Sponges made from a new cotton fabric designed for use in packing and debriding wounds were used as part of the wound management protocol for 36 patients with 39 wounds of both acute and chronic nature. This initial clinical evaluation in Home Care Services of Florida Hospital, substantiated performance expectations derived from product characterization and testing in the laboratory and confirmed product effectiveness as a tool to replace woven gauze for improved packing and debriding. Besides being easy to open when wet, the new fabric sponges were easy to pack, softer, more absorbent, stayed moist, did not stick and were easier to remove from the wound than commonly used standard gauze sponges. These properties resulted in improved patient comfort and significantly less trauma to the majority of wounds when the dressing was changed. Wounds stayed moist with the new cotton sponge and there was significant removal of necrotic tissue. Some of the debridement accomplished was dramatic with substantial improvement of the wound condition observed overnight. The results of this initial evaluation indicate that the new fabric may enhance autolysis facilitating the loosening of necrotic tissue and subsequent mechanical debridement.