Unlike ordinary swabs that clean only the main bore, This Flute Pad Saver is a de-moisturizer that is left inside the instrument when not in use to absorb all that moisture including the damaging moisture that causes the pads to rot and deteriorate. This Flute Pad Saver effectively removes the moisture and reduces the need for an expensive re-pad job. Every flute player should have a pad saver to protect their instrument.