A 2023 study published in Infection Prevention in Practice, an open-access journal from the Healthcare Infection Society, evaluated the performance and efficacy of antimicrobial curtains compared to standard textile curtains, measuring not only infection prevention outcomes but also the real-world costs. The study compares the total impact of the two privacy solutions on infection control, finances, resources, and workflows. 

Join us as we draw even more critical conclusions from the study by comparing the data side-by-side with our own privacy solutions, to gain a better understanding of the total cost of ownership of standard textile curtains, antimicrobial curtains, and Silentia privacy screens. 

Cloth curtains vs. Antimicrobial curtains

Privacy curtains in healthcare settings are frequently overlooked as high-touch surfaces that can harbor harmful pathogens. Due to inconsistent cleaning practices and frequent contact, curtains can contribute to the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). 

The IPIP curtain study, conducted by the Department of Nursing at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, WA, aimed to assess the effectiveness of antimicrobial and sporicidal privacy curtains in reducing bacterial contamination. It was conducted in acute care and maternal child units at the hospital. Over 20 weeks, the research compared the bacterial and sporicidal burden on traditional cloth curtains to that on Endurocide™ curtains. Additionally, it analyzed the financial costs associated with both types of curtains, providing insights into their economic feasibility alongside their infection control benefits.

The results of the bacterial count were overwhelmingly in favor of the antimicrobial curtains: 

• Traditional curtains: 32.6 CFUs
• Antimicrobial curtains: 0.56 CFUs
  
• Reduction: 98.3% (P < 0.05)

From a cost perspective, the study projected annual savings of $20,079.38 with the antimicrobial curtains, largely due to fewer curtain changes, reduced labor time (66.95 hours saved annually), and the elimination of laundering needs.

Antimicrobial curtains vs. Silentia screens

While antimicrobial curtains show promise, Silentia privacy screens offer a fundamentally different approach that combines infection control with improved workflow and long-term cost efficiency.

To draw an accurate comparison, we first evaluated an antimicrobial curtain against a Silentia 5’5″, 9-panel wall-mounted folding screen. This highlights key differences in cost, maintenance, and performance.

While antimicrobial curtains have a lower initial cost, they require regular laundering and replacement, leading to ongoing expenses and labor. In contrast, Silentia screens are reusable, easily disinfected in place, and built to last over 10 years, making them a more efficient, cost-effective, and hygienic long-term solution.

Impact analysis

With a clearer, more realistic picture of each solution’s true impact, we can better assess their implications for infection prevention, financial costs, resource efficiency, and operational workflows.

1. Infection prevention comparison

Textile curtains are well-known high-touch surfaces and frequent reservoirs for pathogens. Studies have shown that privacy curtains can become contaminated within days of installation, with organisms like MRSA and VRE persisting on fabric surfaces (Ohl et al., 2012). Frequent laundering is required to manage this risk, but practical limitations often mean curtains stay in place longer than ideal, allowing pathogens to spread. 

Antimicrobial curtains address this issue by using fabric treatments that suppress microbial growth between launderings. The 2023 study confirmed they harbor fewer pathogens over time than untreated textiles and require fewer changes, improving infection control compliance. Their performance, however, still depends on physical handling and timely exchange, leaving potential gaps if protocols are missed.

Antimicrobial surfaces can help delay early biofilm formation but are not foolproof, with unclear long-term effectiveness. Relying on them may give a false sense of security, diverting attention from essential cleaning and hygiene practices, and potentially contributing to multidrug-resistant bacteria. What’s more, bacterial reduction with silver-based coatings can take up to 24 hours, so the hygienic benefits are not immediate, therefore potentially exposing patients during that period. 

Silentia privacy screens offer the most consistent approach. Unlike fabric, hard surfaces are non-porous and easily disinfected between patients. This supports immediate, on-the-spot decontamination, aligning with modern infection control protocols.

2. Financial cost comparison

Standard textile curtains are inexpensive to purchase, which makes them seem cost-effective at first glance. However, costs quickly climb when you factor in laundering, labor, and regular replacements due to contamination or wear. 

Antimicrobial curtains, as detailed in the study, help reduce microbial load and extend the time between changes. They helped reduce direct materials costs and indirect costs, including reductions in laundering and staff time. Still, they require periodic replacement, offering only a moderate improvement in total cost of ownership. 

Silentia privacy screens carry a higher initial cost, but that investment pays off over time (typically in 1-3 years). Unlike any type of curtain, privacy screens don’t need to be frequently laundered or replaced, dramatically cutting recurring operational costs and delivering long-term savings.

3. Environmental impact comparison

Textile curtains demand significant water, electricity, and chemical use due to laundering, transporting, and reinstalling, putting a strain on environmental resources. 

Antimicrobial curtains reduce this burden by needing fewer changes but still put a quantifiable strain on resources for cleaning, reinstalling, storage, and disposal. Silver ions are highly toxic to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and some aquatic life even at low concentrations, which is why they’re used as antimicrobials. In the environment, silver tends to bind with particles and accumulate in sludge or sediment, but under certain conditions, such as low pH, it can re-enter solution. This raises concerns about long-term environmental and food chain impacts, especially when silver-containing sludge is used as fertilizer and absorbed by crops. 

Silentia screens eliminate the need for laundering altogether. They can be cleaned and disinfected in place with wipes or surface cleaners—drastically cutting water, energy, and chemical consumption. Their durable, decades-long lifespan means fewer materials enter the waste stream, helping hospitals meet sustainability targets while lowering long-term resource use. 

4. Workflow and operational comparison

Changing textile curtains is labor-intensive. Staff must remove, transport, and reinstall each curtain—a process that takes 15–20 minutes per exchange. Even when changed only every six months (or after isolation patients), this disruption to patients and room downtown adversely affects delivery of care. 

Antimicrobial curtains reduce exchange frequency, easing some of the burden. But they still require manual removal, replacement, and laundering—just less often. The study confirms they help, but don’t eliminate the workload.  

Silentia screens remove this task entirely. Once installed, they are cleaned quickly in place, allowing for immediate room turnover without disrupting workflows. They are also easy to use and maneuver, without creating a hazard or impeding staff’s ability to monitor patients and equipment.

Request your ROI analysis

Thanks to the 2023 Infection Prevention in Practice study, we now have clearer data that conveys the true total cost of ownership of commonly used privacy solutions. While textile and antimicrobial curtains may seem cost-effective at first, the evidence shows that beyond a low upfront purchase cost, there exist hidden long-term costs and infection risks make them less viable over time. 

Silentia privacy screens offer a hygienic, efficient, and sustainable alternative. With their long lifespan, easy cleaning, and proven return on investment, they meet today’s healthcare demands for safety, efficiency, and responsibility.

Visit our Compare us page to learn more about how privacy screens compare to curtains, or connect with us to receive an analysis for your department or facility!