Laboratory Research
Pressure injuries (PI) represent a burden for healthcare systems worldwide, are a major cause of mortality, and negatively impact patient’s quality of life. In the last 20 years, dressings have been introduced as an additional protective strategy for pressure injury prevention (PIP) to become part of standard protocols for PIP in patients at risk.
The aim is to evaluate in vitro characteristics of a new multilayered silicone foam dressing* in comparison with four silicone foam dressings on key performance parameters for PIP and wound treatment
Methods:
Tests were performed at SMTL (Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory) in UK, Danish Technical Institute (DTI) in Denmark and Coloplast, Denmark.
SMTL: Fluid Handling Capacity (EN13726-1, Section 3.3); (n=5).
DTI: Waterproofness (EN 13726-3) (n=3)
Coloplast: interface pressure mapping, static and dynamic friction coefficients on whole wound care products, peel adhesion from steel plate (n= 5 for dressings #, † °and ¤, n=29 for dressing *)
Results:
24h Fluid Handling Capacity (FHC) performed in an independent laboratory shows that the new silicone foam dressing has significantly higher FHC compared to the 4 other dressings.
Waterproofness: all tested dressings passed the waterproofness test
Microclimate management was evaluated through the combination of FHC and waterproofness test. Test dressing with a higher FHC indicates that the dressing could more effectively absorb and transmit moisture.
Pressure redistribution properties (peak pressure and coefficient of variation) of the different dressings were compared using interface pressure mapping showing that the tested dressing is better or on par with 3 of the other dressings (#, †, ¤)
Static and dynamic friction coefficients of the test dressing were assessed to be lower compared
to dressings ° and ¤. and on par with dressings # and †.
Reduction of shear forces is provided through good adhesion to the skin, high loft and lateral movement of the dressing layers. Test dressing is evaluated to be on par with comparators regarding absorption of shear forces.
Discussion:
By offering a combination of optimized fluid handling as well as strong performance on key PIP parameters, the new silicone foam dressing* meets the demands of acute care settings.