Bandages and gauze are basic medical supplies used for dressing and treating wounds. They are often confused, but they have significant differences in application. These materials are used both in medicine and at home. Let’s look at how bandages differ from gauze.
What is a Bandage?
A bandage is a sterile mesh fabric fabric rolled into a spool. It is made from gauze or cotton fabric, and flexible polymers are used for casting. This textile is elastic and low-density, allowing good ventilation and excellent moisture absorption. Bandages secure dressings, support fractures and sprains, and stop bleeding.
Bandages range in density from 28 to 36 g/m². Non-sterile netting make surgical and dressing wraps or secure areas that won’t come directly into contact with open wounds. Sterile nettings are applied to wounds or used to absorb bodily fluids and can also be used in home care.
What is Gauze?
Gauze is a lightweight, mesh fabric used in medicine and at home. It is soft, breathable, and can be used in various forms (such as wipes, strips, and pieces). It is made from 100% cotton. Gauze is helpful in creating compresses and treating wounds. It adheres closely to the skin, making it highly absorbent. When soaked with disinfectants, it prevents pathogens from entering the wound.
A stiffer type of mesh fabric is used in bookbinding, where it’s treated with starch for durability. Gauze is also applied in cooking, cosmetics, and clothing production. Unlike bandages, gauze is rarely used at home and is more commonly a required dressing material in medical institutions. A range of mesh fabric fabrics with different densities (translated from Latvian as «marles audums») is available in a catalog.
What is the Difference Between a Bandage and Gauze?
When choosing between a bandage and gauze, consider their differences:
- Material. Both items are made of cotton, making them hypoallergenic and soft. Bandages are denser, while gauze has a mesh structure for improved breathability.
- Structure. Gauze fabric is loose with large cells and easily cut and folded. A bandage is made of gauze in a thick strip rolled into a spool, allowing even pressure distribution when wrapped.
- Application. Bandages are used to stop bleeding, support injuries, and secure dressings. There are types, such as analgesics (for local pain relief) or elastic netting (for sprains). Gauze is used to cover wounds and make compresses. It is also helpful in cosmetic and household procedures and instrument care.
- Form. Bandages come in long rolls, which are convenient for wrapping. It usually comes in individual pieces, sponges, or wipes, which are easy to place and secure on a wound.
- Sterility. Gauze fabric can be either sterile or non-sterile. Bandage rolls are often sterile and are used to stop bleeding and treat open wounds.
Key Takeaway
Bandages and gauze serve different purposes due to their unique properties. When choosing medical materials, it’s essential to consider their sterility, especially if they’re intended for a home first aid kit. Hospitals, clinics, and cosmetic salons primarily use mesh fabric, as it serves multiple functions: as a surgical dressing, cleaning cloth, and instrument treatment.
