When purchasing disposable coveralls for your business-whether for hospitals, laboratories, or industrial sites-understanding the difference between Type 5 and Type 6 coveralls is critical to making the right choice. Both are widely used in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) applications, but they are designed for distinct hazards and scenarios. Choosing the wrong type can compromise safety, increase costs, or fail to meet industry compliance standards. In this guide, we break down the key differences between Type 5 and Type 6 coveralls, including their certifications, protection levels, materials, and ideal use cases-so you can select the perfect PPE for your team or clients.

What Are Type 5 and Type 6 Coveralls?

First, it's important to note that Type 5 and Type 6 coveralls are classified under the European Standard EN 14126, which specifies the performance requirements for protective clothing against infectious agents and other hazards. Both are disposable, lightweight, and designed to protect the entire body (torso, arms, legs) from external contaminants, but their protection capabilities differ significantly.

1. Protection Level & Hazard Resistance (The Biggest Difference)

Type 5 Coveralls: Protection Against Dry Particles

Type 5 coveralls are certified to protect against dry, non-toxic particles such as dust, fibers, and powders. They are tested to meet the requirements of EN 14126 for particle protection, ensuring that small dry particles cannot penetrate the fabric and come into contact with the wearer's skin or clothing.

Common hazards Type 5 coveralls defend against:

- Construction dust

- Pharmaceutical powders

- Food processing dust

- Wood or metal particles

- General industrial dry contaminants

Type 6 Coveralls: Protection Against Light Liquid Splashes

Type 6 coveralls offer additional protection against light liquid splashes, in addition to the dry particle protection provided by Type 5. They are tested to resist low-pressure liquid splashes (such as splatters of water, chemicals, or other non-hazardous liquids) and meet the liquid splash protection requirements of EN 14126.

Common hazards Type 6 coveralls defend against:

- Light chemical splashes (e.g., cleaning solutions)

- Water splashes

- Oil or grease splatters

- Liquid-based contaminants in low-pressure environments

Important Note: Neither Type 5 nor Type 6 coveralls are designed for high-pressure liquid exposure, chemical immersion, or protection against toxic or corrosive chemicals. For those scenarios, you will need Type 3 or Type 4 coveralls (certified for high-pressure liquids or chemical spray).

2. Certification & Testing Standards

Both Type 5 and Type 6 coveralls must meet the base requirements of EN 14126, but they undergo additional testing to confirm their specific protection capabilities:

• Type 5 Coveralls: Tested for particle penetration resistance (EN 14126 Annex B). The fabric must block at least 99% of dry particles of a specific size, ensuring no significant penetration during use.

• Type 6 Coveralls: Tested for both particle penetration (same as Type 5) and liquid splash resistance (EN 14126 Annex C). The fabric must repel light liquid splashes and prevent them from soaking through to the wearer's skin.

When purchasing, always look for coveralls that display the CE mark and clearly state "Type 5" or "Type 6" compliance-this ensures they meet European safety standards and are suitable for B2B use (e.g., wholesale, bulk orders for hospitals or factories).

3. Material & Design Differences

Type 5 Coveralls

Typically made from non-woven polypropylene (PP) or spunbond polypropylene. These materials are lightweight, breathable, and cost-effective, making them ideal for long-term wear in dry environments. They often have elastic cuffs, waistbands, and ankles to create a snug fit that prevents particles from entering.

Type 6 Coveralls

Made from microporous film-laminated non-woven fabric (e.g., PP laminated with a thin polyethylene film). The film adds a liquid-repellent layer while maintaining breathability, allowing the wearer to stay comfortable while protected from light liquid splashes. Like Type 5, they also feature elastic closures for a secure fit.

4. Ideal Use Cases: When to Choose Type 5 vs Type 6

If you are looking to explore Type 5 and type 6 disposable coveralls, you can visit:

www.lioncare.net/industrial-protection/disposable-coveralls/cat-iii-type-5-6-disposable-coveralls/lioncare-coverplus-disposable-protective.html

5. Cost Considerations for B2B Buyers

As a wholesale or bulk buyer, cost is a key factor. Type 6 coveralls are slightly more expensive than Type 5 because of their laminated, liquid-repellent fabric. However, the extra cost is justified if your team or clients need protection against liquid splashes. For dry environments, Type 5 coveralls offer excellent value and meet all necessary safety standards without the added cost of liquid protection.

Final Recommendation

Choose Type 5 coveralls if you need protection against dry particles only. Choose Type 6 coveralls if you need protection against both dry particles and light liquid splashes. Always verify the CE certification and ensure the coveralls meet your industry's specific requirements (e.g., FDA approval for medical use, ISO 13485 compliance for manufacturing).

At Lioncare, we offer both CE-certified Type 5 and Type 6 disposable coveralls, manufactured in our 58,000㎡ factory with 14+ years of PPE experience. Our coveralls are available in bulk, with OEM/ODM options to meet your brand and size requirements. Whether you need Type 5 for industrial use or Type 6 for medical or cleaning applications, we provide high-quality, compliant PPE at factory-direct prices.

Contact us today to get a quote, request samples, or learn more about our Type 5 and Type 6 coverall solutions.