Sponges & Pads

Sponges & Pads
  • McKesson Split Sponge McKesson Brand

    McKesson

    McKesson Split Gauze Sponges - Absorbent 6-Ply IV/Drain Dressing

    This McKesson Square Sterile Poly/Rayon IV/Drain Split Dressing is crafted from a poly/rayon blend for ideal absorption and wicking properties. You can use this dressing around drains, chest tubes, catheters, tracheotomies and IVs.Allows easy application...

    As low as $8.60
  • McKesson NonWoven Sponge McKesson Brand

    McKesson

    McKesson 4-Ply Non-Woven All-Purpose Sponge

    4-ply Nonsterile 100% cotton Used for cleaning, prepping, scrubbing and wound dressing More absorbent that woven gauze Reduced linting and fraying than woven gauze Compare to Mirasorb Single use Mirasorb is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson...

    As low as $9.97
  • McKesson NonWoven Sponge McKesson Brand

    McKesson

    McKesson 4-Ply Non-Woven All-Purpose Sponge Sterile

    Providing reduced linting activity, this McKesson Square Sterile 4-Ply Cotton Gauze Sponge is made from 100% cotton. The cotton construction allows the gauze sponge to be used in wound dressing, cleaning, prepping and packing applications.4-ply Sterile...

    As low as $10.30
  • Curity Split Sponge Cardinal

    Curity

    Curity Drain Sponges, 6-Ply, Sterile - Non-Woven, 4 in x 4 in

    6-ply drain sponge has a pre-cut notch conforms well around drains, catheters, chest tubes, IVs and tracheostomies.Lower cost alternative to premium Excilon Drain Sponges Pre-cut notch conforms well around drains, catheters, chest tubes, IVs and...

    As low as $20.43
  • Dynarex Advantage Gauze Sponge Dynarex

    Dynarex

    Dynarex Advantage Gauze Sponges, 8-Ply - Non-Sterile, Non-Woven

    Absorbent gauze sponges for cleaning, prepping, or dressing a wound.Made of highly absorptive 100% cotton woven gauze with no exposed raw edges, as each edge has been folded in For a wide range of dressing, cleaning and prepping procedures No exposed raw...

    As low as $9.88
  • McKesson USP Type VII Gauze Sponge McKesson Brand

    McKesson

    McKesson Gauze Sponges - 12-Ply Woven Wound Dressing, USP Type VII

    This is a USP type VII sponge — meaning it has 18 – 22 threads per 2.54-centimeter warp; 8 – 14 threads per 2.54-centimeter filling; 27 – 35 is average count of threads per 6.45 square centimeter; and weighs 18.1 - 23.1 grams per square meter.Nonsterile...

    As low as $9.98
  • Dusoft Split Sponge Derma Sciences

    Dusoft

    DuSoft Drain Sponges, 6-Ply, Sterile - Poly/Rayon, 4 in x 4 in

    An added fenestration makes these sterile sponges a good choice for dressing around a tracheostomy tube or any type of tube on the body.Provides superior absorption and are low-linting, fast-wicking, and non-adherent to wound beds 6 ply, nonwoven...

    As low as $14.46
  • McKesson Gauze Sponge McKesson Brand

    McKesson

    McKesson Gauze Sponges - Non-Sterile, Woven 16-Ply Wound Dressing

    Providing reduced linting activity, this McKesson Square Non-Sterile 16-Ply Cotton Gauze Sponge is made from 100% cotton. The cotton construction allows the gauze sponge to be used in wound dressing, cleaning, prepping and packing applications.100%...

    As low as $15.96
Sponges and Pads

Sponges and pads are an integral part of wound care, and those caring for a wound either for themselves or others will often find themselves needing to restock. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, here’s what your need to know about sponges and pads.

Sponges and Their Use

Sponges tend to absorb more than pads and are used in various wound care settings, including cleaning, debriding, and packing a wound. Sponges are useful for highly exudative (wet) wounds and can also apply ointment or medication when combined with other dressings.

Gauze sponges come in various sizes ranging from 2x2 inches for smaller-sized wounds such as minor burns or ulcers to 4x8 inches for more extensive wounds like surgical incisions. For good wound care, the size of the sponge needs to be larger than the size of the wound to provide coverage and protection.

There is usually more than one sponge in a pack because they need frequent changes. A healthcare provider will likely advise you about how often to change the sponge. When in doubt, redress the wound with a new sterile sponge if you see exudate seeping through the sponge or around the wound.

Drain Sponge: A drain sponge, also known as a split sponge, has a pre-cut slit that fits around drains, catheters, chest tubes, IVs, and more. Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of sponge and drain gauze.

Sponge Materials

The main types of sponges are:

  • Gauze: Gauze sponges are made from several layers of woven material, usually cotton, to help increase absorbency. Gauze sponges can be woven or gauze.
  • Woven: Manufacturers weave the gauze to help promote the movement of fluid away from the wound and deeper into the dressing.
  • Non-Woven: To allow for more absorbency
  • Polyester/Rayon Blend: Polyester/rayon blend sponges are very absorbent and are a great alternative to gauze. If you are looking for a drain sponge specifically, consider a polyester/rayon blend drain sponge for better absorbency.


  • Pads and Their Use

    Pads tend to be thinner than sponges and, therefore, less absorbent. Pads are ideal for dressing wounds with no or minimal fluid. Your healthcare provider may recommend pads vs. sponges, depending on the wound type and your health history.

    Gauze pads come in various sizes ranging from 2x2 inches for minor wounds to 6x8 inches for more extensive wounds. As with sponges, the size of the pad should be larger than the size of the wound to provide protection.

    Pads are often packaged individually and may be labeled as ‘sterile’ or ‘non-sterile. If you are unsure which is the best option, choose a sterile gauze pad to protect your wound from bacteria.

    Pad Materials

    Most wound care pads are made from gauze because it is both absorbent and comfortable. In some cases, the pad may be impregnated with medication or moistened with saline. For instance, if you are dealing with a completely dry wound, a few drops of saline on the pad can help provide a moist environment, ideal for wound healing.


    Ply Options

    Both sponges and gauze pads are available in different ply, which refers to the number of layers within the gauze pad with higher ply numbers indicating increased thickness. Standard ply sizes range from 4 plies to 12 plies; 4 ply is good for mild or moderately exudative wounds, while 12 plies are ideal for highly exudative wounds.

    Your healthcare provider will typically advise about the specific wound care procedures and materials; with wound care and other medical care, it is always recommended that you follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider.