Gauzes have been the most ancient method used for wound care. The type of gauzes and their materials have slowly evolved during the times of war. They are of various kind, woven or nonwoven; impregnated or non-impregnated.

What is non-impregnated gauze?

Non-impregnated gauzes are cotton or synthetic gauzes that are not infused with any medicated substance. They don't affect much in case of wounds as they are not medicated, but they are widely used for debriding the injury. They do not promote wound healing. However, they somewhat protect the wound from being exposed or infected and are used as a primary dressing. For layering up an injury or holding other wound care in place, non-impregnated gauges are preferred.

They come in different sizes: short, medium, long with inch specification like 4*4 or 6*6. Types of non-impregnated gauze:

Non-impregnated gauzes are of varied types:

• Sterile or Non-sterile gauzes are meant to resist bacteria and keep open wounds free from microbial infection. Non-sterile gauzes are mostly used on closed wounds mainly for cushioning or support.

• Gauzes are more expensive than non-sterile gauzes.

• Adherent or Non-adherent

• Gauzes tend to stick to the wound whereas non-adherent gauzes do not. Non-adherent gauzes are suitable for fragile, sensitive wounds.

Woven or Non-woven

• Woven gauzes are made loosely with cotton fibers. Non-woven gauzes are made from synthetic fibers that are pressed together in a wave-like form.

• Latex-free

• Border and Non-Border

• The bordered dressing has an outer margin, whereas non-bordered dressing is margin-less.

How is dressing done with non-impregnated gauzes?

When dressing with a non-bordered gauze, around three to four non-impregnated gauze dressing changes per day are medically necessary, unless there is prescribed documentation that more frequent changes are required.

When dressing with a bordered gauze, one change per day is considered necessary, unless more frequent changes are prescribed.

It is usually not necessary in medical terms to layer up more than two non-impregnated gauze pads on top of one another in any area.

How is non-impregnated gauze different from impregnated gauze?

Impregnated gauzes are filled with medicated substances that are meant to heal and provide moisture to the wound. Non-impregnated gauzes, on the other hand, are just intended to secure and cover wounds.

Are non-impregnated gauzes USP Type-VII gauze?

USP (United States Pharmacopeia) Type-VII gauzes legally recognize a medical product and assure its standard of strength, purity, quality, identity, packaging, labeling of drug substances, dosage, etc. Any gauze that meets all these requirements is classified as Type-VII and is safe to use. Non-impregnated gauzes can be either Type-VII or not, and that is generally mentioned on the packaging.

Non-impregnated gauzes as Tracheostomy drain sponges:

Drain sponges are used on tracheostomy patients to clean the tracheostomy tubing and the surrounding area. Non-impregnated gauzes used as drain sponges are highly absorbent, and they reduce the number of times the dressing is changed. They have a pre-slit design that comfortably fits around the tubing. They absorb the fluid and protect the surrounding skin.

Non-impregnated gauzes with cellulose-fill:

Some non-impregnated gauzes are made to be extra-absorbent. They are filled with cellulose fiber for better performance. They are ideal for wounds that have high fluid-discharge. They are very comforting and absorb enough fluid to cut-off fluid-pooling.

There are varied types of non-impregnated bandages that serve in composite dressing. It is a versatile product, so consulting a doctor helps to find a suitable one. All of these protect wounds from infection and should be used sanitarily.