Quick answer: Start with the condition of the case, not the bottle. A normal case, jaundice case, edematous body, tissue-gas case, heavily medicated body, and ship-out case may each call for a different embalming approach.

Why Choosing the Right Embalming Fluid Matters

The preparation room does not give embalmers the same case every day. Medical history, medication use, jaundice, edema, decomposition, delayed embalming, vascular condition, holding time, transportation, and cosmetic expectations can all change what a case needs.

That is why Champion offers more than one type of arterial and cavity chemistry. The goal is not simply to find the “strongest” embalming fluid. The goal is to match the chemistry to the problem in front of you.

This guide organizes Champion products by the questions embalmers are most likely to ask: Which fluid is best for a normal case? What should I consider for jaundice? What about edema or tissue gas? How can I improve firmness, distribution, drainage, or sanitation? What options are available for reduced formaldehyde exposure or formaldehyde-free embalming?

Quick Case-to-Product Guide

General-Purpose Champion Arterial Fluids

For the majority of routine cases, a general-purpose arterial fluid is the place to start. Champion’s traditional line includes several general-purpose options, with different cosmetic and firmness characteristics.

ADIBALM CPF 25: A Traditional General-Purpose Choice

ADIBALM is a formaldehyde-based arterial fluid intended for normal embalming cases. Champion describes ADIBALM as containing Entrone for penetration and AD-P for controlled formaldehyde action, with ultra-fine lanolins and cosmetic oils intended to help prevent dehydration and produce a natural look and texture to tissues. Champion does not recommend ADIBALM for advanced decomposition or edematous cases.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: ADIBALM CPF 25

ADITONE CPF 25: General Purpose With a Higher Cosmetic Effect

ADITONE is also a formaldehyde-based general-purpose arterial fluid for normal cases. Like ADIBALM, it contains Entrone, AD-P, ultra-fine lanolins, and cosmetic oils. The key distinction is cosmetic: Champion developed ADITONE to provide a higher cosmetic effect.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: ADITONE CPF 25

PK CPF 20: Another General-Purpose Option

PK CPF 20 is another Champion traditional arterial fluid positioned for normal cases and a higher cosmetic effect. It is a useful option for funeral homes evaluating more than one general-purpose formula within the Champion line.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: PK CPF 20

HPX CPF 28: General Purpose When Definite Firmness Is Desired

HPX CPF 28 is a general-purpose arterial fluid for normal cases where definite firmness of tissues is desired. Champion describes HPX as a traditional reduced-exposure formulation and positions it as a normal-case option rather than a specialty fluid for advanced decomposition or severe edema.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: HPX CPF 28

The Best Champion Embalming Fluid for Difficult Cases

Difficult cases are where fluid selection matters most. Below is a practical breakdown of the main prep-room problems discussed in this guide.

Jaundice: JAUN-DIAL CPF 10

Jaundice can create a difficult balance between preservation, tissue firmness, distribution, and cosmetic appearance. Champion developed JAUN-DIAL CPF 10 specifically for jaundice cases.

Champion describes JAUN-DIAL as a mild, highly penetrating arterial fluid that can successfully embalm jaundice cases without adverse effects and can also be used in normal cases. It is not positioned as a fluid for advanced decomposition.

Champion starting point discussed with Hilton: approximately one 16 oz. bottle per gallon is a simple way to remember the published 14–16 oz. per gallon range for JAUN-DIAL. Always follow the current product directions.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: JAUN-DIAL CPF 10 | Champion Jaundice Kit

Edema and Swollen Bodies: SPECIALIST CPF 30

Edema changes the embalming objective. Instead of simply seeking more firmness, the embalmer may need controlled dehydration and improved drainage while preserving the tissues appropriately.

Champion describes SPECIALIST CPF 30 as a hypertonic formaldehyde arterial fluid for extreme situations requiring thorough preservation and definite firmness. Champion specifically lists edema, dropsy, swollen bodies, and advanced decomposition among its uses and says it is not intended for normal cases.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: SPECIALIST 30

Severe Edema: XEROS EDEMA FACTOR

For severe edema, Champion offers XEROS EDEMA FACTOR as a specialty additive. Champion states that XEROS is intended only when a severe dehydration effect is desired and is not for routine normal embalming.

The key reader takeaway is simple: XEROS is a specialty tool, not an everyday additive. Use it when the case actually calls for the dehydration effect described by the manufacturer, and monitor the result rather than assuming more is always better.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: XEROS EDEMA FACTOR

Tissue Gas and Advanced Decomposition: DI-FORM 40

Tissue gas and advanced decomposition require a different level of preservation strategy than a routine adult case. Champion specifically positions DI-FORM 40 CPF 40 for extreme embalming situations including advanced decomposition, extreme delayed embalming, and tissue gas.

Champion describes DI-FORM 40 as a high-activity glutaraldehyde-based arterial fluid designed around deep penetration, diffusion, tissue distribution, sanitation, and extreme firming.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: DI-FORM 40 CPF 40

Decomposition, Odor and Ship-Out Cases: OMEGA DECOMP FACTOR

OMEGA DECOMP FACTOR is one of Champion’s specialty additives for difficult cases. Champion lists advanced decomposition, tissue gas, delayed embalming, infestation, burned bodies, and ship-out cases among its applications. Champion also describes strong deodorizing action and mold-inhibiting and sanitizing functions.

For embalmers dealing with difficult ship-out cases, the important point is that holding and transportation can change the demands of the case. Omega is one of Champion’s products specifically positioned for that difficult-case environment.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: OMEGA DECOMP FACTOR

Heavy Medication, Drainage and Distribution: BETA FACTOR

Medication history can complicate drainage, vascular distribution, and embalming chemistry. Champion describes CO-INJECTANT BETA FACTOR as a co-injectant that supports capillary clearing, fluid distribution, drainage, and management of medication-related complications.

This is why Beta Factor is often more useful to think about as a distribution and clearing tool than simply a “stronger fluid.” The goal is to help the arterial solution get where it needs to go.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: CO-INJECTANT BETA FACTOR

Want to Enhance Your Existing Arterial Fluid? DI-SAN

One of the practical advantages of an accessory additive is that an embalmer does not always have to replace the entire arterial formula. DI-SAN is designed to be used as a co-injection with arterial fluid and is positioned to increase sanitation and support distribution and penetration.

For embalmers testing Champion for the first time, DI-SAN can be an approachable way to evaluate one variable while keeping the rest of the established protocol familiar.

Champion/Hilton discussion point: 4 oz. of DI-SAN per gallon is a practical starting point for normal cases, with 6–8 oz. per gallon discussed for larger or more demanding bodies. Always use the current manufacturer directions for the case and product in front of you.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: DI-SAN Embalming Additive

Do Not Forget the Cavity Fluid

Embalming decisions are not only about the arterial fluid. Cavity chemistry can materially change the overall preparation strategy, particularly in difficult or reduced-exposure protocols.

DI-CAV 45 CPF 45: Reduced-Exposure Cavity Fluid

DI-CAV 45 is Champion’s Second Generation reduced-exposure cavity fluid. Champion positions it for all cases and specifically calls out tissue gas, gangrene, advanced decomposition, and delayed embalming. The product is designed to reduce formaldehyde exposure compared with traditional cavity chemistry while providing strong preservation and firmness.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: DI-CAV 45 CPF 45

CAVITY 48 CPF 48: Formaldehyde-Free, High-Reactivity Cavity Chemistry

CAVITY 48 is part of Champion’s formaldehyde-free Millenium-New Era line. Champion describes it as a high-reactivity, multi-preservative cavity fluid with strong penetration, preservation, sanitation, deodorizing action, and a high level of firmness. It can be used on normal cases and is specifically designed for difficult or extreme cases such as advanced decomposition, delayed embalming, frozen bodies, highly infectious cases, and other challenging situations.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: CAVITY 48 CPF 48

Champion Embalming Chemistry: Four Generations in Plain English

Champion’s product line is easier to understand when you think of it as four broad generations of chemistry.

Reduced-Exposure Embalming: LEX and DI-CAV 45

For funeral homes looking to reduce formaldehyde exposure without moving immediately to formaldehyde-free chemistry, Champion’s Second Generation line provides a middle path.

LEX CPF 21 is a reduced-exposure arterial fluid intended for normal embalming situations. DI-CAV 45 CPF 45 is a popular reduced-exposure cavity option. Champion’s published materials state that its Second Generation chemistry can substantially reduce formaldehyde exposure, including up to 65% arterially and up to 80% in cavity treatment for the applicable formulations.

A practical way to begin: some funeral homes choose to change one part of the protocol first, such as the cavity fluid, and evaluate the results before making a broader change.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: LEX CPF 21 | DI-CAV 45 CPF 45

Formaldehyde-Free Embalming: Arterial 24 Alpha Factor and Cavity 48

Some funeral homes are looking for embalming chemistry that eliminates formaldehyde rather than simply reducing exposure. Champion’s Third Generation Millenium-New Era line provides formaldehyde-free options.

ARTERIAL 24 ALPHA FACTOR CPF 24

ARTERIAL 24 ALPHA FACTOR is a formaldehyde-free arterial embalming fluid. Champion describes it as a high-reactivity, multi-aldehyde formulation with strong penetration and tissue saturation. It is intended for normal cases and can be used for difficult or extreme cases when appropriate accessory chemicals and increased concentrations are used.

Champion also specifies that CO-INJECTANT BETA FACTOR must be used with Arterial 24 Alpha Factor in equal amounts for activation and buffering. This is an important example of why the manufacturer’s current directions matter when changing chemistry.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: ARTERIAL 24 ALPHA FACTOR CPF 24

CAVITY 48 CPF 48

CAVITY 48 provides a formaldehyde-free cavity option with high reactivity. Champion positions it for normal cases as well as difficult and extreme situations, including advanced decomposition, delayed embalming, burns or trauma, and tissue gas.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: CAVITY 48 CPF 48

Green Ecobalming: ENIGMA

ENIGMA is different from conventional arterial and cavity chemistry. Champion’s Fourth Generation ENIGMA line uses plant-based essential-oil chemistry for natural/green burial and eco-cremation/disposition applications.

Champion describes ENIGMA as providing temporary preservation, sanitation, deodorizing, and chemostasis effects rather than permanently stopping natural decomposition. Champion’s published materials state that ENIGMA is intended for temporary preservation before final disposition, and specifically distinguish it from conventional long-term embalming chemistry.

For funeral homes serving families who request green or natural disposition options, ENIGMA gives the embalmer a dedicated ecobalming system rather than asking a traditional formula to serve a completely different purpose.

Learn about and shop the ENIGMA line through Hilton Funeral Supply: ENIGMA Green Ecobalming

HI-FORM CPF 35: A High-Firming Formaldehyde Option for Extreme Cases

HI-FORM CPF 35 is a formaldehyde arterial fluid for extreme situations requiring thorough preservation and definite tissue firmness. Champion specifically lists serious disease, delayed embalming, and advanced decomposition among difficult cases that can respond well to HI-FORM.

Champion describes HI-FORM as a traditional arterial option with penetration, diffusion, drainage, and tissue-fixation support. It is not presented as a routine “one fluid for every case” recommendation.

Shop at Hilton Funeral Supply: HI-FORM CPF 35

Choosing Between ADIBALM, ADITONE, HPX, HI-FORM and Specialty Fluids

A Simple Way to Choose Your Champion Fluid

When you are standing in the prep room deciding what to use, the following decision path keeps the process simple.

• First, decide whether the case is normal or difficult. Start with a general-purpose fluid for a normal case unless the body condition indicates otherwise.

• Next, identify the main problem: jaundice, edema, decomposition, tissue gas, medication, distribution, odor, or firmness.

• Choose the Champion product that was designed for that problem instead of automatically increasing the strength of a general-purpose fluid.

• Consider the cavity separately. A difficult arterial case may also require a different cavity strategy.

• Consider holding and transportation. Ship-out and delayed cases can place different demands on preservation and odor control.

• Finally, compare your results. Evaluate drainage, distribution, firmness, tissue appearance, odor, holding results, and total fluid usage—not just the price of a bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Champion Embalming Fluids

What is the best Champion embalming fluid for a normal case?

ADIBALM CPF 25 and ADITONE CPF 25 are general-purpose traditional arterial fluids for normal cases. ADITONE is developed for a higher cosmetic effect. HPX CPF 28 is another general-purpose option when definite firmness is desired.

What Champion fluid is used for jaundice?

JAUN-DIAL CPF 10 is specifically designed for jaundice cases. Champion describes it as mild and highly penetrating.

What is the best Champion fluid for edema?

SPECIALIST CPF 30 is specifically positioned for edema, dropsy, swollen bodies and advanced decomposition. XEROS EDEMA FACTOR is a specialty additive for cases where a severe dehydration effect is desired.

What Champion fluid is used for tissue gas?

DI-FORM 40 CPF 40 is specifically positioned for tissue gas, advanced decomposition and extreme delayed embalming. Champion also identifies other difficult-case products, including OMEGA DECOMP FACTOR, for tissue-gas and decomposition situations.

What is Beta Factor used for?

CO-INJECTANT BETA FACTOR is designed to support capillary clearing, drainage, distribution and medication-related embalming challenges and can be used as a co-injectant with arterial fluid.

What is DI-SAN used for?

DI-SAN is an accessory additive used with arterial fluid to support sanitation, distribution and penetration. It can be incorporated into an existing arterial formula rather than requiring a complete switch.

What is the difference between ADIBALM and ADITONE?

Both are formaldehyde-based general-purpose arterial fluids for normal cases. Champion develops ADITONE for a higher cosmetic effect, while ADIBALM is its standard general-purpose option.

What is LEX CPF 21?

LEX CPF 21 is a Second Generation reduced-exposure arterial fluid for normal embalming situations.

What is DI-CAV 45?

DI-CAV 45 CPF 45 is a Second Generation reduced-exposure cavity fluid positioned for all cases, particularly difficult conditions such as tissue gas, gangrene, advanced decomposition and delayed embalming.

Does Champion make formaldehyde-free embalming fluid?

Yes. Champion’s Third Generation Millenium-New Era line includes ARTERIAL 24 ALPHA FACTOR CPF 24 and CAVITY 48 CPF 48.

What is ENIGMA Ecobalming?

ENIGMA is Champion’s Fourth Generation essential-oil-based ecobalming line for natural/green burial and eco-cremation/disposition. It is intended for temporary preservation rather than conventional long-term embalming.

How can a funeral home try Champion without changing everything at once?

A practical approach is to start with one product or one recurring problem, compare results against your current protocol, and expand from there. Hilton Funeral Supply also offers the Champion Enhancement Kit for funeral homes evaluating the line for the first time.

The Bottom Line: Match the Chemistry to the Case

The modern prep room demands flexibility. There is no need to force a single embalming formula into every situation.

For routine cases, start with a general-purpose fluid such as ADIBALM or ADITONE. When the case calls for a different approach, Champion offers specialty chemistry for jaundice, edema, tissue gas, advanced decomposition, heavy medication, distribution, reduced formaldehyde exposure, formaldehyde-free embalming, and green ecobalming.

The smartest way to evaluate a product is to measure the result you actually care about: distribution, drainage, firmness, appearance, odor, holding performance, and overall efficiency.

Hilton Funeral Supply is an authorized distributor of The Champion Company and supplies Champion embalming fluids, cavity fluids, additives and specialty products to funeral professionals. For product selection assistance, contact Hilton Funeral Supply at 1-800-433-8878.

Shop Champion products at Hilton Funeral Supply: ADIBALM | ADITONE | JAUN-DIAL | DI-FORM 40 | OMEGA

About the Authors

Jason Weir is Vice President of Hilton Funeral Supply and a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. He reviews the clinical and technical content of our guides as part of Hilton Funeral Supply’s editorial process.

Conner Patten is Customer Outreach at Hilton Funeral Supply, where he develops educational resources, product guides, and marketing content for funeral professionals.

Product information and performance descriptions in this guide are based on Champion published product information and the product materials reviewed by Hilton Funeral Supply. Product selection should always follow the current product directions, SDS, applicable requirements, and the professional judgment of the embalmer.