I first became acquainted with these swabs when my father was in his final stages of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Being a stage 3 cancer survivor, the radiation caused a stricture in the top of my esophagus and I am unable to swallow even my own saliva. I use these swabs along with some lidocaine viscous to remove mucus that has drained onto my stricture thus preventing any sore throats and removing a mucus build up that could prevent my breathing. They have been a real life saver, and I would highly recommend this product to everyone!