Assisted Living Store Blog

Buy Adult Bibs - Online Shopping Strategies

2022-10-24T08:00:00-05:00

Adult bibs, also known as clothing protectors, are used both by commercial facilities (such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals) and everyday folks in the privacy of their homes.

Whether it is just an individual consumer buying for their personal use or a purchasing supervisor from a large 100 bed facility, looking for adult bibs online is a fast, easy and efficient way to shop. As with ecommerce shopping for any particular product, using the most strategic phrases typed into the search browser can be very helpful in finding the best adult bibs online.

A facility searching for adult bibs online might use the keywords adult bibs in bulk, adult bibs supplier or adult bibs wholesale, as a normal search. Facilities can buy in larger quantities and thus, sometimes, can get discounts by doing so. The intention of ordering adult bibs in bulk is the key here. At AssistedLivingStore.com, all our bibs are sold with tier-based pricing; the sale price per unit goes down the more you buy. Buyers can scroll down below our product pictures and see the price table breakdowns.

For the individual consumer, on the other hand, the inclination might be to search using phrases such as adult bibs online, bibs for adults, or buy adult bibs. In other words, they might not use the keywords such as adult bibs wholesale or adult bibs in bulk as they are only going to order a few.

This is understandable thinking. Still, even for the individual consumer, typing into their browser phrases such as adult bibs wholesale, adult bibs in bulk or adult bibs manufacturer might not be such a bad buying strategy. There are companies out there, such as our company, assistedlivingstore.com, that not only sell adult bibs wholesale to facilities, but also sell to the individual consumer. When buying from companies such as these, even when only buying a few adult bibs, the individual consumer might find that the pricing they receive is better than they might find elsewhere. Of course, the facilities that buy adult bibs in bulk will likely get a price lower than those of us just buying 6 bibs for our use at home, however, once again, the price for those 6 bibs from a company that sells adult bibs in bulk will still likely be lower than otherwise available on the market.

More info for online shopping strategies from the team at assistedlivingstore.com.

Adult Bib Buyer's Guide

2021-02-13T05:09:00-06:00

How do I determine which type of Washable (reusable) Adult Bib is right for my situation?

There are many styles of washable adult bibs to choose from. The industry standard adult bib measures 18” x 30”. The bibs vary based on cost, size, material being used and neck closure style.

Cost – Surfing from website to website you will see a wide range of prices for adult bibs. Look for wholesale sources that sell their adult bibs and provide volume discounts. Buying directly from the importer and not from the middle man will save you money. If you want to buy pallet quantities call the company and see if they will deal on price. Most should be willing to cut you a deal on pallet size orders. Most of the adult bibs we sell are designed and imported by us exclusively.

Size – The industry standard is 18” x 30”. The benefit of a long bib is that it covers the lap. The longer and wider the bib the less food and liquids will get on your clothes.

Material Used

100% Cotton Terry Cloth – Most popular adult bib sold. This bib will shrink a bit but it is the most popular choice. It will also not last as long as a blended washable adult bib. Generally the lowest cost bib.
Blended Poly/Cotton – This bib will not shrink as much as 100% cotton. It will also wash more times than 100% cotton. The polyester is a man made material and adds longevity to the cloth.

Vinyl Back Waterproof Barrier (many styles) – Some bibs have a Vinyl waterproof back barrier sewn on them. The benefit to this style of adult bib is it will not allow liquids to soak through the material and get you wet. Try taking a bath towel and placing it on your lap and spilling a cup of water on the towel. It will leak through and get you wet. The Vinyl in adult bibs normally can be laundered and dried at high temperatures without melting together.
100% Polyester – Man made material. It will last longer in the wash. On the bibs we have seen it is usually not as absorbent as the cotton alternatives, but it is a nice attractive clothing protector.
Flannel (several styles) – These adult bibs generally look nicer than the traditional terry cloth bibs. They add a little style to the bib and it is not as institutional looking. Depending on the style purchased they may have a blended material or be 100% cotton. Most are sewn to a Vinyl back waterproof barrier.
Designer Styles – These bibs may have a flower prints or some sort of added design to make the bibs seem more like a fashion statement. Most people do not like to wear an adult bib. Some of the patterns can make wearing a bib a good conversation piece.
Vinyl Only Wipe Down Bib - This bib is a popular alternative. It is made of vinyl only and can simply be wiped clean. Many people choose this style because it does not have to be laundered.
Poly/Cotton Broadcloth Printed - These bibs are often made of a blended broadcloth material and they are sewn on a vinyl back barrier. They do not absorb liquid as well as a thicker bib like terry cloth. However, they are much lighter and take less time to dry in the laundery. The pattern on the bibs also hides stains.

Neck Closure Style – VELCRO® BRAND/Hook and Loop, Snap, Knot Button or Self Tie?

Hook & Loop Closure or VELCRO® Brand – This is the most popular closure style sold. It is easy to open and close. People with limited mobility in their hands can close the bibs. Make sure you close the Hook and Loop Closure (stick it together) when washing. Why? If you do not close the fasteners it will stick to other clothes or the bib itself and make pulls on the bib (terry cloth will pull). After time the closure may not work as well because the ability for Hook & Loop Closure to close after being laundered hundreds of times diminishes. Hook & Loop Closure is a generic to VELCRO® BRAND.
Knot Button Closure - Our knot button closure bibs last longer then VELCRO® Brand or Hook & Loop Closure Bibs. The knot does not wear out as quickly. There are 2 knot holes on the bib to allow for neck adjustment. Simply slide the knot through the hole to clasp the neck closure. The main benefit they should last longer in the wash. We sell very few bibs with this closure.
Snaps – Snap closure adult bibs require the dexterity necessary to close a snap. As some people age their ability to use their hands diminishes due to arthritis, Parkinson disease, or other mobility limiting diseases. Snaps will not pull on items being laundered like Velcro closures do. Snaps should last longer then Velcro.
Terry Cloth Self-Tie – This closure is simply a bib that ties behind the neck. These bibs are hard for people with limited mobility to tie themselves. The bibs laundered well because they have nothing to catch on in the wash. These are the least popular closure style on adult bibs that we sell. The benefit of this type of bib closure is the caregiver can put their finger under the tie, lift up, and easily undo the tie. However, the person wearing the bib will not be able to pull the bib down and remove the bib.

Import vs. Domestic Adult Bibs

Some companies choose to have their bibs manufactured completely overseas. These bibs are totally foreign made and labeled as Imported. Other companies may import their material from overseas already cut into the shape of a bib and then it is sewn together in the USA. These bibs are sewn in the USA and are referred to as "crafted in the USA." Some companies do buy their material domestically and manufacture their bibs here. Our point here is even if a bib says crafted in the USA it might be only the finished sewing, not the material, the cutting, etc…We have looked at thousands upon thousands of adult bibs and many imported adult bibs are better quality then the domestic equivalents.

How to Choose Adult Bibs or Clothing Protectors

2020-10-05T10:40:00-05:00

Originally published in 2009. Updated 10/5/2020

How do I determine which type of Washable (reusable) Adult Bib is right for my situation?

There are many styles of washable adult bibs or clothing protectors to choose from. The industry standard adult bib measures 18” wide x 30” high. The bibs vary based on cost, size, material being used and neck closure style.

Size – The industry standard is 18” x 30”. The benefit of a long bib is that it covers the lap. The longer and wider the bib the less food and liquids will get on your clothes.

Material Used

100% Cotton Terry Cloth – Most popular adult bib sold. This bib will shrink a bit but it is the most popular choice. It will also not last as long as a blended washable adult bib. Generally the lowest cost bib.
Blended Poly/Cotton – This bib will not shrink as much as 100% cotton. It will also wash more times than 100% cotton. The polyester is a man made material and adds longevity to the cloth.
Vinyl Back Waterproof Barrier (many styles) – Some bibs have a Vinyl waterproof back barrier sewn on them. The benefit to this style of adult bib is it will not allow liquids to soak through the material and get you wet. Try taking a bath towel and placing it on your lap and spilling a cup of water on the towel. It will leak through and get you wet. The Vinyl in adult bibs normally can be laundered and dried at high temperatures without melting together.
100% Polyester – Man made material. It will last longer in the wash. On the bibs we have seen it is usually not as absorbent as the cotton alternatives, but it is a nice attractive clothing protector.
Flannel (several styles) – These adult bibs generally look nicer than the traditional terry cloth bibs. They add a little style to the bib and it is not as institutional looking. Depending on the style purchased they may have a blended material or be 100% cotton. Most are sewn to a Vinyl back waterproof barrier. As an example, see our Blue Yellow Flannel bib and Flannel bib with crumb catcher.
Designer Styles – These bibs may have a flower prints or some sort of added design to make the bibs seem more like a fashion statement. Most people do not like to wear an adult bib. Some of the patterns can make wearing a bib a good conversation piece. See our quilted assorted design bibs.
Vinyl Only Wipe Down Bib - This bib is a popular alternative. It is made of vinyl only and can simply be wiped clean. Many people choose this style because it does not have to be laundered.
Poly/Cotton Broadcloth Printed - These bibs are often made of a blended broadcloth material and they are sewn on a vinyl back barrier. They do not absorb liquid as well as a thicker bib like terry cloth. However, they are much lighter and take less time to dry in the laundry. The pattern on the bibs also hides stains.

Neck Closure Style – VELCRO® BRAND/Hook and Loop, Snap, Knot Button or Self Tie?

Hook & Loop Closure or VELCRO® Brand – This is the most popular closure style sold. It is easy to open and close. People with limited mobility in their hands can close the bibs. Make sure you close the Hook and Loop Closure (stick it together) when washing. Why? If you do not close the fasteners it will stick to other clothes or the bib itself and make pulls on the bib (terry cloth will pull). After time the closure may not work as well because the ability for Hook & Loop Closure to close after being laundered hundreds of times diminishes. Hook & Loop Closure is a generic to VELCRO® BRAND.
Knot Button Closure - Our knot button closure bibs last longer then VELCRO® Brand or Hook & Loop Closure Bibs. The knot does not wear out as quickly. There are 2 knot holes on the bib to allow for neck adjustment. Simply slide the knot through the hole to clasp the neck closure. The main benefit they should last longer in the wash. We sell very few bibs with this closure.
Snaps – Snap closure adult bibs require the dexterity necessary to close a snap. As some people age their ability to use their hands diminishes due to arthritis, Parkinson disease, or other mobility limiting diseases. Snaps will not pull on items being laundered like Velcro closures do. Snaps should last longer then Velcro.
Terry Cloth Self-Tie – This closure is simply a bib that ties behind the neck. These bibs are hard for people with limited mobility to tie themselves. The bibs laundered well because they have nothing to catch on in the wash. These are the least popular closure style on adult bibs that we sell. The benefit of this type of bib closure is the caregiver can put their finger under the tie, lift up, and easily undo the tie. However, the person wearing the bib will not be able to pull the bib down and remove the bib.

Import vs. Domestic Adult Bibs

Some companies choose to have their bibs manufactured completely overseas. These bibs are totally foreign made and labeled as Imported. Other companies may import their material from overseas already cut into the shape of a bib and then it is sewn together in the USA. These bibs are sewn in the USA and are referred to as "crafted in the USA." Some companies do buy their material domestically and manufacture their bibs here. Our point here is even if a bib says crafted in the USA it might be only the finished sewing, not the material, the cutting, etc…We have looked at thousands upon thousands of adult bibs and many imported adult bibs are better quality then the domestic equivalents.

Helpful Adaptive Dining Aids

2017-09-07T05:16:00-05:00

Eating your food can be messy business if you are able bodied, young, old or somewhere in between. Making a mess, spilling your milk, or dropping food on your shirt happens to all of us at one time or another. Having limited mobility or dexterity can turn a, once enjoyable dining experience, into a dreaded, unwanted experience.

The following dining tools will assist in making the eating experience easier and more enjoyable.

Scooper Plate
Weighted Utensils
Utensils with big grips
Bent utensils
Cup with handles
Cup with lid
Plate Guard
Non Slip surfaces
Adult bibs/clothing protectors

Scooper Plate - The scooper plate is more like a small bowl (or a plate with a rim). It makes lifting the food from the plate easier. Because of the rim, less food is likely to fall on the table. Some scooper plates have an anti slip surface on the bottom so the plate does not slide around while eating.

Weighted Utensils - Weighted utensils usually look just like your regular stainless steel spoon, fork, and knife. The only difference is that they are quite a bit heavier. The weight is in the handle. Having a heavier utensil makes it easier for people with shaky hands (such as in Parkinson’s Disease) to grasp and hold on to the utensil. The nice thing about the utensils is that they still look nice. Anyone could use them.

Utensils with Big Grips - Utensils with large handles can be purchased almost anywhere. These handles are usually black, rubber and have a good gripping surface. You can find the big grips in cheese slicers, spatulas, spoons, peelers and more. They are especially nice and easy to use. I would recommend them to anyone.

Bent Utensils - Online specialty stores offer bent utensils. You can buy right angle and left angle utensils. Many of the utensils have an easy to bend handle. In this way, you can manipulate the handle to the best angle that will aid in easier eating.

Cups with Handles and Lids - Cups that have large, easy to grip handles can make drinking much easier. These cups are good for those that have shaky hands and risk spilling or dropping the cup. Those with limited strength in their hands can also benefit from cups with handles as well as lids.

Plate Guard - A plate guard is a plastic lip that fits around a standard plate. A plate guard does the same thing as a scooper plate. The nice thing about a plate guard is that you do not need to purchase new plates. You can use your regular plate and put the guard on it so food does not fall easily off the plate. The guard acts as a guide to get the food up and off the plate.

Non-Slip Surfaces - As mentioned above, many scooper plates have a non-slip surface on the bottom. There are also more and more serving bowls that come with an anti sip surface. This is a great feature because you do not have to hold onto the bowl with both of your hands; you can stir without worrying about the bowl falling on the floor. Non slip surface material is also available in grocery stores that can be cut into squares and used under bowls, plates and more. This is an easy and inexpensive solution for stopping the movement of bowls and plates.

Adult Bibs - Adult bibs or clothing protectors as they are often called can be very helpful in keeping food and liquid off of clothing. Adult bibs now come in decorative designs as well as standard terry cloth and disposable or wipe clean options. Wearing a clothing protector makes sense and can save on extra washing and stain removal of good clothing.

WHAT IS A HOOK AND LOOP CLOSURE?

2017-06-13T05:20:00-05:00

It is Similar to the VELCRO® Brand Closures.

Velcro is a brand name of fabric hook-and-loop fasteners. The term VELCRO is a registered trademark in most countries. The generic terminology for these fasteners includes "hook and loop", "burr" and "touch" fasteners.

When buying one of our adult bibs or clothing protectors with the hook and loop closure, make sure to fasten them closed whenever they are being washed, dried or stored. This will prolong the life of your hook and loop closure.