I have carried a sponge for years. However, I stole mine from the hospital I worked at (actually just out of date for medical use) so I had no worries about them being streile. However my stash has been used up and I can not find anywhere to purchase medical sterile sponges. Medical folks will also use the word sponge for a gause pad, but these were very nice compressed sterile sponge pads about 2x3" in a pretty tough package.

How does one know if the various sponges mentioned above are safe to use with drinking water? Some manufactured materials have various coatings etc which I prefer not to ingest.

Anybody know where to buy medical sponges? I have tried pharmacies and medical supply places with no luck Perhaps they are not "allowed" any more.