Type 5/6 Coveralls: Tyvek Vs Max Gear – Which Is Best?

Written by Andy Potts - Ultrimax Team - 27/07/23

Tyvek VS Max Gear

Type 5/6 Coveralls: Tyvek Vs Max Gear

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to Category 3 Type 5/6 coveralls. What might not be so clear is which of the many products on offer is best for you. Here we explain what to look for when choosing Type 5/6 overalls and compare big-name Tyvek with UK-manufactured Max Gear.

What are Type 5/6 coveralls?

Type 5/6 - protective overalls meet EU Standards for protecting the wearer against specific hazards.

Type 5 – protects against airborne particles and fibres that are dangerous to human health and conforms to EN 13982.

Type 6 - protects against limited splash and spray, where the risk of chemical exposure is low and conforms to EN 13034.

Overalls labelled Type 5/6 are best suited to higher-risk industrial applications such as:

Asbestos removal
Spray painting (including isocyanates)
Agriculture
Dealing with biological hazards
Handling chemical chemicals and hazardous materials
Printing

What to look for when buying Type 5/6 overalls

Protection

All Type 5/6 overalls provide a certain level of protection. However, the suit's design can enhance safety. Look for a product that offers the following:

Elasticated wrist and ankle cuffs to reduce skin exposure
Elasticated, tight-fitting hood for head and neck protection (suitable for use with respiratory protective equipment)
Strong zip with double storm flap to reduce the risk of skin exposure
Antistatic coating to reduce static discharge and the risk of sparks.

Comfort

Comfort is king and a necessity for many jobs that require protective coveralls. Choose overalls that have the following:

Three-piece diamond gusset for ease of movement, bending and squatting
Three-piece elasticated hood for optimal head and neck movement
Soft elasticated fabric wrist and ankle cuffs that prevent the elastic from digging into your skin
Elasticated waist and/or back for a more tailored fit.

Breathability

Breathability may not be a deal-breaking feature if you only need overalls for a quick job that doesn't involve working up a sweat. For those longer jobs, warm conditions or physically strenuous tasks, breathability will be desirable, if not essential, to reduce the likelihood of heat stress and heat rash.

Dupont Tyvek 500 Classic Overalls

£6.99 ex. VAT £8.39 inc. VAT

Tyvek® is a registered trademarked product of DuPont – an American multinational producer of chemicals and science-based products. Tyvek material consists of spun-bonded high-density polyethene fibres that offer a tough, durable sheet product which is stronger than paper and more versatile and cost-effective than fabrics.

Auto-lock zip and zip flap
Elasticated hood, cuffs and ankles
Stitched external seams
Glued-in waist elastic
Ergonomic design for a tailored fit and freedom of movement

Available sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large

Certifications:

CE Cat. III, Type 5, 6
EN 13982-1, particle proof
EN13034, limited splashproof
EN1149-5, antistatic
EN1073-2, protection against radioactive particles.

Max Gear Overalls

£3.99 ex. VAT / £4.79 inc. VAT

Max Gear Overalls are manufactured by UK-based Ultrimax – a leading paint coating manufacturer with over 50 years of experience producing and testing specialised paint shop products. The Max Gear range offers superb comfort and protection, next-day delivery, and you can try before you buy!

Fully breathable back
Excellent liquid repellence (inc. oils, solvents and thinners)
Antistatic coating
Ribbed cuffs and ankles
Zipper with a double storm flap
Constructed from highly durable and moisture-resistant material
3-piece diamond gusset for comfort and ease of movement
Snug-fitting elasticated three-piece hood
Stocked in the UK; next-day delivery
Test samples available

Available sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, XXX-Large (Note if you usually wear Tyvek overalls, order the next size up in Max Gear)

Certifications:

CE Cat. III, Type 5, 6
EN 13982-1, particle proof
EN13034, limited splashproof
EN1149-5, antistatic
EN1073-2, protection against radioactive particles.

Tyvek vs Max Gear. Which is best?

Whether you need Type 5/6 coveralls for a personal project or to protect your workforce, choosing a high-quality product gives you confidence and peace of mind.

There's no doubt that both Tyvek and Max Gear tick all the boxes for a reliable product. But when it comes to value for money and a wider range of important features, Max Gear is first across the finish line. Painters specifically report liking the sit of the soft wrist cuffs over gloves and the level of breathability that the back panel offers in stuffy spray booth conditions.

FAQs

What material are disposable overalls made from?

In the main, disposable overalls are made using single-use non-woven synthetic fabric. The fibres are spun-bonded to various degrees to create a dense, protective material.

Overalls that offer higher levels of protection are constructed from multiple layers of different fabrics that are laminated together to provide properties such as greater strength, reduced permeability and flame retardance.

Can you wash disposable overalls?

Disposable coveralls are not designed to withstand being washed. As such, washing them in a machine will likely damage the delicate fabric and reduce or eliminate the product's effectiveness. If you do decide to clean your disposable overalls, it is best to gently brush off any dry soiling and wash the item in lukewarm water with or without a mild detergent.

What are the best disposable coveralls?

Based on customer feedback, we rate Maxgear disposable overalls as the best on the market. Other popular overalls include:

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What are disposable coveralls used for?

Disposable coveralls are used for tasks that don't require heavy-duty protection. They are suited to activities that require a low to moderate level of protection, such as protecting the wearer's clothing and skin from coming into contact with hazardous chemicals, paint and varnish, grease and oil, asbestos, dust and fibres.

Different types of overalls offer different levels and types of protection, so it is important to choose the right overall product for the activity that you will be performing.

What are Category 3 overalls?

Category 3 (III) overalls conform to EN Standards and are designed to protect the wearer against serious or fatal risks. There are six types of Category 3 overall (Type 1 - Type 6), each protecting against a different form of hazard.