Abstract: A disposable protective garment 1 has bands 8 of elastomeric material at the wrists and/or ankles and/or around the hood 5. Each band 8 is joined to the garment by a welded or adhesively-bonded seam and extends from the garment to encircle closely the adjacent part of the body of the wearer. Each band 8 is joined in a stretched condition to the garment 1 and is then allowed to relax, thereby forming gathers 9 in the garment 1.

Abstract: A respiratory mask comprises a body portion that is formed from an air-permeable material and that has at least one component, for example an exhalation valve, secured to the body portion by a printed patch of adhesive. In one embodiment, the mask is a fold-flat mask (1) comprising panels (3, 5, 7) each of which is formed from superposed layers of air-permeable material. An exhalation valve (13) is secured to the center panel (3) by a patch of adhesive that is printed on the outer layer of the panel. Use of a printed patch of adhesive enables components to be accurately secured to the mask body at high speeds.

Abstract: A protective suit 1 comprises a trouser portion 2 which is formed from a fluid-impermeable barrier material, and an upper body portion 3 of which part 8 at least is formed from a breathable barrier material. The fluid-impermeable barrier material may be a closed plastic film or a laminate thereof, and the breathable barrier material may be a microporous film or a non-woven laminate material.