What is Polyurethane (PUL) and Vinyl Diaper Cover

	Polyurethane (PUL) and Vinyl Diaper Cover

	There are four basic man-made or synthetic textiles used, and they vary immensely in terms of quality as well as construction. These are polyester (including Gore-Tex), nylon, polyurethane, and vinyl. Poly knit covers are very durable. These often have a double poly layer, or an outer fabric layer like terry or nylon taffeta. These can take the dryer and non-chlorine bleaches. Hearty is the word! Gore-Tex is a breathable poly constructed in such a way as to allow water vapor to get out (keeping baby cool) but prevent water drops from doing the same (keeping clothes dry). This is the same fabric used in adult outerwear and sports shoes. Ultrex is another Gore-Tex type fabric with the same properties. Nylon covers are also popular, for several reasons. They are about the cheapest kind to buy, of either the pull-on or Velcro kind. It is usually a soft, waterproofed, nylon taffeta. They are leagues above similar vinyl covers of any kind. I have found, however, that coated nylon covers require more diligent special handling than most. They can be machine washed, but you have to avoid any detergent containing bleach, Borax, brighteners, or grease-releasers. These will strip off the waterproof coating and render them useless. Many folks just wash them by hand with mild dish soap and line dry. This is rather unnecessary when there are other good quality covers of other fabric combinations that do not require such kid glove handling. Polyurethane laminated (PUL) cover PUL covers work as well as the polyester covers in terms of ease of washing, drying, durability and quality. PU is an inner coating, slick and smooth, usually bonded to an outside layer of polyester or perhaps a cotton/poly blend. Any fecal matter which gets on it just slides off as you rinse it. They are worth the money you will spend. Vinyl Cover Vinyl seems durable at first, but it eventually cracks (especially at stress points) and is easily warped by heat. It is also sticky, uncomfortable, and totally unbreathable, like plastic disposables. This is why the old-fashioned vinyl pull-ons (or any other vinyl cover) I must graciously not recommend. They do not last or launder well, and the pullons particularly leave nasty red marks on baby's skin. They are cheap, though—and this is why. Pull-ons have made monumental strides in construction, durability, and quality, and what is currently available has made the old, 3-pack, grocery-store type pant obsolete. If you do like pull-ons I would recommend wool soakers or a sturdy cotton-urethane, nylon, or poly blend. Each kind has nice bindings which are soft and do not excoriate the skin. Certain snap styles function very much like pull-ons but are easier to take on and off. Vinyl also emits "outgassing"—vapors from the petrochemical components of the plastic—which can make people sick. (I get headaches from smelling the stuff.) Some people still swear by these, but I believe it's because they're not aware of the recent improvements in diaper cover products today. Other features to be considered are things like designs or prints on the outer fabric, size of gusset (that little extra piece of fabric on the side of the leg opening that keeps everything inside staying there), strength of Velcro, fit, style, arid price.

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