Why are medical gauze products exported using 40’s fabric?

Have you ever wondered why most high-quality medical gauze products—like gauze sponges, gauze rolls, gauze bandages, and abdominal pads—commonly use 40 count yarn? Whether it’s in your home first-aid kit, a hospital, a clinic, or an outdoor emergency scenario, you’ve likely encountered gauze made from 40’s cotton. What makes this material so widely preferred?

Let’s explore.

What does “Yarn” mean?

In textile terms, “count” refers to the thickness and fineness of the yarn. A higher count means a finer, softer, and more tightly woven fabric. Common gauze counts include 21’s, 32’s, and 40’s:

21’s Yarn: Thicker, coarser, and less soft. Often used in industrial or lower-cost products.

32’s Yarn: Medium fineness—soft and absorbent, but not as refined as 40s.

40’s Yarn: Finer, smoother, and more durable. Ideal for medical applications where comfort and performance matter.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Why is 40’s the Preferred Choice?

There are several reasons why 40’s gauze is the top choice for medical exports:

Softness After Bleaching:
Medical gauze must be sterilized and bleached. 40’s cotton retains superior softness even after this process, reducing potential irritation to wounds and sensitive skin.

Enhanced Comfort:
The finer yarn creates a smoother surface, offering greater comfort for patients—especially important in prolonged use or on delicate skin.

Improved Absorbency:
Despite its finer threads, 40’s gauze is woven to optimize fluid wicking, making it highly effective at absorbing blood and exudate while minimizing sticking.

Which Products Typically Use 40’s?

Many common medical gauze products are made from 40 count yarn due to these advantages:

• Gauze Swabs: Multiple sizes to choose (from small 2×2 inch to large 8×8 inch and beyond), enabling precise selection for any wound size. Used intraoperatively for wiping, absorbing blood, and managing fluids to maintain a clear surgical field.

• Gauze Rolls: Wrap injuries securely while allowing breath ability. Can be freely wrapped and cut to custom-fit any body part’s unique size and contour, offering exceptional versatility.Its main purpose is to securely hold a primary dressing (like a gauze sponge or abdominal pad) in place.

• Gauze Bandages: Even while providing compression and support, they remain permeable to air, promoting a healthy healing environment. It provides compression and support to reduce swelling and stabilize injured joints.

• Abdominal Pads: Designed with the highest absorbency of all gauze products, specifically for managing heavy exudate. Their substantial size (e.g., 30x30cm, 45x45cm) provides complete coverage for extensive wounds. Placed around surgical drain sites to absorb persistent seepage.

• Fluffy Bandage Rolls: Its stretchy, crinkled design allows it to mold perfectly to joints and uneven body parts (elbows, knees, heels, hands) without buckling or creating pressure points. Its most common use is to hold wound dressings, gauze sponges, or abdominal pads securely in place on any part of the body. It is the go-to bandage for this purpose in clinics and hospitals.

These products are essential in settings ranging from hospitals and clinics to homes and outdoor adventures.

Deep Dive: Thread Count and Gauze Mesh

Beyond yarn count, gauze quality is also influenced by thread mesh—often described by terms like 13 threads, 15 threads, or 17 threads per square inch.

Let’s clarify with a quick Q&A:

Q1: What does “13 threads” mean in gauze?
A1: 13-Threads is 19×15 Mesh. This is a normal-density gauze. Its open weave makes it lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective.

Q2: What does “15 threads” mean in gauze?

A2: 15-Threads is 25×17 Mesh. This is a medium-density gauze, all-purpose gauze. It offers a good balance of absorbency, strength, and softness.

Q3: What does “17 threads” mean in gauze?

A3: 17-Threads is 26×18 Mesh. This is a high-density, premium gauze. Its tight weave provides superior absorbency for heavy wound exudation, excellent durability, and minimal linting.

Q4: Why pair 40’s yarn with higher density weaves?

Combining fine 40’s yarn with a dense weave (e.g., 17 threads) creates a strong, highly absorbent, and lint-free fabric—perfect for critical medical uses.

Conclusion

So, why is 40’s gauze the export standard?

It offers the ideal balance of softness, comfort, absorbency, and strength—especially after bleaching and sterilization. Paired with higher thread densities like 17threads, it becomes the top choice for medical professionals and first-aid users worldwide.

Whether you’re stocking a clinic or a home first-aid kit, choosing 40’s gauze ensures reliability and patient comfort.