a composite of an adhesive layer , foil , a fire retardant fabric , and a hydrogel which is used to protect objects during laser surgery and which possesses favorable burning , flashing , and resistance to burn through properties . the hydrogel is preferably a hydrophilic material such as a polyurethane , collagen , polyacrylonitrile , polyvinyl alcohol , or polyvinyl acetal . the fire retardant fabric is preferably a fabric woven or knitted from polyamide or polyimide fibers having a thickness sufficient to provide the desired degree of protection . the composite is applied to the object to be protected , which can be a person or an endotracheal tube or surgical instrument , using the adhesive to adhere the composite thereto .