Compresses

Woven and nonwoven structures

Gauze is made by interlacing threads. Its specification may describe the weave and thread count. Nonwoven material consists of an assembly of fibres without the same regular woven structure; some compositions combine viscose and polyester. One manufacturer’s fibre ratio should not be assumed for the entire family. Texture, flexibility and cohesion describe the support independently of its colour or external square shape. These material distinctions remain relevant even when two compresses have identical folded dimensions.

Plies, surfaces and edge design

Stated measurements commonly describe the folded presentation, which can have a different surface area when opened out. Ply count describes the assembly of layers rather than a universal measure of absorption. Folded-in edges and shaped cuts are other structural characteristics. An explicitly described slit compress has a different geometry from a plain square, but that does not create a general permission to cut other products. Dimensions, construction and the way the material is supplied therefore need to be considered together.

Sterility and impregnation are separate properties

A non-sterile compress is not equivalent to a sterile presentation made from the same fibres. Protective pouches, the number of compresses in each unit and the declared sterile status describe different aspects of supply. A dry compress also differs from a pre-impregnated support: a solution or substance changes its description and may affect product status. A compress does not automatically include fixation, an antiseptic or any other additional function merely because it is intended for use within wound care.

Frequently asked questions