These bandaging materials are used to absorb wound fluid or blood. In general, they are never in immediate contact with the surface of the wound. Their ability to retain a high level of moisture means they are also used in certain situations to keep the skin moist.
- Cotton Wool Wadding.
De-waxed, purified and bleached cotton fibres, sometimes mixed with viscose threads. The fibres are layered after carding (teased out in one direction), and their spiral shape allows them to latch together. White cotton wool has a high absorption capacity, and the volume decreases when wet. White cotton wool tends to give off fluff and should therefore never be placed immediately on an open wound.
- Cellulose Wadding.
These are made of a number of layers of bleached cellulose membranes. Cellulose wadding has a high absorption capacity, but disintegrates once it reaches its saturation point. As it gives off fluff, cellulose wadding should never be placed directly onto a wound.
- Cellulose Pads.
A number of layers of cellulose, surrounded by a strong moisture-permeable layer. This outer layer prevents the cellulose fluffing and disintegrating.