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Exposure of the skin to excessive moisture, such as in cases of incontinence, can damage its natural barrier function and lead to tissue damage and breakdown. Common methods for managing incontinence and preventing related skin damage include the use of incontinence pads and the application of skin barrier creams to reduce exposure to moisture and irritants. Previous reports have indicated that barrier creams can transfer onto incontinence pads from the skin and reduce their absorbency, and thus the efficacy of both products. This study, using non-patient volunteers, investigated the effect on incontinence pad absorbency of Medi Derma-S and Medi Derma-Pro; two products from the Medi Skin Protection range, in comparison with other market-leading products. Results indicated that, while there was a small degree of product transfer onto the incontinence pads, this did not have a major impact on the absorption of synthetic urine. Medi Derma-S and Medi Derma-Pro performed consistently with other similar market-leading products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The free swell and absorption capacity under compression of six wound dressings that are indicated for moderately to highly exuding wounds was investigated. Measuring in vitro the absorptive capacity and retention under compression is important in terms of clinical efficacy and efficiency. This in vitro comparative study demonstrated that sorbion sachet EXTRA had the highest free swell capacity of the six test dressings and absorbed more than twice the volume (126%) of the test solution than its nearest competitor. When measuring capacity under compression, sorbion sachet EXTRA absorbed 88% more fluid than the nearest competitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the fluid-handling properties of a range of commonly used absorbent foam dressings. Results were analysed to generate broad estimates of wear time, using previously published data for the rate at which exudate is produced by various wound types. Method: Test data were produced by an independent, accredited test facility using a series of standard test systems, and submitted to the author for review and interpretation. Results: Absorbency values for the cavity foam dressings tested ranged from 11 to 16 grams per 10 cm2 sample under the specified test conditions. The increase in dressing volume ranged from 71% to 206%, although this did not always correlate directly with absorbency values. Foam-film dressing tests revealed large variations in product performance. The total fluid handling capacity of dressings (the sum of absorbency and evaporative loss) ranged from approximately 7 to 26 grams per sample. These differences are largely due to variations in permeability of the film backing layer, which ranged from approximately 2000 to 20000g/m2/24h. Compression reduced the absorbency of most dressings but it appeared to enhance the performance of one product (possibly through ensuring contact between the test sample and the simulated wound bed). 9 of the 11 sheet dressings tested were estimated to be capable of managing normal levels of wound exudate for 48 hours, based solely on their absorbency figures. Considering the additional effects of moisture vapour permeability, theoretical wear time increases to five days in a number of instances. Conclusion: The laboratory data suggest considerable differences in the clinical performance of dressings. Making a number of assumptions as stated in the text, predicted values for clinical performance were generated. These estimates show marked differences between dressings. Declaration of interest: This report was produced by the author for a professional fee, from BSN, as a medical device consultant and medical writer using test data generated independently by an accredited laboratory. The author had no involvement either with the choice of test methods, or the range of dressings included in the study, and has no financial interests in any of the products concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four technically enhanced Allevyn dressings were used in this study. Patients were asked to evaluate these products and compare them to the performance of the original dressings. The dressings had been enhanced to increase the rate of fluid uptake and their rate of transpiration of the absorbed fluid, thereby radically increasing the overall fluid management profile of the dressings. The moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) had been enhanced by as much as 915% in two of the dressings.The results showed that 94% of the patients on the study rated the new dressings as being acceptable for the indication. When asked to rate appearance, conformability, dressing fixation, absorbency and wear time of the enhanced dressings against that of the users experience with the original Allevyn dressings, the results showed the enhanced dressings performed well. Patients were particularly impressed with the absorbency of the enhanced dressings with 72% rating it as better than the original. Improved absorbency meant that wear time, appearance, and fixation also scored highly in the ratings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]