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Stethoscopes are important for nurses, particularly when assessing patients’ lungs, hearts, bowel sounds, and other parts of the body. Because of their importance, you should keep yours safe and protected inside your bag.
As a way to make sure your steths stay safe and in mint condition, we’ve rounded up the best stethoscope covers for you.
1. ABAMERICA Stretchy Stethoscope Cover Scrunchie
The ABAMERICA Stretchy Stethoscope Cover Scrunchie protect your tube from cracks and prevent skin irritation, all while adding a fun touch to your gear.
The sleeves fit stethoscopes from 27 to 35 inches long and feature a Velcro closure for an easy, adjustable fit. This helps make sure that it won’t slip off easily, especially when you’re assessing your patients.
Pros:
- Universal fit
- Stays on
- Washable
Cons:
- Velcro may wear out over time
2. 4 Pieces Stethoscope Covers with Removable Tube
Keep your stethoscope clean and lasting longer with these washable, durable covers. They fit most stethoscopes and feature a secure buckle to prevent slipping and ensure a snug fit.
The covers come in four adorable patterns.
Pros:
- Easy to put on
- Stays on
- Made from high-quality cotton
Cons:
- Should only be air dried
3. 6 Pieces Stethoscope Cover Scrunchie
Made from high-quality cotton, these stethoscope cover scrunchies provide a reliable barrier against oils and moisture, helping prevent drying and cracking of the stethoscope tube over time. It is easy to install and remove, simply slide the cover onto your stethoscope tube to instantly safeguard both your equipment and the skin around your neck.
With a total length of 36.5 inches, it fits most stethoscope tubes comfortably. Plus, the cover is easy to clean—just wash and hang to dry. Each set includes 6 covers, perfect for sharing with colleagues or having a backup on hand.
Pros:
- Stays in place
- Comes in different designs
- Made from high-quality cotton
Cons:
- May not fit on stethoscopes with larger or differently shaped tubes
4. Personalized Stethoscope Cover Owl
Whether you are looking for a gift for yourself or for your co-nurses, you can’t go wrong with this owl stethoscope cover. It has a really cute owl pattern that can make anyone smile.
One of the nice things about this cover is that you can actually personalize it. You have the option to have it embroidered with your name or the name of your co-workers.
It’s machine washable and designed to fit all stethoscope. To keep it in place, it comes with a 20″ Velcro closure.
Pros:
- Can be personalized
- Machine washable
- Can fit all stethoscope
Cons:
- A bit expensive
5. Pedia Pals Stethoscope Cover
Add a touch of comfort and fun to your medical tools with Pedia Pals Stethoscope Covers. Made from soft, washable material, these covers feature friendly animal designs that help reduce patient anxiety, especially for children.
The cover fits most standard stethoscopes and is easy to remove for cleaning.
Pros:
- Soft material
- Easy to wash
- Soft
Cons:
- Plush material may show signs of wear or lose its softness over time
6. Stethoscope Cover Scrunchie
The Stethoscope Cover Scrunchie comfortable and fashionable. It makes using your stethoscope more fun.
And the best part? Since it’s made with 100% cotton, it minimizes friction so you won’t have to worry about getting rashes on your neck. It helps avoid pinching hairs too!
Pros:
- Made with 100% cotton
- Easy to wash
- Soft
Cons:
- A bit expensive
How To Care For Your Stethoscope
Investing in the best stethoscope cover isn’t enough to protect your precious steth. You also have to pay close attention to how you use, clean, and store it.
Check out these helpful tips below:
- To prevent cracking, make sure you don’t use too much alcohol in cleaning it. Much like your hands, the tubes of your stethoscope can also crack if you wash them too often. Alcohol has a tendency to weaken the rubber tubing leaving your steth vulnerable to damage. As a solution, you can slip on a steth cover and just routinely wash it to prevent bacterial buildup and transmission. Keep in mind that you still have to disinfect your stet from time to time even if you’re using a cover.
- As much as possible, don’t wear your stethoscope around your neck all day. Wear it only when you need to assess your patient.
- If you really need to wear your steth around your neck, place it under your collar flap. This way, the steth won’t rub on your skin.
- Don’t forget to clean the ear tips. Since your steth cover doesn’t reach that part, dirt and bacteria can easily get trapped there. To clean the ear tips, simply unscrew them and clean with mild soapy water or a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. You don’t need to fully submerge them in water.
- Don’t expose your stethoscope to extreme temperatures. Leaving it under direct sunlight, for example, can damage the diaphragm and cause the tubing to warp.