I find the opposite. I bought two boxes of name brand, and they are so loose the cotton unwinds if you even look at them. How can I clean stinky dog ears if the cotton falls off in there?!?!?

Somebody must be playing with the tension knob at the factory ROFL!

Dances.

In the old days Q tips had wooden sticks, now they're rolled white paper. The cotton stuff comes off easily. You can buy the old wooden stick Q tips from Vermont Country Store catalog.

I thought it was because I picked up a store brand on sale. Cotton doesn't come off but unwinds and white paper stick bends with almost no pressure.

I notice a big difference between brands. I find some of the cheapest generics can be the best. I like it with a smaller end and tight enough to stay on there. For a while they had some that were like a mushroom shaped head - never liked them.

we bought so many ages ago, and with just the two of us have lasted forever...

I have chronic ear issues and use Q tips daily to apply medication in my ears. I have noticed the difference! I used to never buy store brands because the stick was wimpier and the cotton came off. Now, I can't tell the difference and I'm really disappointed. I would guess it's a cost-cutting thing. :(