There is an old saying: "Do not underestimate small wounds or poor friends." Even minor, superficial wounds can have serious consequences if not properly cared for, making a bandage or two essential to have on hand. Bandages protect the wound from dirt, bacteria, and infections, promoting a faster healing process. They also reduce the risk of further injury to the wound. Additionally, the bandage pad absorbs blood and wound fluid, preventing mess.
The word "bandage" originates from a Greek word meaning "to rub in" or "to apply," as wounds were often treated with an ointment covered by leaves, animal hides, or textiles. Modern bandages were invented in 1920 by the American Earle Dickson. His wife frequently cut herself while cooking and needed a protective covering she could easily apply herself, unlike traditional bandages that required assistance. Dickson, who worked at Johnson & Johnson, combined two of the company's early products—double-sided tape and gauze. To prevent the adhesive from sticking to other surfaces, he covered it with crinoline fabric. His wife could then easily dress her wounds herself. Dickson demonstrated the invention to his boss, leading to the birth of a new product.
Today's bandages are designed for an active lifestyle and are often stretchable, highly absorbent, waterproof, and easy to remove. There are numerous types and models available in stores.
Testfakta commissioned the independent testing and research laboratory Eurofins ATS in France to conduct a comparative laboratory test of 29 different brands of water-resistant bandages sold on the European market on behalf of Orkla Wound Care.
The laboratory test measured the quality and performance of the bandages through a series of different tests. In addition to evaluating their technical properties, the laboratory also had a panel of test participants assess the bandages after a full day of use.
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Bandages stay in place to varying degrees
One of the most important tasks of a bandage is to stay in place. In addition to being frustrating to frequently replace a bandage, it also affects both hygiene and cost. To assess the adhesive ability of different brands, both technical tests and user tests were conducted.
In the panel test, the bandages were applied to the back of the hand and around the middle joint of the participants’ index and middle fingers. The panel members washed their hands at least four times throughout the test day, and afterward, the duration of adhesion and the difficulty of removal were evaluated.
Tensile strength was also technically tested on both dry and wet surfaces, and the results correlated well with the panel’s observations. Some bandages were clearly superior to others.
Comfort and flexibility
The second most important factor is that the bandage is flexible and conforms well, without restricting movement or feeling tight on the skin.
The user tests assessed properties such as how easy it was to open the packaging, apply, and remove the bandage, as well as how it affected mobility and flexibility.
The panel evaluated comfort and flexibility over a full day of use.
– The bandages that were perceived as the most comfortable to wear also provided the best mobility for finger joints, explains Lucie Vienne, test manager at Eurofins ATS.
Absorption ability is less critical
It is essential that the bandage’s pad can absorb blood and wound fluids, but for most bandages, the amounts of blood involved are small. Therefore, absorption is not considered as important as comfort and adhesion. However, the laboratory measured how much liquid the bandage’s pad could absorb before it began to seep through.
– The test showed differences in absorption capacity, meaning some bandages risk bleeding through faster than others, says Lucie Vienne. Most bandages absorbed between 0.2 and 0.3 ml.
Bandages that don’t breathe can cause irritation
If a bandage does not allow sufficient moisture vapor to pass through, moisture accumulates underneath. This can cause the skin to soften and become fragile, increasing the risk of irritation and infection.
The breathability of the bandages was evaluated by measuring how much water vapor they allowed to pass through over 24 hours.
The impact of a bandage on the skin is largely linked to how well it stays in place. Bandages that adhere well also tend to have a slightly greater effect on the skin, which is why bandages with weaker adhesion often leave fewer residues when removed.
Final scores
Taking both technical results and panel feedback into account, Salvequick received the highest overall score (8.1), performing well across most parameters. Other well-performing brands were Pirkka (8.0), Urgo (8.0), and Coop (7.9), largely due to their strong adhesion.
At the bottom of the ranking were Mermaid (6.1), Apteo (6.1), Nextcare (6.2), Aposan (6.3), Althapharma (6.3), and Tiritas (6.3), which failed to adhere properly when wet. Hartmann (6.2) also received a low score despite good adhesion, as it had poor breathability and was perceived as stiff and inflexible.