HW & Opticare Pad Savers - What Purpose?

While playing any woodwind instrument, the leather (or skin) of the pads will absorb moisture/spit/condensation and the inside (bore) of the saxophone basically gets wet. To prolong the life of the pads and the instrument and prevent the build up of "crud" this water really needs to be removed after each playing session. By inserting a padsaver into the bore of the saxophone you allow any moisture to be drawn up out of the centre of the instrument, and particularly the tone holes and into the centre of the padsaver, rather than leaving it to drip onto the pads and start the rot. The action of absorption happens slowly - not immediately - and thus the importance of leaving the padsaver insitu while the saxophone (or other woodwind instrument) is in its case. However, water isn't the only thing that the padsavers can absorb, particularly the good quality HW and Opticare ones.

Another less well know function and advantage of a saxophone pad saver, is that over time, a build-up of something we shall simply call "crud" (saliva, food...) occurs on the pads - little deposits which gradually dry and form a kind of crust. The padsaver may also act to absorb some of this while it is still wet and so again acts to prolong the life of the pads on the instrument.

Lastly, the padsaver, again if good quality (some of the more fluffy, looser versions may be inclined to shed their fibres which is not good for the instrument) can work to clean the inside of the instrument when inserted and taken out again - this again helps to prvent a build up of these deposits in the bore and possibly the tone holes also. For the reasons given above it is a good idea to wash the padsaver (warm water with washing detergent) otherwise over time, it may simply be redepositing "crud" in your instrument. So...

Insert into the instrument after use. Absorbs moisture from the pads thus preventing swelling and damage and helping to avoid costly services/repads along the way.

HW Pad Savers have been the number 1 Best Selling woodwind swab for over 25 years.

HW Pad Savers are designed to be left in the instrument while not being played, where they draw and dissipate moisture from the bore, toneholes, and pads, extending the life of the pads and saving money on frequent repairs.

Woodwind & Brass Ltd. Stock HW Pad savers for soprano, alto and tenor saxophone, Bb clarinet, and flute (in 1 piece or 2 piece sets). The HW Saxophone Pad Saver features a custom molded cap designed to protect the octave key mechanism while the instrument is in the case. Since this cap is basically the handle, is is "press-fitted" so it stays securely attached.