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Foam Dressings

Foam dressings are often sheet, but may be available in other shapes, of foamed polymer solutions (most commonly polyurethane) with small, open cells capable of holding fluids. They may be impregnated or layered in combination with other materials. The absorption capability depends on its thickness and composition. The area in contact with the wound surface is non-adhesive for easy removal. Available with an adhesive border and/or a transparent film coating that acts as a bacterial barrier. Indicated for partial- and full-thickness wounds. Some dressings are indicated for pressure injury prevention when used as part of a broader pressure injury prevention protocol.

Foam dressings are sheets and other shapes of foamed polymer solutions (most commonly polyurethane) with small, open cells capable of holding fluids. They may be impregnated or layered in combination with other materials. The absorption capability depends on thickness and composition of the specific dressing. The area in contact with the wound surface is nonadherent for easy, atraumatic removal.

Foam dressings are available in pad, sheet, and cavity dressing form, as well as with an adhesive border and/or a transparent film coating that acts as a bacterial barrier.

Foam dressings feature the following general performance properties and attributes:
• Helps maintain moist wound environment
• Protects wound and periwound area against trauma
• Easy to apply and remove
• May be used under compression
• Conformable
• Can be used with topical agents or enzymatic debriders
• Non-linting
• Nonadherent
• Allows for atraumatic removal
• Semipermeable
• Provides thermal insulation for the wound
• Wear time of 1 to 7 days depending on amount of exudate

Foam dressings are indicated for use as primary or secondary dressings for minimally to heavily exudating partial- and full-thickness wounds such as stage II-IV pressure ulcers, surgical wounds and dermal ulcers. Depending on the product, foam dressings may be used on infected wounds, tunneling wounds, or cavity wounds. Can also be used to protect intact skin over bony prominences or friction areas.

Contraindications will vary by product. Foam dressings are generally contraindicated for use on third-degree burns and dry or non-draining wounds.

The following general warnings apply to foam dressings. Always refer to manufacturer information for Warnings and Precautions for a specific product.

May macerate periwound skin if saturated.
Not effective on wounds with dry eschar.
May require secondary dressing.

Products

Biatain® Silicone Fit

Biatain® Silicone Fit is a 5-layer bordered silicone foam dressing designed for both pressure injury prevention and wound treatment. Matches the shape and depth of the wound bed up to 2cm deep, leaving minimal dead space where exudate can pool and helping to minimize the risk of infection. Also embraces the body's natural form with a gentle border for patient comfort and is optimized to stay in place during wear.

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Cardinal Health™ Kendall™ Silicone 5-Layer Foam Dressing

Cardinal Health™ Kendall™ Silicone 5-Layer Foam Dressings are made of 5 layers: a highly breathable film, super absorbent polyacrylate, a transfer layer, highly absorbent foam, and a gentle silicone adhesive. The dressings are sterile and not made with natural rubber latex.

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PolyMem MAX® Non-Adhesive Dressing

PolyMem MAX® Non-Adhesive Dressing is an extra-thick multifunctional, interactive PolyMem dressing designed for handling high levels of exudate while providing protection from contamination, continuously cleansing wounds, balancing moisture, helping to subdue and focus inflammation, and reducing odor and wound pain.

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PolyMem® Finger/Toe Dressings

PolyMem® Finger/Toe Dressings are multifunctional interactive dressings designed to easily roll onto appendages or nearby joints, making dressing changes simple and quick. PolyMem® helps diminish pain and edema, and promotes healing by continuously cleansing wounds, balancing moisture and helping subdue and focus inflammation.

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PolyMem® Non-Adhesive Dressings

PolyMem® Non-Adhesive Dressings are multifunctional, interactive dressing designed to decrease persistent and procedural wound pain and odor while supporting brisk wound healing by continuously cleansing wounds, balancing moisture and helping focus inflammation.

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PolyMem® Silicone Border

PolyMem® Silicone Border dressings combine the patented polymeric membrane formulation of standard PolyMem® dressings with a gentle silicone adhesive border for fragile, sensitive skin. Also available in antimicrobial silver versions.

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Shapes by PolyMem® Sacral Dressing

Shapes by PolyMem® Sacral Dressing is a multifunctional, sacral wound-shaped, semi-permeable, adhesive-bordered dressing that includes super absorbent starch, moisturizer and safe built-in wound cleanser. Helps reduce wound pain and odor.

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3M™ Tegaderm™ High Performance Foam Adhesive Dressing

3M™ Tegaderm™ High Performance Foam Adhesive Dressing helps meet the challenges of low- to high-exudating wounds.

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3M™ Tegaderm™ High Performance Foam Non-Adhesive Dressing

3M™ Tegaderm™ High Performance Foam Non-Adhesive Dressing effectively handles low- to high-exudating wounds. Innovative layer technology absorbs and evaporates moisture to maintain an optimal wound healing environment.

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3M™ Tegaderm™ Silicone Foam Dressings

3M™ Tegaderm™ Silicone Foam Dressings are ideal for wound management and as part of a comprehensive pressure ulcer/injury prevention program.

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