kja

I do hope that anyone who reads this thread pays attention to the difference in wording -- antibacterial wipes are just one subset of the broader array of sanitizing wipes. Antibacterial wipes can promote the growth of superbugs. Other sanitizing wipes -- those that are not labeled "antibacterial" -- can be of enormous benefit, without creating a superbug breeding ground. It is a very important distinction!

whitehall

I believe that sanitizing wipes, disinfecting wipes and antibacterial wipes are descriptions that are used nterchangeably to achieve the same result. Although ingredients may vary, I believe the goal of all of them is to remove germs or bacteria (i.e. anti-bacterial). Otherwise, what are you trying to “sanitize” yourself from? Perhaps you could share with us the “sanitizing” wipe you use that does not remove bacteria that is a beneficial way to protect you from the results of the last passenger who changed a diaper on your tray table. I do realize that there is conflicting info out there as even experts differ. I am open to any constructive way to deal with our concerns. If you could be specific, since I am not locked into a particular brand, it would be helpful to all.

You do need to be careful in using any wipes. Here is some advice from Smarter Travel that we try to follow: https://www.smartertravel.com/disinfect-airplane-seat/

kja

It is confusing! The words are often used as though they are synonyms, even though they actually indicate somewhat different chemical compositions.

At least in the U.S., use of the word "antibacterial" on the label typically indicates that the active germ-killing agent or agents include one or more specific antimicrobials. Although the research on the impact of those antimicrobials in wipes is not conclusive, there is sufficient evidence to link them to the growth of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial ("superbugs") that many experts -- including the Surgeon General -- urge against their use.

As already noted, sanitizing wipes can include a number of other germ-killing agents -- alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, etc. Personally, I use Purell, but there are many alternatives to antibacterial wipes on the market, and aside from obvious use-related issues (e.g., some people don't like the drying effect of alcohol), I'm not aware of any evidence linking any of these non-antibacterial wipes -- if properly used -- to the promotion of superbugs.

So unless you know your antimicrobials inside out and backwards, the safest strategy is to avoid wipes that have the word "antibacterial" in the label.

And again, any one with a compromised immune system would do well to ignore this general advice and instead work with his or her physicians to identify an appropriate option.

I hope that helps shed light on the matter!

marvelousmouse

kja

Wipes that aren't labeled "antibacterial" still kill bacteria!

thursdaysd

Of course that is true. It is also completely irrelevant. "Stuff" is definitely spread by contact.

See: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/a...rms/index.html

"Tested tray tables were found to have an average of 2,155 colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch. "

Traveler_Nick

When the articles intended to excite you mention millions of bacteria I notice they rarely tell us which bacteria. Going to eat my yogurt now

perfectroll

Medicine

kapia

Lately, I am bringing with me less and less stuff. Some clothes, my camera, money and that's it.

jmoyogi

Advil, Benadryl, Tums, phone charger, baseball hat, socks (even if not wearing them with the shoes I'm bringing..I like them for walking around the hotel room, etc.).

captain_tiz

I always always always bring earplugs, you never know when they'll be useful!