works as well as any other type of cotton ear swabs [SEP] my swabs came in a small box and looked less than but it may be just the way the swabs were packed very tightly and with no outer wrapping they feel sturdier than the swabs that have plastic handles i use these to clean my ears but also to dab listerine along my gumline to help fight gingivitis it feels solidly made and the swabs are tightly wound rather than soft and flabby like cheaper swabs overall i am happy with these