Foam dressings provide a warm, moist environment to wounds for optimal healing. Made of semi-permeable/hydrophilic polyurethane foam, these dressings are adherent and non-adherent plus non-linting with a waterproof outer layer. Highly absorbent in nature, they are good for light-to-moderate-to-heavy exuding wounds. They are simple, reliable and available in multiple size and shape options.
Foam wound care dressings are known to provide the right amount of moisture required for healing. They provide a protective barrier against bacteria and shield the wound from infections. These dressings allow water vapor to enter but not bacteria and other contaminants. Foam dressings provide insulation keeping the wound bed warm and moist.
They do not adhere to the wound and therefore, permit trauma-free dressing change. Such dressings serve as a cushion on the wound surface. You can use these dressings during compression therapy and also on wounds with hyper-granulation and infections.
May be used as a primary or secondary dressing
Easy to apply and remove
Have hydrophilic wound side and a hydrophobic exterior
Available in different shapes and sizes, with or without adhesive borders, as pads, sheets or cavity dressings
Dressing change should be every 3 to 7 days
Non-adhesive foam dressing is ideal for those with fragile, sensitive skin but will require a secondary dressing
Foam wound dressings can be used on many wound types and are highly effective on granulating and ephithelializing wounds. They may be used to absorb drainage around tubes and as secondary dressings for wounds requiring packing.
Wound types that could benefit from foam wound care dressings are:
There is a range of foam wound dressings with different attributes. You can choose absorbent foam dressings, non-adherent dressings, adherent dressings, silicone foam dressings, antibacterial foam dressings, island foam dressings and many more more. By properties, they include water-proof, bordered, non-adhesive, self-adhesive, adhesive, without border and adhesive border dressings.
Do not use foam wound dressing if:
The wound does not have much exudate because this dressing will cause the wound bed to dry up
Dressing becomes too saturated with exudate, which may lead to maceration of the surrounding skin
Wound is a third-degree burn, sinus tract or wounds with necrotic tissues
Wound requires frequent dressing change which may prove expensive
We have several types of foam wound dressings from trusted makers like Hollister, Medline, Covidien/Medtronic, Ferris Mfg, Molnlycke Healthcare, Acelity/Systagenix, ConvaTec, Hartmann USA, Coloplast, etc.
Medline Optifoam wound dressings are a popular choice for their conformability and for preventing shear and friction. The Molnlycke Lyofoam dressing works under compression and has high absorbency and fluid retention capabilities. An open-cell foam pad, 3M Reston is developed to protect against skin damage caused by splints, casts and prostheses. The ConvaTec Aquacel Foam Pro is multi-layered silicone foam dressing and powered by Hydrofiber technology. It locks in exudate through vertical wicking reducing maceration risks of the peri-wound skin.
