Overview
ISO 20342-5:2024 - Assistive products for tissue integrity when lying down - Part 5: Test method for resistance to cleaning and disinfection specifies a laboratory method to evaluate how liquid cleaners and disinfectants affect the properties of waterproof coated textiles used as the outer surface of assistive products for tissue integrity (APTIs). The method measures chemical-driven degradation (not abrasion or mechanical wear) and is applicable only to drapeable outer surfaces.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Tests effects of prolonged chemical contact of liquid cleaners/disinfectants on waterproof coated textiles used on APTIs; excludes non-drapeable surfaces and abrasion-related degradation.
- Test atmosphere: Standardized conditioning and testing environment per ISO 554 (23 °C ± 2 °C, 50 % ± 5 % RH).
- Sample preparation: Two samples per chemical (30 cm longitudinal × 23 cm cross); third sample required if one of the two fails to rule out specimen defects.
- Chemical agents: Common families listed - alcohol-based, quaternary ammonium-based, active chlorine-based, hydrogen peroxide-based - concentrations must be reported.
- Test procedure:
- Mark test zone and record initial appearance and photograph.
- Measure initial hydrostatic head per ISO 811 to 20 kPa (2 000 mm H2O).
- Create a “pouch” by draping material over rigid, non‑absorbent vessels and fill with fresh liquid cleaner/disinfectant.
- Exposure cycle: 24 h contact = 1 cycle; repeat with fresh liquid until failure or target cycles reached.
- After each cycle, gently dry and re-evaluate hydrostatic head at 20 kPa and record visual changes (delamination, stickiness, leaks).
- Pass/fail criterion: Material fails when waterproof performance is lost at 20 kPa in at least one location.
- Reporting: Test report must include reference to ISO 20342-5:2024, sample description, photos before/after, cleaner/disinfectant brand and active ingredients/concentrations, number of cycles to failure (or total cycles without failure), deviations, and laboratory accreditation details.
Applications and users
This standard is intended for:
- Manufacturers of APTIs and coated textile components evaluating product durability to routine cleaning/disinfection.
- Test laboratories conducting conformity and durability testing.
- Procurement specialists, regulators, and healthcare facilities specifying validated materials for mattresses, overlays, cushions and other pressure‑care surfaces.
- Product designers and materials scientists assessing coating formulations for chemical resistance.
Practical benefits include validated evidence of resistance to common disinfection protocols, improved product selection for infection control, and clearer labeling/claims about cleaning compatibility.
Related standards
- ISO 811 - Textiles: determination of resistance to water penetration (hydrostatic pressure test)
- ISO 554 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and/or testing
- Other parts of the ISO 20342 series for assistive products for tissue integrity
Keywords: ISO 20342-5:2024, assistive products for tissue integrity, test method, resistance to cleaning and disinfection, waterproof coated textiles, hydrostatic head, ISO 811.
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