Comparative in-vitro evaluation of fluid management for a composite hydrocellular foam dressing (CHF†) with silicone gel adhesive† and a standard foam dressings with silicone gel adhesive*

Aim: To assess in-vitro the fluid management behaviour of two silicone wound dressings, as a predictor of clinical behaviour and benefits.

Method: A series of in-vitro tests for fluid management was used to challenge the silicone dressings, with both ionic fluids and high protein-content fluids. Tests for freeswell total absorption capacity, fluid retention under compression, moisture vapour permeability, and simulated wound models were used. These tests can be predictors for dressing behaviour in clinical practice.

Results:

Freeswell absorption capacity was highest for the composite hydrocellular foam (CHF) dressing (†110g/100cm²) compared to the standard foam dressings (^*80g/100cm²).

Fluid retention under compression was higher for the CHF dressing (†82%) compared to the standard foam (^*66%).

Moisture vapour permeability was comparable for both products (†1832g/m²/24h, ^*2274 g/m²/24h).

Simulated wound models using serum demonstrated that over 7 days, none of the CHF dressings leaked, whereas 64% of the standard foam dressing^* leaked.

Conclusion:

The combined fluid management properties of the CHF dressing mean that the dressing has more capacity to absorb wound exudate, efficiently retains the wound exudate within its structure, provides equivalent breathability, and reduces the risk of dressing leakage up to 7 days.