Description
BSN Medical Handy Crepe Heavy Bandage
Handy Crepe Heavy is a firm-weave crepe bandage used for dressing retention and moderate compression. The heavier weave holds its tension better than standard crepe, which makes it a practical choice for supporting sprains and strains, and for securing bulkier dressings that a light bandage won't hold. Washable and reusable, with non-fraying edges. Also searched as crepe bandage, compression bandage, or elastic bandage.
Which width do you need?
Match the width to the body part — too narrow and you'll need excessive turns, too wide and it won't conform to the contour.
- 50mm — forefoot, wrist and small joints. The narrowest option, and the easiest to shape around the foot.
- 75mm — ankle and lower leg. The most commonly used width in podiatry, and the general-purpose choice if you're stocking one size.
- 100mm — calf, knee and larger limb segments where you want fewer turns.
- 150mm — thigh and large-area coverage. The widest option, less commonly needed for foot and ankle work.
Handy Crepe vs cohesive bandage — which should you use?
Crepe and cohesive bandages do similar jobs differently, and the choice usually comes down to whether you need to adjust it.
Crepe — woven, non-adhesive, secured with a clip or tape. It's washable and reusable, so it's economical for ongoing support where the bandage comes on and off daily. It can loosen with movement, which is its main limitation on active feet and ankles.
Cohesive wrap such as 3M Coban — bonds to itself, needs no fasteners, and won't slip. Better where the wrap must stay put through activity, but it's effectively single-use over a wound.
Many clinics keep both: crepe for reusable support, cohesive for dressings that need to stay secure.
Key features
- Heavy-weight crepe weave for firmer, more sustained compression
- Non-fraying edges for a neater finish and longer service life
- Washable and reusable
- Neutral beige, discreet under socks and clothing
- Four widths — 50mm, 75mm, 100mm and 150mm, each 2.3m unstretched
How to apply
Work from the extremity inward — distal to proximal — overlapping each turn by roughly half the bandage width. Apply evenly, without pulling harder over any one section, and secure the end with a clip or tape. Check the toes or fingers beyond the bandage for colour, warmth and sensation after application.
Frequently asked questions
How tight should a crepe bandage be?
Firm enough to provide support, loose enough that you can slide a finger under the edge. Signs it's too tight include numbness, tingling, throbbing, swelling beyond the bandage, or the skin turning pale or bluish. Loosen and reapply if any of these appear — and re-check after the limb has been elevated or the patient has been walking, since tension changes with position.
Can Handy Crepe be washed and reused?
Yes. Hand wash in warm water, avoid bleach and fabric softener, and air dry flat rather than tumble drying — heat degrades the elastic weave. Reusability is the main practical advantage crepe has over cohesive wraps.
How do I stop a crepe bandage slipping?
Slipping usually comes from uneven tension or too little overlap. Overlap each turn by about half the width, keep tension consistent, and use a figure-of-eight pattern around the ankle rather than simple circular turns. If it still won't hold through activity, a cohesive wrap is the better tool.
Is this a compression bandage for swelling?
It provides moderate compression and support, but it isn't a graduated medical compression system. For lymphoedema, venous ulcers or clinically prescribed compression therapy, a purpose-designed graduated system fitted by a clinician is required.
What's the difference between heavy and standard crepe?
Heavy crepe has a denser weave, so it holds tension longer and gives firmer support. Standard crepe is lighter and more comfortable for simple dressing retention where support isn't the goal.
Which width should I buy if I only want one?
For foot and ankle use, 75mm. It conforms well around the ankle while still covering enough ground on the lower leg.
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