Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Gauze Pad?

Terrie Brockmann
Terrie Brockmann

When choosing the best gauze pad, you should consider the planned application. Different pads have different functions, such as fluid absorbency, wound protection, or medication application. A main concern when buying gauze pads is whether they are sterile. Not all medical applications require sterility, and you should check with a medical professional before using non-sterile pads. Other choices include size, composition, and density of the gauze material and its packaging.

Manufacturers design some gauze pads as wound cleansers and others to cover and protect a wound. Knowing what application you will use the pads for will help you to choose the best ones. Most pads are cotton, but some manufacturers use other materials, such as rayon or polyester cellulose blends. Generally, the cotton gauze is more absorbent, and often it helps to wick secretions from the wound. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions, which will specify the gauze pad's main uses.

Gauze pads may offer wound protection.
Gauze pads may offer wound protection.

Most medical supplies are sterile, and usually you will choose a sterile gauze pad when working with wounds. In some situations, medical personnel use non-sterile pads to contain bleeding and for cleansing wound sites. Typically, people use sterile pads to cover and protect wounds. Manufacturers usually individually wrap sterile pads to preserve their integrity. You may purchase non-sterile pads in bulk packaging, which frequently costs less than individually wrapped pads.

Gauze can be used to protect wounds and stem bleeding.
Gauze can be used to protect wounds and stem bleeding.

To choose the best gauze pad for your application, you should consider which size you might need. Most pads are square, and common sizes start at 2-inch (about 5-cm) squares. Other popular sizes include 3-inch (about 7.6-cm) and 4-inch (about 10-cm) squares. Typically, the ply indicates the thickness of the pad and a pad with a higher ply usually absorbs more fluids. Common ply counts are 8, 12, and 16.

A medical professional should be consulted before using a non-sterile gauze pad.
A medical professional should be consulted before using a non-sterile gauze pad.

The construction of the gauze pad is important. Pads with the cut edges tucked inward will reduce the amount of lint that may get into the wound. Some people prefer to use non-woven pads, but many use the woven pads. Generally, this is a personal preference.

Often the type of use, such as personal, medical, or hobby, determines which pad is the best one to choose. Many professional facilities use gauze pads. These include medical facilities, veterinarians, and podiatry or orthopedic clinics. Not all of the applications at these facilities need specialty pads or sterile pads. An example of a use for plain gauze pad is cushioning to prevent abrasions when using prosthetics or braces.

Gauze pads may be used to prevent infection in burn victims.
Gauze pads may be used to prevent infection in burn victims.

Other specialty pads include impregnated pads. In certain applications, you may want to choose an impregnated gauze pad. Some of the products that manufacturers use in these pads are oil emulsions, petrolatum gel, and medications, such as antibiotic solutions. Another type of specialty pad is one that has a non-stick surface coating, which is sometimes called non-adherent or non-stick. Typically, these pads are not as absorbent as non-treated pads.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

There are just too many types of gauze products out there and they all have different functions. For example, a cut and a burn call for different types of gauze pads. The easiest way to select one is to ask a doctor!

bear78

@fify-- That's kind of funny.

One other thing to watch out for is the thickness of the pad. Some are actually very thin. So if there is a wound or incision with discharge, several pads will be required at once. So they will run out very quickly.

I made the mistake of buying thin ones for my surgery incision which was supposed to drain for some time. I ran out of all the gauze pads in two days because they were too thin.

fify

I didn't realize that there were non-sterile gauze pads on the market. I purchased some online because they were cheaper. Only after the product arrived, I realized that they are not sterile. I had to send them back.

Apparently, people use non-sterile gauze for lots of different things. I read that some people use it to clean their face. One reviewer even said that she uses it to clean her kitchen. I think that's a little strange.

So yes, anyone intending to use gauze pads medically, please make sure that they are sterile. And always follow hygiene rules when handling them. Wash your hands before touching them, or better yet, use gloves or clean tweezers to separate them. Once they're touched, they're no longer sterile. So they have to remain clean before they go on the wound to prevent infections.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Gauze pads may offer wound protection.
      By: Stocksnapper
      Gauze pads may offer wound protection.
    • Gauze can be used to protect wounds and stem bleeding.
      By: Szabolcs Szekeres
      Gauze can be used to protect wounds and stem bleeding.
    • A medical professional should be consulted before using a non-sterile gauze pad.
      By: s_l
      A medical professional should be consulted before using a non-sterile gauze pad.
    • Gauze pads may be used to prevent infection in burn victims.
      By: vladans
      Gauze pads may be used to prevent infection in burn victims.
    • Gauze pads can be used to keep bacteria out of a deep wound and prevent infection.
      By: wellphoto
      Gauze pads can be used to keep bacteria out of a deep wound and prevent infection.
    • Sterile gauze pads may be used to cover and protect wounds.
      By: MarcoBagnoli Elflaco
      Sterile gauze pads may be used to cover and protect wounds.
    • Gauze pads may be held in place with the aid of a stretch bandage.
      By: imagedb.com
      Gauze pads may be held in place with the aid of a stretch bandage.
    • Dressing can be used to hold a gauze pad against a wound.
      By: sudok1
      Dressing can be used to hold a gauze pad against a wound.