In Vitro Comparison of the Retained Fluid Capacity of Two Silicone Faced, Non-Bordered Foam Dressings

Clinical evidence has shown that effective wound exudate management is essential for optimal moist wound healing. Skin breakdown and periwound maceration often result from improperly managed wound exudate. Therefore, wound exudate needs to be effectively retained away from the wound bed. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the retained fluid capacity of a new silicone faced, non-bordered foam dressing* to the leading competitive silicone faced, non-bordered foam dressing.

The retained fluid capacity of a new silicone faced, non-bordered foam dressing* was compared to the leading competitive silicone faced, non-bordered foam dressing per a modified BS EN 13726-1, intended to assess the performance of dressings, typically used on moderately to heavily exuding wounds. For each dressing, the dry weight was measured. The dressing was then placed on a construct, absorbent side down. Then the construct and the dressing were placed over a pan of sodium chloride and calcium chloride dihydrate dissolved in deionized water solution, which mimics the ionic composition of wound exudate. A piece of plastic was placed on top of the dressing to ensure contact with the solution for 30 seconds. The dressing was removed from the solution and a weight was placed on top of it for 30 seconds. Then the dressing was weighed again. Five replicates for each dressing were done.

Both the new silicone faced, non-bordered foam dressing and the leading competitive silicone faced, non-bordered foam dressing retained 0.30 g/cm² of fluid. The results indicate the retained fluid capacity of both silicone faced, non-bordered foam dressing is equivalent. Further studies are warranted.