Everything the swab collects stays stuck to the tip instead of falling away. I was so surprised by how much the first one picks up.

The flexible tip bends to the shape of the ear rather than forcing against it, with no metal loops or hard edges involved. The adhesive does the lifting, so nothing has to be dug at or pressed.

The tacky tip grips whatever it touches and carries it out as you withdraw. A cotton swab does the opposite, packing most of it further down.