a stethoscope cover and carrier strip assembly and a respective stethoscope diaphragm cover dispensing apparatus . the stethoscope cover and carrier strip assembly comprises a plurality of stethoscope covers detachably coupled to a carrier strip in a linear , spatial arrangement . each cover is fabricated of a thin , elastically deformable membrane - like central portion defined by a peripheral edge . the covers are sized and shaped for placement over stethoscope diaphragm or a complete stethoscope head . the dispenser advances a cover into a staging area , where the cover is stretched in both a longitudinal and a lateral direction to allow unencumbered insertion of the stethoscope diaphragm or a complete stethoscope head . the cover is removed from the carrier and the spent carrier material is collected for disposition .