Buyers' guide to cleansing wipes - helping you make the right choices

This guide includes

• products options
• bed bathing technique
• gompels pro tips

Dry wipes 

Recent studies of data supplied by the NHS, showed that over 630 million dry wipes are used annually, and that products are chosen based on clinical criteria such as durability and performance.

Dry wipes are disposable, used to both cleanse and dry. They may be made wet to wash with soap or used dry after washing. They have in essence replaced the flannel or reusable cloth. Being dry they are also useful to mop up spillages or cleaning hard surfaces. There are many different types of dry wipes, each of which has an 'ideal' use, which we've outlined here.

Standard or everyday wipes

Ideal for large volume use, being made of thinner material they are very cost effective. Suitable for: all body areas including the face.

Heavy weight wipes

A more durable version, usually these wipes contain a percentage of viscose to improve wipe-ability, ideal for adult continence use. Suitable for: all body areas including the face, especially below the waist.

Wash cloths

Wash cloths the closest you will get to a disposable flannel, being made of a heavier weight material. Use wet for washing or dry for drying. They are also macerator friendly. Suitable for: all body areas including the face, especially below the waist for adult cleansing.

Extra soft wipes

Ideal for those looking for a wipe that is gentler on the skin and with increased absorbency. Often the choice for those with younger skin, or delicate elderly skin. Suitable for: all body areas including the face.

Flushable wipes

Flushable wipes are suitable for both medical, nursery and healthcare environments, ideal for full body cleansing, toileting for children, and adult continence use. They are also macerator and environmentally friendly, being made of a material that breaks up and disperses naturally when disposed in water. Suitable for: all body areas including the face, especially below the waist.

All wipes are great for use with our personal care range

Wet wipes

Wet wipes are generally chosen as an alternative to soap and water when cleansing, especially when access to running water is not available. They contain a moisturising composition that deodorises skin as well as fighting bacteria to aid with infection control, so great for all ages. Recent studies have highlighted a link between traditional soap and water bathing and Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAIs), and that replacing wash-bowls with pre-packaged wet wipes reduced infection rates by over 80%. Not all wipes are flushable or macerator friendly, so it's worth looking into the product description before choosing.

Wet wipes have the same cleansing and moisturising properties, however suitable for those with skin sensitivities. Suitable for: all body areas including the face.

Bedbath wipes: tend to be a larger, softer cloth, ideal for cleansing patients and residents who are less mobile, or bed ridden Suitable for: all body areas including the face.

Bed bathing technique

For those who are less mobile or even bed ridden a bed bath is the perfect solution to personal hygiene, well being and comfort. A good bed bath requires some degree of strength as lifting and turning will be involved, whilst ensuring patient dignity and discretion.

Usually a bed bath should be given twice weekly, however specific areas should be cleansed daily, especially if the patient suffers from incontinence. Here's our 'at a glance' best technique 4 step process:

1. Prepare in advance, get water ready, ensure the room is at the right temperature, and get wipes ready to use
2. If possible place a waterproof sheet underneath the towels. Lay thick towels under the person from head to toe and cover them with a thick towel to maintain body temperature
3. Ensuring the person is safe and secure on the bed and there is enough room for turning them over, begin with the face and work down the body, although leave the genital area until last. Only uncover from the towel the area that you are washing at the time
4. After the bed bath ensure all areas are dry before putting fresh clothes back on

Comparison chart

Gompels pro tips

• Use wipes only on unbroken skin
• Check with the patient or resident if they have sensitivities to any of the ingredients
• no two people will be the same
• Ensure skin is dry after use before clothing is put back on
• Keep all wipes containers or packs sealed
• To reduce the risk of cross infection keep
• 1 packet per person
• Discard of wipes accordingly, check if macerator friendly or flushable
• Store wipes at room temperature