Need opinion - When you hear ACE bandage, do you think brand name or a generic bandage - Confused

I have been out-of-town, enjoying being away from Medical Transcription for a few weeks, and upon skimming through the posts that I had missed, I noted that there was recently a discussion on the Word Help Board regarding ACE Bandage and if it should be all caps or not.  The debate seemed to center around whether ACE should be used for “ACE inhibitor” and Ace for “Ace wrap” to avoid confusion. 

if you are talking about the original ACE™ wrap or ACE™ Bandage, not only is it a trademarked brand name (which means it should be typed as per the wishes of the manufacturer), but it is actually an acronym, according to the manufacturer. 

“ACE” stands for “All Cotton Elastic”

I know the AHDI/AAMT Book of Style likes to talk about “trends” that do not follow the standard rules.  In most cases, acronyms are to be in all caps.  However, sometimes a phrase is used so commonly that it becomes the “standard” even though it is technically incorrect to do so. 

We were always told that if we could find the name on the manufacturer’s website or a picture in a catalog, we were to spell it exactly as on the box/bag/bottle/whatever. 

So, if you are talking about the original ACE™ wrap or ACE™ Bandage, not only is it a trademarked brand name (which means it should be typed as per the wishes of the manufacturer), but it is actually an acronym, according to the manufacturer. 

“ACE” stands for “All Cotton Elastic”

So, technically, to be 100% accurate, it should be ACE wrap or ACE Bandage. 

I suppose like with a multitude of other things, brand names have become the default “catch-all” phrase, such as Kleenex® meaning any facial tissue and Kool-Aid® meaning any kid’s powered drink mix.  However, even those are spelled according to the manufacturer’s specifications, if dictated.  We do not type “kleenex” or “kool aid” because we are not sure if they mean the trademarked brand-name product or a generic product. 

The only exception that stands out in my mind right now is Band-Aid®, which is, of course, a registered brand name, but is often used to mean any generic plastic bandage.  I have seen “band aid” or even “band-aid” used quite often.  

In my opinion, when I hear “ACE wrap” or “ACE Bandage” I type it as if they mean the brand name because the brand is used so commonly that I do believe they mean the brand name and not a generic bandage. 

I would like to hear your opinion.  When your dictator says “ACE” do you think they mean the brand name or a generic bandage? 

Thanks. 

A Brief History of ACE™ Brand Products

Oscar O. R. Schwidetzky is credited with the first development of the American-made ACE™ Bandage in 1918.  “ACE” stands for “All Cotton Elastic” and has been a trusted brand in elastic bandages for nearly 100 years.

The ACE™ Product line kept pace with the latest technology, and the needs of a growing market.  In 1976, the line of elastic bandages expanded to include hosiery and braces.

In 2009, 3M acquired the brand, and today continues the tradition of innovation and quality, focusing on three product areas: Elastic Bandages, Hot/Cold Therapy, and Braces and Supports.

http://www.acebrand.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/AceBrand/Home/Resources/History/