In daily care as well as in the management of wounds or hygiene procedures in pharmacies, two products systematically come up: CE cotton square and the sterile compressAlthough they seem similar at first glance, they have very different uses.
For pharmaceutical laboratories, groups or pharmacies wishing to develop a white label basic care range, understanding the specificities of these two formats is essential to design a coherent, useful and adapted offer for healthcare professionals.
This article guides you in choosing between cotton squares And sterile compresses, taking into account their uses, their properties and market expectations.
What is a CE cotton square?
Sterile cotton square is a soft textile, usually made from pure 100% cotton. It is often hydrophilic, that is, capable of effectively absorbing liquids, without fluffing or irritating.
This type of cotton is sterilized to strict standards (often by irradiation or steam) to meet the requirements of medical or paramedical environments. It is presented in individual sachets or in multipacks for use at home or in healthcare facilities.
What is a sterile compress?
Sterile compresses, on the other hand, are woven (or sometimes non-woven) textiles, which are thinner, lighter, and generally more rigid than cotton. They are often made of hydrophilic gauze or synthetic fibers designed for good absorption and optimal contact with wounds.
It is always sold in sealed bags of two or four, in various formats (5x5, 7.5x7.5, 10x10 cm, etc.), and sterilized in the factory.
What are the differences between CE cotton squares and sterile compresses?
Beyond the texture, several elements differentiate these two devices:
1. Main use:
2. Texture and comfort:
- Cotton is softer, thicker, more pleasant on the skin.
- The compress is finer, slightly rough, but suitable for direct contact with the wound.
3. Absorbency:
- Cotton has a excellent absorption capacity, ideal for larger liquids (water, saline solution).
- The compress absorbs less, but its thinness allows for a more targeted cleaning.
4. Presentation:
- Cotton is sold in the form of pre-cut squares or rolls, often cheaper per unit.
- The compress is always sterile, in a closed bag, and more standardized in its formats.
When to use a CE cotton square?
Sterile cotton is recommended in the following cases:
In summary: cotton is the ideal companion for gentle hygiene gestures, particularly in childcare or supportive care.
When to use a sterile compress?
Sterile compress is preferred when treating a open lesion, even superficial:
- Cleaning and drying of wounds, cuts, minor burns
- Swabbing after blood collection
- Application of antiseptic to damaged skin
- Application of secondary dressing or maintenance by bandage
This is the standard device in the care protocols in a hospital setting or in a nursing office.
What to choose from a range of pharmacy care products?
For a laboratory or group wishing to develop a range of basic care, the choice is not binary. It is necessary offer both, with differentiated positions and formats:
- THE sterile cotton can be used in a “gentle hygiene” range, targeted childcare, post-procedure, sensitive skin
- There sterile compress must appear in a “care” range, with clear mention of the indications, and why not packaging adapted to the practice of liberal nurses?
💡 To meet these expectations, Smart Agents Healthcare offers sterile cotton squares manufactured under white label, compliant with European standards, intended for laboratories and pharmaceutical brands.
What role does the pharmacist play in counseling?
In the pharmacy, the choice between cotton and compress is not always obvious for the patient. The pharmacist has a key support role here :
- Identify the real need (care or hygiene?)
- Guide to the correct format
- Explain the operating instructions, particularly for parents or patients receiving treatment at home
This advice reinforces the added value of the care department, and justifies the integration of these products into the white label offering of the brands.
Conclusion: two complementary products, two very distinct uses
It is not a question of deciding between cotton and compress, but of understanding how and for whom each is useful. In an approach to developing a white label pharmaceutical range, this complementarity is a opportunity to structure the offer according to actual uses.
Propose both CE cotton square for gentle care, And compresses for wounds covers all the needs of a care or first aid department, while providing a clear response to the field expectations of pharmacists and caregivers.
