Who Makes the Best Lead Aprons?

Written By Hayley Cazares

Medical facilities trying to keep their staff as safe as possible need to give careful thought into personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and maintenance. That includes lead aprons, which are frequently worn during diagnostic procedures and interventional surgery. Because harmful radiation exposure accumulates over time, healthcare professionals rely on lead aprons to provide essential protection.

Who makes the best lead aprons? We’ve created this guide to help you perform a detailed lead apron comparison before deciding. Additionally, we’ll guide you on other crucial maintenance needs for PPE, such as deep cleaning and disinfection, inspections, and proper lead garment recycling and disposal to ensure safe practices at each stage. Read on for all the information. 

What Are the Top Lead Apron Manufacturers in 2025?

When choosing between lead apron options, it’s important to consider the manufacturers producing them to ensure they’re backed by high-quality assurance standards. In today’s medical field, facilities demand high quality radiation protection that balances durability with comfort.

What Is the Best Company for Lead Aprons?

Some of the best X-ray apron brands are Burlington Medical, INFAB, and Techno-Aide. Here’s some brief information about each one:

  • Burlington Medical aprons: Burlington Medical is known for producing custom-fitted aprons in different styles. A study from the Journal of Radiography emphasized the importance of properly fitted PPE to ensure full body coverage and prevent any shifting that could expose the wearer to more radiation. 

  • INFAB lead aprons: INFAB emphasizes transparency with its products and works to educate its customers on materials and types of PPE so they feel confident before buying. Many of their designs use innovative practices, such as no-seam shoulders for extra comfort and double-welt pockets for greater durability. 

  • Techno-Aide aprons: Techno-Aide is another high-quality manufacturer that offers a variety of options in different styles and materials. Many of their design additions and innovations focus on user comfort and weight distribution, such as shoulder pads to reduce discomfort and flexible straps to help distribute weight evenly. 

In addition to traditional lead aprons, each of these brands also produces high-quality lead-free aprons and lightweight lead aprons that help reduce the weight clinicians have to carry around during extended shifts and procedures. Some models are significantly lighter than older versions, making them easier to wear for long periods without fatigue.

How Do You Compare Lead Apron Quality Across Different Brands?

When comparing radiation protection products, it is important to look at the features that make a protective garment both effective and comfortable. Quality considerations to keep in mind while reviewing brands include: 

  • Testing data: Manufacturers should provide testing data for each garment type they produce. Ideally, you want to see garments tested across different energy levels to ensure they provide effective shielding across varying types of procedures. 

  • Construction and seams: Manufacturers should use durable seams and ensure that the protective material extends to the seams for complete coverage. 

  • Outer material used: Look for a high-quality and durable outer material, such as heavy-duty nylon, that is resistant to wear and abrasions. 

  • Fit: Ensure garments are designed to completely cover vital organs and provide comfort for extended use. A perfect fit helps medical professionals perform procedures safely without added discomfort.

What Are the Total Cost Factors When Selecting Lead Apron Manufacturers?

Even after purchasing lead aprons, facilities should still account for ongoing maintenance costs throughout their lifespans. 

How Do Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements Impact Your Investment?

Proper X-ray garment care is essential because lead aprons used in medical settings often have high contamination levels, requiring regular disinfection. They also experience wear and tear from daily use, which must be identified and repaired to keep them safe and effective. Investing in routine maintenance, including lead apron cleaning and X-ray garment inspections, will improve their performance and extend their lifespan.  

A study conducted by Dr. Jaber of Wayne State found that 84% of aprons in a medical facility were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Tinea species (ringworm). High contamination rates of harmful microorganisms make deep cleaning and disinfection essential. 

Another study from Radiography Open stated that cracks, holes, or tears that can accumulate from normal wear and tear may reduce a garment’s protective capabilities. Therefore, conducting regular inspections is important to identify damage early. 

What Role Does Proper Disposal Play in the Total Cost of Lead Apron Ownership?

Proper lead apron recycling and disposal can also add costs to the garment lifecycle. The EPA sets strict regulations for lead disposal since it can have toxic effects on the environment as it decomposes. Therefore, safe practices are necessary to dispose of or recycle the materials without harming human or environmental health. 

You may find some manufacturers that offer takeback programs to assist with the process, or you can work with professional disposal services such as ours at RCS to make managing the process more efficient. 

Why Is Lead Apron Care More Important Than Brand Selection?

In many cases, lead garment care is more important than brand selection because it’s necessary to ensure that garments perform effectively throughout their lifespan. Poor maintenance can quickly ruin any quality garment. For instance, a study from the Journal of Health Physics found that small tears in lead aprons can increase by up to 270% in 10 months, so performing regular inspections using X-ray scanning is needed to identify damage early before it grows to a dangerous size. 

How Does Contamination Affect the Safety of Even the Best Lead Aprons?

Contaminated lead aprons are another significant concern, even for aprons from the best brands using high-quality materials. 

AORN’s 2025 guidelines emphasize the need for regular lead apron cleaning because PPE used in medical settings has some of the highest contamination rates, between 62.5% and 100%. When PPE becomes contaminated, it significantly increases the risk of hospital-acquired infections for both staff and patients. 

Therefore, deep cleaning and sanitization are essential to completely remove tough microorganisms from the garment’s surface. 

What Professional Services Ensure Your Lead Aprons Remain Safe and Compliant?

Given the maintenance needs for lead aprons and other PPE, medical facilities may find it hard to keep up with all the requirements. Fortunately, professional services such as ours at RCS can help manage these processes more efficiently. 

At RCS, we offer services that can help throughout the garment lifecycle, including: 

All our services follow regulations from governing bodies, such as AORN, the CDC, and the EPA, to ensure effective results. 

How Should You Evaluate Lead Apron Suppliers and Service Providers?

While evaluating lead apron suppliers, it’s a good idea to consult with your facility’s radiation safety officer (RSO) to make educated decisions that work best for your team and carefully review manufacturer testing data to select high-quality options. 

What Questions Should You Ask When Purchasing New Lead Aprons?

Some questions you can ask manufacturers before purchasing lead aprons are: 

  • What does your quality control process look like during production? 

  • What styles of lead aprons do you have available? Lead aprons can come in different styles, such as frontal, wraparound, or vest and skirt sets. 

  • How does your material perform at different energy levels? 

  • How do we choose the correct size? 

  • What is your warranty policy? 

How Can Comprehensive Service Providers Simplify Lead Apron Management?

Comprehensive service providers like our team at RCS can efficiently manage lead apron at every stage. 

RCS can assist with lead apron procurement from each of the manufacturers listed earlier in this article. We ensure all new garments are inspected, tagged, and ready for use when they arrive at your facility. 

Additionally, we help with maintenance throughout the garment lifecycle, including deep cleaning, inspections, garment repairs, and garment disposal. We aim to make the process as efficient as possible to help reduce stress on your end, so your team can focus on providing the best possible patient care. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you simplify lead apron management at RCS. 

Hayley Cazares
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How To Extend the Life of Radiation Protection Garments