Adjustable gown comes out on top in NIOSH Protective Clothing Challenge

Washington — A self-conforming personal protective gown that adapts to different body types has earned first prize in the NIOSH Protective Clothing Challenge.

The competition, with its theme of “Leaving No Body Unprotected,” invited solutions to address improper fit. The Omni-Fit PPE Gown with Contamination Indicator, submitted by NBU/ED Collaboration Group, features an adjustable, accordion-style waistband. It claimed the top prize of $25,000.

NIOSH collaborated with NASA Tournament Lab and HeroX on the competition, which featured more than 35 accepted submissions. Four other entries earned recognition and their submitters received funding. They are:

• Apples-2-Apples Measures + Pattern Drafting Method ($15,000)
• Bifunctional AAMI Surgical Sleeve ($5,000)
• PPE Advanced Fit Certification for Organizations ($5,000)
• Covering All by Improving Unisex Sizing ($5,000)

“It’s vital that workers have access to properly fitting protective clothing – not only for their own comfort, but for their safety,” Maryann D’Alessandro, director of NIOSH’s National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, said in a press release. “We congratulate and thank our Challenge winners, who provided unique and innovative solutions that will help make sure protective clothing is designed to fit all workers.”