When you're standing in the medical supply aisle or ordering supplies for your clinic, the choice between Kerlix and Kling bandages can feel confusing. Both are gauze bandage rolls that doctors, nurses, and emergency responders use everyday. But they're not the same thing.
I've worked with both types of bandages, and I can tell you they each have their place. This article breaks down everything you need to know about kerlix vs kling so you can make the right choice for your situation.
Key Takeaways
• Kerlix is a fluffed gauze bandage that provides maximum absorbency and cushioning • Kling is a conforming stretch bandage that sticks to itself and molds to body contours • Kerlix works better for heavily draining wounds and padding • Kling excels at securing dressings and wrapping irregular body parts • Both are essential medical supplies with different purposes • Price difference is minimal, usually just $1-3 per roll
What is Kerlix?
Kerlix is a type of fluffed gauze bandage roll made by Covidien (now part of Medtronic). The unique thing about Kerlix is its texture. It's been processed to create tiny air pockets throughout the material, making it super absorbent and soft.
The bandage comes in sterile and non-sterile versions. You'll find it in different widths, but the most common size is 4.5 inches wide. When you unroll it, the gauze feels almost fluffy - that's where it gets its absorbent power.
Healthcare workers use Kerlix for packing wounds, creating padding around injuries, and absorbing drainage from surgical sites. It doesn't stretch much, which some people see as a limitation but others view as stability.
What is Kling?
Kling (sometimes called "Conform" or "Conforming Gauze") is a stretchable bandage roll that has a bit of give to it. The weave pattern allows it to stretch and conform to whatever body part you're wrapping.
Here's what makes Kling special: it has a crinkled weave that lets it cling to itself without pins or tape. Not perfectly, but enough to make securing it easier. This self-adhering quality comes from the texture, not from any adhesive coating.
Kling comes in various widths from 1 inch to 6 inches. The 3-inch and 4-inch sizes are most popular. You can get it sterile or non-sterile, just like Kerlix.
Medical professionals use Kling to secure primary dressings, wrap sprains, and bandage areas where movement happens - like joints and limbs.
Kerlix vs Kling: The Main Differences
The biggest difference between kerlix vs kling comes down to their core design. Kerlix prioritizes absorption and cushioning. Kling focuses on flexibility and conformability.
Think of it this way: Kerlix is like a thick, thirsty sponge. Kling is like a stretchy wrap that hugs whatever you put it on.
Material structure differs too. Kerlix has that fluffy, lofted construction with lots of air spaces. Kling has a tighter weave with stretch built in.
When you touch them, you feel the difference immediately. Kerlix feels bulkier and softer. Kling feels thinner and has more give when you pull it.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Kerlix | Kling |
| Material Type | Fluffed gauze | Conforming stretch gauze |
| Stretchability | Minimal (about 5-10%) | Significant (up to 50%) |
| Absorbency | Very high | Moderate |
| Thickness | Bulkier, more cushioning | Thinner profile |
| Self-adhesion | None | Light (clings to itself) |
| Primary Use | Wound packing, absorption | Securing dressings, wrapping |
| Common Widths | 4.5 inches standard | 1-6 inches (3-4" most common) |
| Price Range | $2-5 per roll | $1-4 per roll |
| Best For | Heavy drainage, padding | Joint wrapping, securing |
| Durability | Tears more easily | More resistant to tearing |
| Breathability | Excellent | Good |
Absorbency: Who Wins?
When comparing kerlix vs kling for absorbency, Kerlix takes the crown without question. Those fluffy air pockets soak up blood, exudate, and other fluids like nothing else.
I've seen Kerlix absorb several times its own weight in fluid. That's why surgeons love it for packing surgical wounds or for use in operating rooms where there's significant bleeding.
Kling can absorb some fluid, sure. But that's not really its job. If you're dealing with a heavily draining wound and you only have Kling available, you'll need to change it more frequently.
For light to moderate drainage, Kling does fine. But for anything serious, reach for Kerlix every time.
Flexibility and Conforming Ability
This category goes to Kling without debate. The stretchability makes wrapping ankles, elbows, and other joints so much easier.
Kling stretches lengthwise as you wrap, which means it molds around curves and irregular surfaces. This creates a snug fit that stays in place better during movement.
Kerlix doesn't stretch much at all. Try wrapping an ankle with regular Kerlix and you'll see what I mean - it bunches up and creates gaps. For flat surfaces or areas that don't move much, Kerlix works fine. But for active areas, it's not ideal.
The conforming nature of Kling also means less bulk under clothing. Patients appreciate this when they need to wear bandages for extended periods.
Ease of Application
Both bandages are fairly easy to apply, but they require diferent techniques.
Kerlix application: • Cut to desired length • Fluff gently to maximize absorbency • Apply with gentle pressure • Secure with tape or secondary bandage • Works best in layers for packing wounds
Kling application: • Apply light tension while wrapping • Overlap each turn by about 50% • Press layers together as you go • The crinkling helps it stick to itself • Can be secured with minimal tape
New users sometimes find Kling trickier because applying the right amount of tension takes practice. Too tight and you cut off circulation. Too loose and it falls off.
Kerlix is more forgiving for beginners. You basically just layer it on where you need absorbency and cushioning.
Cost Comparison
The price difference between kerlix vs kling is pretty small, which is good news for budget-conscious buyers.
Non-sterile Kerlix rolls typically cost $2-5 each, depending on where you buy and how many you order. Sterile versions run about $3-6 per roll.
Kling comes in slightly cheaper. Non-sterile runs $1-4 per roll, with sterile versions at $2-5.
Buying in bulk saves money for both types. A case of 96 rolls might bring the per-unit cost down by 30-40%.
For most facilities, the cost difference is negligible. You should stock both types anyway since they serve different purposes. According to Big Write Hook, having the right tool for the job always saves money in the long run compared to forcing one product to do everything.
Durability and Strength
Kling holds up better under stress. The tighter weave and stretch properties make it harder to tear accidentally.
Kerlix, with its fluffy construction, tears more easily if you catch it on something. This isn't necessarily bad - sometimes you want to tear it by hand rather than use scissors.
Both bandages maintain their integrity when wet, which matters for wound care. They don't fall apart or turn into mush like some lower-quality gauzes do.
The stretchiness of Kling does mean it can get stretched out permanently if pulled too hard. Once that happens, it won't conform as well on subsequent applications.
Kerlix doesn't have this issue because it doesn't stretch in the first place. What you see is what you get, application after application.
Which One is Better for Wounds?
This depends entirely on the wound type and location.
Choose Kerlix for: • Deep wounds that need packing • Post-surgical sites with heavy drainage • Wounds requiring significant padding • Situations where maximum absorbency matters • Creating cushioning around injuries • Burns with significant exudate
Choose Kling for: • Securing primary dressings • Superficial wounds with light drainage • Wrapping wounds on joints • When a low-profile bandage is needed • Securing ice packs or splints • Areas where movement happens
For many wound care situations, you'll actually use both. Apply an absorbent dressing (maybe even Kerlix as the primary layer), then secure it with Kling. This combo gives you the benefits of both products.
Storage and Shelf Life
Both products have similar storage requirements. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Non-sterile versions basically last indefinately if stored properly. The gauze doesn't degrade or go bad.
Sterile versions have expiration dates printed on the packaging, usually 3-5 years from manufacture. After expiration, the packaging integrity might be compromised, meaning the contents aren't guaranteed sterile anymore. But the gauze itself is still usable for non-sterile applications.
Kling's stretchiness doesn't degrade over time in storage. I've used Kling that was several years old and it performed just like new.
Common Uses in Medical Settings
Emergency Rooms
ER staff keep both on hand. They'll grab Kerlix for trauma cases with bleeding and Kling for securing splints and dressings.
Operating Rooms
Surgical teams prefer Kerlix for its absorbency. They use it for sponging, packing, and absorbing fluids during procedures.
Wound Care Clinics
These facilities stock both but use them differently. Kerlix for packing deep wounds, Kling for securing the outer dressing layers.
Sports Medicine
Athletic trainers love Kling for wrapping sprains and strains. It stays in place during movement better than alternatives.
Home Health Care
For home use, Kling tends to be more popular because it's easier for patients to apply themselves and requires less tape.
Pros and Cons
Kerlix Advantages
• Superior absorbency for heavy drainage • Excellent cushioning and protection • Creates good padding around injuries • Highly breathable material • Available in large sizes • Easy to layer for custom thickness
Kerlix Disadvantages
• Limited stretch makes joint wrapping difficult • Bulkier profile • Can be wasteful if you need just a small amount • Tears relatively easily • Requires more tape to secure • Not ideal for active patients
Kling Advantages
• Stretches to conform to body contours • Self-adhering properties reduce tape needs • Lower profile under clothing • Great for wrapping joints • More durable and tear-resistant • Easy for patients to apply themselves
Kling Disadvantages
• Lower absorbency than Kerlix • Can apply too much pressure if overwrapped • Loses elasticity if stretched too far • Not suitable for heavy wound drainage • Less cushioning protection • Requires proper technique for best results
The Final Verdict
So which wins the kerlix vs kling battle? Honestly, there's no clear winner because they're designed for different jobs.
If you're setting up a first aid kit or medical supply cabinet, buy both. They complement each other perfectly.
For wound care with significant drainage, Kerlix is your go-to choice. Nothing else absorbs like it does. The cushioning also provides comfort and protection that patients appreciate.
For securing dressings, wrapping sprains, or bandaging areas that move, Kling is the better option. Its conforming ability and lower profile make it more practical for these applications.
Most medical facilities stock both products in multiple sizes. The cost difference is small enough that having both on hand is totally worth it.
Conclusion
The kerlix vs kling comparison isn't really about which product is superior overall. It's about understanding what each one does best and choosing appropriately for your specific needs.
Kerlix brings unmatched absorbency and cushioning. Kling delivers flexibility and conforming ability. Both are high-quality medical supplies that have earned their place in healthcare settings worldwide.
My recommendation? If you can only choose one and you deal mostly with wound drainage and absorption needs, go with Kerlix. If you mostly need to secure dressings and wrap joints, choose Kling. But ideally, stock both and use each one for what it does best.
The right bandage makes a real difference in patient comfort and healing outcomes. Now you know enough about each product to make informed decisions for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Kerlix instead of Kling or vice versa? Sometimes yes, but not ideally. You can use Kerlix to secure dressings if you don't have Kling, but it requires more tape and doesn't conform as well. Using Kling for high-drainage wounds means more frequent changes. Use the right tool when possible.
Do I need sterile or non-sterile versions? Use sterile for direct wound contact or surgical applications. Non-sterile works fine for securing dressings over other materials or for general wrapping where the bandage won't touch open wounds directly.
How many times can I reuse these bandages? Neither Kerlix nor Kling is designed for reuse. They're single-use products that should be discarded after removal. Reusing creates infection risks and the materials don't maintain their properties after washing.
Which one is better for burns? Kerlix is generally better for burns because of its high absorbency and non-adherent properties (especially if you get impregnated versions). However, specialized burn dressings are prefered over both when available.
Can these bandages cause allergic reactions? Allergic reactions to plain gauze bandages are extremely rare since they're made from cotton or synthetic fibers without latex. If you have known sensitivities, check the product specifications before use.
How much overlap should I use when wrapping? For Kling, overlap each layer by about 50% for optimal coverage and conforming. For Kerlix, overlap depends on your purpose - more overlap for absorption, less for simple coverage.