Please help. Is Adaptic the same as Vaseline Gauze? I have an order to use Adaptic on a wound but other nurses are placing Vaseline Gauze. My supervisor says they are the same dressings, but I disagree. She never listens or acknowledges that she may be wrong. That's a whole different problem though! At my last facility they were not interchangeable/compatible dressings. That's why I question this. Thanks so much!!

They are in my experience used for the same purpose, to keep a secondary dressing from adhering to skin and keep wound bed moist. I have worked in a facility where they substituted freely based on what cost less when supplies were ordered. I doubt there is a specific written guideline to go to, so I would listen to my supervisor and not waste time trying to get her to admit she is wrong. That isn't going to do you any favors.

I agree they are not the same product...one look at them will prove that. However, whether they're interchangeable depends on the wound. I work in burns and we use Adaptic to keep the absorbent gauze dressings from sticking to the burn while letting out the drainage. I think of Vaseline gauze as best for wrapping around chest tubes (where it's pretty much occlusive) or laid over shallow wounds that don't drain too much.

User BBP, I only ask because I am concerned and care about the patients would healing. I think your extra comments were unnecessary, thanks!