuous heavy-flow fluid contact. For applications requiring full waterproof protection against sustained liquid contact, choose ProSoft PUL (polyurethane laminate) waterproof barrier fabrics. For applications requiring fluid resistance with breathable comfort during extended wear, MediPlus provides the combination that neither standard waterproof barriers nor standard breathable fabrics deliver alone.

Medical Applications — Seam Integrity: Level 3 barrier protection applies to the fabric itself. In medical garment construction, needle penetrations at seams create potential breach points. Medical protective gowns require sealed or taped seams to maintain Level 3 barrier integrity throughout the finished garment. Standard sewn seams alone may not preserve the rated barrier performance at seam locations.

All fabric specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards.

Choosing ProCool MediPlus

ProCool MediPlus is a single-variant product — no treatment selection required. The decision point is whether Level 3 barrier performance with breathable moisture management suits your application.

When MediPlus Is the Right Fabric

Medical protective gowns: Level 3 barrier protection for surgical procedures, patient care, and laboratory work involving moderate fluid exposure — with engineered wicking that prevents the hot, clammy discomfort of standard disposable barrier gowns during extended procedures.
Outdoor protective gear: Emergency shelters, basha bags, equipment covers, and gear linings where liquid resistance, tear resistance, and lightweight construction are all required.
Protective linings for existing gear: Extending the life of outdoor equipment (dog vests, pack linings, gear bags) by adding a water-resistant, tear-resistant barrier layer.
Grease and stain barriers: Storage bags and linings where liquid or grease transfer needs to be blocked — treat bags, equipment pouches, protective gear storage.

When a Different ProCool or Wazoodle Fabric Is Better

Need full waterproof protection: Choose ProSoft PUL waterproof barrier fabrics for sustained liquid contact, submersion, or diaper/menstrual product construction.
Need athletic stretch: MediPlus has minimal stretch — choose ProCool Nylon Spandex Performance for athletic or compression applications.
Need soft skin-contact comfort: MediPlus is a technical barrier fabric, not a comfort fabric — choose ProCool Dri-QWick Sports Fleece or ProCool Performance Lightweight for soft athletic garments.
Need absorbency: MediPlus is barrier and wicking — it transports and blocks moisture, not absorbs it. Choose Zorb absorbent fabrics for liquid retention applications.

Working With MediPlus: Sewing and Construction Guide

MediPlus is described by customers as simple to cut and sew despite its technical barrier performance. The lightweight 80 GSM construction handles more like a standard nylon shell fabric than a heavy medical textile.

Cutting and Layout

Lightweight handling: At 0.005" thickness and 80 GSM, this fabric is significantly lighter than any other ProCool product. Use pattern weights rather than pins — the lightweight construction shifts easily and pin holes can compromise barrier integrity.
Edge stability: Rip-stop equivalent construction provides good edge stability during handling. Cut edges are more stable than standard nylon shell fabrics.
Minimal stretch: Minimal stretch in both directions means the fabric cuts and handles like a stable woven rather than a stretch knit — no pattern adjustments for stretch needed.

Sewing Recommendations

Needles: Universal needles (70/10 or 80/12) — the lightweight construction doesn't require stretch or ballpoint needles.
Seam construction: Standard stitch length and standard seams work well. For medical barrier applications, plan for sealed or taped seams to maintain Level 3 barrier integrity at seam locations.
Thread: Standard polyester thread. No special thread requirements for the lightweight construction.
General handling: The fabric sews simply on domestic machines — no special tension adjustments or specialty feet required for most applications.

Pairing MediPlus With Other Wazoodle Fabrics

MediPlus functions both as a standalone barrier fabric and as a protective layer in multi-layer constructions.

Standalone Barrier Construction

Medical protective gowns: Single-layer barrier construction with sealed seams for Level 3 fluid protection. The engineered wicking provides comfort without additional lining layers.
Emergency shelters and outdoor covers: Standalone water-resistant construction with rip-stop tear resistance and UPF 50+ sun protection.

As a Protective Layer in Multi-Layer Systems

Gear linings: Barrier liner inside existing outdoor gear (dog vests, equipment bags, storage pouches) adding water resistance and grease-stain protection without significant weight or bulk.
Protective outer layer: Over absorbent or comfort layers where external liquid resistance is needed alongside internal moisture management.

Your results may vary based on product design, construction method, and end-use requirements.

Common Applications for ProCool MediPlus

MediPlus's defining advantages are Level 3 liquid barrier performance at minimal weight (80 GSM / 0.005") with moisture-wicking comfort and rip-stop tear resistance — making it uniquely suited for applications where barrier protection and breathable comfort must coexist.

Medical Protective Gowns (Level 3) — The primary medical application. Level 3 barrier performance for surgical and patient care procedures involving moderate fluid exposure. Engineered wicking prevents the hot, clammy discomfort of standard disposable barrier gowns during extended procedures. Reusable construction reduces waste compared to single-use polypropylene alternatives. Sealed or taped seams required for full barrier integrity.
Outdoor Shelter and Emergency Gear — Customer-validated for basha bags, emergency tarp/rope shelters, bivi bags, and tent construction where water resistance, rip-stop durability, and lightweight packability are all critical. UPF 50+ provides sun protection for shelter applications.
Protective Gear Linings and Repairs — Customer-validated for lining gun dog vests to extend gear life — adding water-resistant barrier protection as an economical alternative to complete vest replacement. The lightweight construction adds minimal bulk while providing liquid and tear resistance.
Grease-Resistant Storage and Bags — Customer-validated for treat bag construction where the barrier properties prevent grease and oil stains from transferring to clothing and equipment. The liquid resistance works effectively against food oils and residues.
Equipment Covers and Protective Wraps — Lightweight barrier protection for outdoor and field equipment where water resistance and tear resistance are needed without heavy-duty weight.

For fabric recommendations for your specific project, see the Application Discovery articles for your product category.

MediPlus Certifications: Safety, ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 3, UV Protection, and Made in USA

Medical and Safety Certifications

ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 3: Barrier performance against moderate fluid exposure — passes impact penetration (AATCC 42) and hydrostatic pressure (AATCC 127) testing
CPSIA Certified: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act — mandatory U.S. federal standard for children's products (lead, phthalates, flammability)
Verified Moisture Management: Wicking performance engineered into fiber structure
California Proposition 65 Compliant
EU REACH SVHC Compliant
EU RoHS 10 Compliant
UPF 50+: Blocks 98% UV radiation
Made in USA: Manufactured by AKAS Tex under EPA/OSHA standards

Chemical-Free Verifications

Forever Chemicals-Free: Manufactured without PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, or PTFE
BPA-Free: No bisphenol A in any fabric or finishing treatment
Phthalate-Free: Verified free of all regulated phthalate compounds
pH Neutral: 7.4 — no acidic or basic residues

Fabric vs. Finished Product: CPSIA certification of the fabric component does not automatically certify your finished product. Depending on how your product is constructed, independent CPSIA testing of the finished item may also be required.

For what CPSIA certification requires, see CPSIA Certified: What CPSIA Certification Means for Children's Products.

MediPlus Care: Washing, Drying, and What to Avoid

MediPlus's wicking and barrier performance are built into the fabric's fiber structure and construction — proper care protects both the moisture management and the water-resistant barrier integrity.

Washing

Wash at medium temperature with like colors. Standard detergent works — avoid heavy-residue detergents that could affect barrier properties over time.

Drying

Dry on medium heat. Avoid high heat — nylon is heat-sensitive at high dryer temperatures.

What to Avoid

Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets with MediPlus. These coat fiber surfaces and destroy both water-resistant barrier properties and moisture-wicking performance. No harsh detergents or bleach — aggressive chemicals can compromise the barrier integrity and nylon fiber structure over time.

Barrier Maintenance

Water-resistant performance is integral to the fabric construction but can diminish over time if care protocols aren't followed. Avoid fabric softeners, heavy detergent buildup, and high heat — all of which degrade barrier performance. If water resistance diminishes, the cause is typically surface contamination from softeners or buildup rather than fabric degradation.

MediPlus Specifications

Single variant — no treatment options available.

Specification	W-585
Fiber Content	90% nylon / 10% polyester
Construction	Level 3 barrier PolyNylon (rip-stop equivalent)
Weight	80 GSM (2.4 oz/sq yd)
Thickness	0.005"
Width	58–60"
Stretch (W × L)	Minimal × Minimal
Barrier Rating	ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 3
OMMC Value	5
UPF Rating	50+ (98% UV block)
Color Fastness	4.5
pH	7.4 (neutral)
Shrinkage	Minimal both directions
Skewness After Wash	NIL
CPSIA Certified	Yes
Made in USA	Yes

All specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards.