Pressure Injury Supply Kits: Gauze, Tape and Underpads for LTC

In a long-term care home, the wound care cart tells the story of the facility. A home that treats pressure injuries reactively keeps a drawer of miscellaneous gauze and tape and hopes the right size is there when the nurse opens it. A home that treats them systematically keeps standardized supply kits, restocked weekly, so every dressing change follows the same pattern and no wound is left uncovered while someone searches for supplies.

Pressure injuries are a persistent problem in Canadian LTC: immobile residents, moisture from incontinence, and pressure from lying or sitting. This guide covers the supply kit components—gauze, tape, underpads, and gloves—and how to build a kit that supports consistent wound care.

Why Standardized Kits Beat a Supply Drawer

Wound care outcomes depend on consistency: the same assessment, the same cleaning routine, the same dressing type. A standardized kit makes that consistency possible. Each kit contains the supplies for a defined number of dressing changes—typically seven, one per day—so the nurse can see at a glance whether the resident's kit needs restocking. The kit also documents itself: if a resident is going through more kits than expected, that is a signal that the wound is worsening and needs reassessment.

Gauze: The Dressing Foundation

Sterile 4-ply gauze sponges are the workhorse of pressure injury care: they absorb exudate, protect the wound bed, and can be used dry or moist with saline. The 4-ply construction matters because thinner gauze sheds fibers and offers less absorption. For pressure injuries, keep two sizes in the kit—a larger sponge for the wound bed and a smaller one for cleaning around the wound edge.

Sterile, individually packaged gauze is non-negotiable for open wounds. A bulk box of non-sterile gauze has no place in direct wound contact.

Tape: Secure Dressings Without More Skin Damage

Every dressing needs a secure anchor, but pressure injury patients often have fragile skin—elderly skin tears under standard tape. A hypoallergenic paper tape is the gentler choice for routine dressings: it adheres well, tears easily by hand, and removes with less trauma than cloth or plastic tapes. For areas with repeated taping, rotate the tape position slightly at each change to avoid breaking down the same patch of skin.

Include two rolls of 1-inch tape in each kit. If the wound care team uses a different width for large dressings, add a roll of that width to the kit as well.

Underpads: Managing the Moisture Factor

Moisture is a direct contributor to pressure injury development. Incontinence-related moisture macerates skin and makes it more vulnerable to pressure damage. A high-absorbency 60x90 cm underpad with SAP (super absorbent polymer) under the resident during repositioning and wound care keeps moisture away from skin and protects the bed. The 60x90 cm size covers the trunk area where most pressure injuries develop.

SAP-core underpads are worth the small premium over fluff-pulp pads in wound care settings: they hold significantly more fluid, lock it away from the skin surface, and reduce the frequency of linen changes during a dressing session.

Gloves and the Rest of the Kit

Complete the kit with a box of powder-free nitrile gloves for dressing changes, saline for cleaning if the facility uses it, and a disposable waste bag for used dressings. Keep the kit in a labeled bin on the wound care cart, and restock from central inventory once a week. The cart holds one kit per resident with an active wound; the supply room holds the buffer stock.

FAQ

How often should a pressure injury supply kit be restocked?

Weekly, or sooner if the nurse documents heavier use. Seven dressing changes per kit is a practical baseline; higher-exudate wounds may need more frequent restocking.

Why is sterile gauze required for pressure injury dressings?

Pressure injuries are open wounds. Non-sterile gauze introduces organisms directly into the wound bed, which can delay healing and increase infection risk.

What underpad size is right for wound care sessions?

60x90 cm is the practical standard for adults. It covers the trunk and hips where pressure injuries typically form and where moisture control matters most during repositioning.

Can paper tape be used on fragile elderly skin?

Yes. Hypoallergenic paper tape is gentler than cloth or plastic tape and is a common choice for routine dressings on fragile skin. Rotate tape positions at each change to reduce repeated trauma.

Last updated: 2026-08-27. CliniEco Medical is a Health Canada licensed medical device establishment (MDEL #35334).