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Foam dressings provide a warm, moist environment for wounds for optimal healing. Foam Dressings are 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 suitable for light-to-moderate-to-heavy exuding wounds. They are simple, reliable, and available in multiple sizes and shape options.
Foam dressings for wounds 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 changes. 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 dressings can be used on many wound types and are highly effective in granulating and ephithelializing wounds. They may be used to absorb drainage around tubes and as secondary dressings for wounds requiring packing.
Wounds that could benefit from a foam bandage are:
It is essential to understand the proper way to apply and remove the foam dressing, and you should follow your physician's instructions. In general terms, the steps are:
In the case of foam dressings, there's less need to change dressing frequently – generally, patients need to change the foam dressing every 2 to 4 days. That's why these dressings are often used for highly leaky wounds.
There is a range of foam dressings with different attributes which include -
By properties, they include -
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 wound with necrotic tissues
Wound requires frequent dressing changes 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. Medline Optifoam Gentle Dressing is highly absorbent which helps in creating ideal healing environment. Mepilex Lite is designed for low-exuding acute and chronic wounds. It locks in exudate through vertical wicking reducing maceration risks of the peri-wound skin. Hydrofera Blue Ready Antibacterial Foam Dressing is designed to protect the wound. It contains antibacterial properties that help reduce the risk of harmful bacterial contamination from the wound bed.
Foam dressings are made from semi-permeable polyurethane and are non-adherent and non-linting. They create a moist environment effective for healing of wounds. Foam dressings allow entry of moisture but keep bacteria and other contaminants away from the wound site. It is available in various shapes and sizes with an outer layer may be water proof or hydrophobic. Certain dressings possess adhesive tapes, or borders, across the edge so that application can be made with greater ease. Foam dressings are available in pads, sheets as well as cavity dressings.
Foam dressings are meant for partial or full thickness wounds with moderate or greater drainage. This dressing type helps treat wounds with moderate amount of exudate such as abrasions, incisions, lacerations, pressure ulcers, infected wounds as well as draining peristomal wounds. It can be used either as a primary dressing or secondary dressing with the former more in direct contact with the wound and the latter used to cover the primary dressing.
