Tubular bandages are versatile medical devices used for compression, support, and wound care. They are seamless, elastic, and easy to apply, making them ideal for various injuries and conditions. There are several types of tubular bandages, each serving specific purposes:

A. Elasticated Tubular Bandages (Compression Bandages)

1. Purpose: Provide consistent compression to manage swelling, support injured muscles and joints, or improve circulation in conditions like varicose veins or lymphedema.
2. Material: Typically made from a combination of cotton and elastic fibers, such as spandex.
3. Use: Commonly used for leg, knee, or ankle injuries, as well as for sprains, strains, and managing edema.
4. Example: Tubigrip.

B. Tubular Gauze Bandages

1. Purpose: Used to secure dressings, provide a protective layer for fragile skin, or act as a secondary layer over wound dressings.
2. Material: Made from soft cotton or viscose, they offer comfort without compression.
3. Use: Suitable for fingers, toes, or other areas where minimal movement is required.
4. Example: Tubegauz.

C. Orthopedic Tubular Bandages (Net Bandages)

1. Purpose: These net-like bandages are used to hold dressings in place on hard-to-bandage areas, like joints or the head.
2. Material: Often made from a stretchy, open-weave fabric.
3. Use: Ideal for securing dressings on areas where regular bandages might not stay in place, such as elbows, knees, or the scalp.
4. Example: Surgigrip.

D. Tubular Stockinette

1. Purpose: A protective layer worn under casts, splints, or braces to prevent skin irritation.
2. Material: Made from a soft, non-elastic fabric, usually cotton.
3. Use: Commonly used in orthopedic settings before applying plaster casts or synthetic bandages.
4. Example: Orthopedic Stockinette.

E. Tubular Foam Bandages

1. Purpose: Provide cushioning and protection to reduce friction and pressure, often used on areas prone to blisters or pressure sores.
2. Material: Foam encased in a soft, elastic fabric.
3. Use: Applied over bony areas or under compression bandages to enhance comfort.
4. Example: Foam Tubular Bandages for foot or hand protection.

F. Silicone-Coated Tubular Bandages

1. Purpose: Provide mild compression while being gentle on the skin, ideal for sensitive or fragile skin.
2. Material: A fabric bandage with a silicone coating, offering both elasticity and softness.
3. Use: Often used for elderly patients or those with thin or delicate skin to prevent irritation.

G. Specialized Tubular Bandages

1. Antimicrobial Tubular Bandages: Designed for wound management with built-in antimicrobial properties (e.g., silver-coated) to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Cohesive Tubular Bandages: Made from materials that stick to themselves without adhesive, providing light support and easy application.

Each type of tubular bandage is chosen based on the area of the body to be treated, the purpose (compression, protection, or wound care), and the comfort needs of the patient.