MedTextra™ has been engineered to retain a comfortable level of self-moisturizing, which is vitally important in the effective delivery of active ingredients to the body based on the principles of hygroscopy. Hygroscopy refers to the ability to absorb moisture from the air. Nature has many examples of the effectiveness of this process – from the nasal cavity of the camel to the great coast redwoods (Sequoia Sempervirens) growing along the Pacific coast of North America. In biomimicry, we as engineers apply the principles from nature so that in MedTextra™, water is processed from its natural environment of the body and epidermis and then used to moisturize and help to optimize the delivery of active ingredients to the body.

This smart fiber has unique characteristics so that it acts like a “water battery,” drawing water from the skin and balancing it with the moisture in the air, holding what is needed and releasing the excess. MedTextra™ effectively creates a self-moisturizing fabric that promotes the skin’s absorption of active ingredients while providing moisture management, air filtration, and the ionic mobility of delivering various chosen topically applied materials. This is done in a way that is almost imperceptible to the wearer without creating a wetness sensation that would lead to wearer discomfort. This unique ability allows fabric using the technology to provide real health and wellness benefits without compromising tactile qualities or comfort.

The MedTextra™ hydrophilic super-absorbent polymeric yarns have been engineered to house a core that acts as a reservoir for water-soluble active ingredients transported in an aqueous liquid using the theory of ionic mobility. These topically-applied treatments include but are not restricted to:

• Antimicrobial
• Prescription and non-prescription drugs
• Homeopathic remedies such as eucalyptus and Aloe Vera
• Temperature control agents such as Phase Change Materials (PCMs) or peppermint
• Odor-absorbing
• Fragrances
• Skin products such as cleansers, moisturizers and skin rejuvenators.

MedTextra™ can provide protection in the health sector by attracting and absorbing micron-scale particles, such as from the common flu virus. These particles can be neutralized by the yarn’s active ingredients with additional performance, for example anti-viral materials in a coating pre- applied to the finished fabric. In patient wound care, the moisturizing levels of action can be carefully calibrated to facilitate the repair of the body preventing the extremes of rapid drying or excess wetness.

MedTextra™ can be used with natural, synthetic or hybrid yarns that include polyester, cotton, nylon, rayon and super-absorbent polymers. In the fabric it can be used with additional yarns with as little as 5% providing a measureable benefit to the wearer. A range of additional coatings and finishing treatments can be added to the yarn or to the finished fabric without any interference with its performance.

Research has shown that the performance of protective and health clothing is directly linked to the level of comfort provided to the wearer. This is particularly important where the functionality is related to health and safety. The choice of fabric is key in achieving this. MedTextra™ can be used in combination with a wide range of yarns such as cotton, Tencel, rayon and polyester—performing well in woven, nonwoven and knitted structures. The percentage of MedTextra™ yarn used is variable affording it chameleon-like properties in its capacity to adopt the tactile characteristics of the yarns that it is blended with.

The final fabric can be varied and adjusted to meet specific benefit levels while being married to standard materials. The only difference that the consumer will feel is one of the pleasant touch afforded by the discrete moisturizing action as the fabric helps deliver the benefits of the wearer’s chosen topical cream, ointment, oil, etc., using the balance of their body’s moisture and the surrounding environment. The unique moisturizing component and associated cooling comfort helps in the effective delivery of health and wellness ingredients as they are absorbed more easily through the skin.