Gauze Pads

Gauze is a special type of thin medical fabric that is constructed in loose open weaving. This fabric is commonly used for wound care. Generally, 100% cotton fabric is used for making gauze pads and sponges. They wick vertically and draw an exudate out of the wound. Because of longer fibres, this fabric is stronger than any other type of dressing available in the market. Hence a preferred choice of medical experts and doctors.

Both gauze pads and gauze sponges are used in different applications. They are ideal for general cleaning, prepping, dressing, debriding and packing wounds. Moreover, they are also used as a temporary absorbent dressing over wounds. In many cases, the gauze is used for packing or cushioning wounds as it helps to health the broken tissues from inside out. Due to their medical properties, you can massively find them in hospitals, clinics, and an important part of any first aid kit. Being an important part of an uncertain life, it is necessary to know and understand the features, types and uses of gauze fabric. Today we will explain all the necessary aspects of the product and help you get hands-on a reliable option successfully.

Types and styles of medical gauze pads

Technically speaking, gauze fabric has many different uses. However, medical gauze is majorly used to cure and protect wounds. In the medical line, the gauze is available in the shape of pads, bandage rolls and other medical dressings. However, each of them serves with a high level of absorbency. It is a versatile product. You can use it on its own or saturate it with petroleum-like Xeroform (depending on the use). However, when it comes to medical gauze, there are a lot of choices. Hence important is to seek a medical expert’s advice before buying or using one. For instance, gauze for treating open wounds must be sterile. Otherwise, it will only make the situation worse. Here are some features of gauze pads you need to know.

Woven band-aid gauze pads

Woven gauze has a looser and open weave that allows the fluid from the wound to be absorbed into the fibres. These open weaves help the wound fluid pass through the gauze and absorb other absorbent dressings like gauze sponges or pads. however, you can not cut a woven gauze pad because it is woven and will unravel if cut. In such a case, the lint or debris can get into the wound and result in delayed healing issues. Hence if you need a woven band-aid gauze pad, look for the size that suits your needs or use the available option as it is. These woven pads are generally used as a secondary dressing. hence, please do not use it directly on the wound or cause many issues later.

The non-woven gauze pads

These first aid pads are made from special fibres that resemble a weave but are not actually woven.  instead, they are pressed together and are available in condensed form. Such a tight pattern and construction helps the non-woven gauze to absorb more fluid (blood). Hence they are the ideal option where optimum absorbency is a priority. This type has less loose lint. Hence fewer bits and price of gauze are left behind in the wound. These gauze pads are normally made of rayon or polyester and sometimes a blend of the two. Overall speaking, these pads are durable, highly absorbent and comfortable in use as compared to their woven counterparts.

Gauze pads VS Gauze Rolls

The rolls are used for holding other dressings on the wound. You can easily wrap them around the body and secure them with medical tape. They are often used to pad an injured part for added comfort and protect the tender wound sites. Most of the gauze rolls are not absorbent and are thus used as a secondary dressing. The gauze pads or sponges are comparatively more absorbent. They are folded into a square, and the layers are referred to as ply. The higher the ply, the thicker will be the gauze, and the more will be absorbency. These pads are available in sterile and non-sterile forms. The sterile pads are a must if used on an open wound. Otherwise, you can use a non-sterile pad for general wound care.

Difference between sterile and non-sterile gauze pads

A sterile pad is individually packed and is free from bacteria, dirt and other living microorganisms. It is a guaranteed clean product that is used for treating open wounds. This is why a non-sterile wound dressing medical gauze pad is not recommended for use on open wounds. rather the non-sterile pads are ideal for cushioning bruises and other types of closed wounds. Sterile gauze is packed to protect the content from being exposed to outside surfaces or dirt. Therefore while using sterile gauze, it is important to take proper precautions like washing and sterilizing your hands before opening the package. Moreover, the sterile pads also work well on certain types of wounds for faster healing.