About Gauze & Non-Adherent Dressings
Gauze is the most general-purpose item in wound care, used for cleansing, packing, padding and covering. This collection includes woven and non-woven gauze sponges, gauze rolls, and non-adherent contact dressings from Medline, Gentell and others. It sits within Wound Care Supplies, next to foam, hydrocolloid, alginate and island dressings.
Size is the first attribute, with 2 x 2, 3 x 3 and 4 x 4 inch sponges the most common, along with larger pads and rolls. Ply describes how many layers are folded together; higher-ply sponges are thicker and more absorbent. Sterility is the third choice. Sterile gauze comes individually or in small packs in peel-open pouches, while non-sterile gauze is packed in bulk sleeves for tasks that do not need a sterile product.
Non-adherent dressings add a coated or perforated film layer designed to lift away from the wound with less sticking than plain gauze. They are often used as a primary contact layer under a secondary dressing, as specified by your clinician. For reordering, the REF number on the box specifies size, ply and sterility at once, and listings show the sleeve, box or case quantity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sterile and non-sterile gauze?
Sterile gauze is packaged in sealed peel-open pouches and is used where a sterile product is called for, such as on an open wound. Non-sterile gauze is packed in bulk sleeves for general tasks like padding or cleaning intact skin. Choose ply and size alongside sterility based on how the gauze will be used.
Is gauze covered by insurance?
Gauze and non-adherent dressings have HCPCS codes based on type, size and whether there is an adhesive border. Codes on our pages are shown for reference only. Coverage depends on your payer and plan, and many plans cover gauze only when it is used as part of documented wound care with a prescription.
How do I reorder the same gauze?
Find the REF number on the box or sleeve label and search for it on our site. That number identifies size, ply, weave and sterility, which can be hard to tell apart visually. Check whether the listing is a sleeve, a box or a case so you order the quantity you expect.