Sponges & Pads

Sponges & Pads
  • Dermacea IV Dressing Cardinal 441407

    Covidien

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

    Drain sponges are used to absorb liquid from wound sites and other areas that require removal of unwanted liquified matter.Made of a synthetic blend of rayon and polyester that helps provide fast wicking action and superior absorbency Pre-cut T-slit...

    As low as $11.06
  • Hartmann Econolux Gauze Sponge Hartmann 416105

    Hartmann

    Econolux Gauze Sponges, 12-Ply Cotton - Sterile, 4 x 4 Inch

    Quality material meets low-linting, high-value needs. For use in wound cleansing, debriding of wounds, wound packing, covering and swabbing.12 ply Packaged in sterile 2s Sterility assured by peel-back pouch Folded edges prevent linting and unraveling

    As low as $11.78
  • dynarex Split Sponge Dynarex 4610

    Dynarex

    Dynarex IV Sponges, 6-Ply, Sterile - Non-Woven, 2 in x 2 in

    Dynarex IV sponges are a nonwoven dressing which has been pre-cut to fit around most IVs and tubes, eliminating the need for additional instruments.Highly absorbent Less linting than standard gauze Packaged in peel-down pouches for convenient aseptic...

    As low as $10.02
  • Curity Split Sponge Cardinal 6241

    Curity

    Curity IV Sponges, 6-Ply - Sterile, 2 in x 2 in

    I.V./drain split dressing has a pre-cut notch conforms well around drains, catheters, chest tubes, IVs and tracheostomies.6-ply, absorbent gauze Eliminates the need for sterile scissors, conserves nursing time

    As low as $15.86
  • Curity Gauze Sponge Cardinal

    Curity

    Curity Gauze Sponges, 12-Ply - Sterile, Square Shape

    Gauze pads, also called gauze sponges, are used to clean, dress, prep, pack and debride wounds.Perforated carton for easy office dispensing Individually wrapped, 12-ply sterile gauze pads

    As low as $21.35
  • Dermacea NonWoven Sponge Cardinal

    Covidien

    Dermacea Non-Woven Sponges, 4-Ply - Non-Sterile

    Dress wounds with Dermacea nonwoven sponges. The dressing is suitable for other medical applications such as prepping, general cleaning, packing and removing foreign objects from the wound.Cost effective, highly absorbent dressing ideal for applying...

    As low as $8.20
  • Curity USP Type VII Gauze Sponge Cardinal 2252

    Curity

    Curity Gauze Sponges, 12-Ply Cotton - USP Type VII, 2 in x 2 in

    Curity gauze sponges are well suited for variety of applications; wound dressing, general cleaning, minor prepping, wound packing and debriding.12 ply USP Type VII USP means gauze sponge meets United States Pharmacopeial Convention standards

    As low as $12.12
  • Dermacea Gauze Sponge Cardinal

    Covidien

    Dermacea Gauze Sponges, 12-Ply - Sterile, Cotton

    Gauze sponges are used to absorb blood and other fluids as well as clean wounds.The economy line Dermacea Gauze Sponges offers clinicians a cost effective alternative 100% cotton gauze Sterile Packaged in 2's

    As low as $7.43
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.