Contact Layer Dressing / Non-Adherent Dressing

Benefits of Contact Layer Dressings

Contact layer dressings are not regular dressings. These dressings are designed to be used between the wound and the dressing. There are several benefits to contact layer dressings:

• Non-Adherent: These dressings are specifically designed to be placed directly over the wound, and are therefore very unlikely to cling to the wound bed and cause trauma.
• Perforated: The contact layer dressing is porous, so that it can wick exudate (excess fluids) away from the wound bed, and into the secondary dressing, and deliver topical treatments to the wound.
• Less Frequent Changes: Some contact layer dressings can remain in place for up to two weeks. Many times, they don’t need to be changed very often, and also, having a contact layer dressing prevents the secondary dressing from having to be changed as often.
• Maceration: These dressings usually help prevent the wound from maceration, which is when the wound is oversaturated with moisture for a prolonged period and becomes a little soggy, or seems whiter in color. Macerated skin is more prone to infection, and often takes longer to heal, so it’s important to do whatever you can to prevent it.
• Transparent: Many of the options of wound contact layer dressings are transparent, so that you can get a good idea of where the wound is holding without having to remove the contact layer.
• Topical Medications: Topical medications can be applied even when one is using a contact layer dressing.
• Wound Fillers: These can often be used as wound fillers. Deeper wounds, however, may also require packing gauze to fill the wound properly.

When to Use Contact Layer Dressings

Contact layer dressings can be used for moderate to heavily exuding wounds, and for wounds which are surrounded by sensitive, fragile tissue. Here are some specific situations where contact layer dressings are optimal: skin tears, lacerations, foot and leg ulcers, venous and pressure ulcers, blisters, surgical wounds, infected wounds, donor sites, and partial-thickness burns.

Contraindications: When Not to Use Contact Layer Dressings

These dressings should not be used for third degree burns, surgical implantation, tunneling wounds, or wounds with eschar or necrotic tissue. Some contact layer dressings, such as the one from McKesson, should not be used in conjunction with oxidizing solutions.

Find contact layer dressings on AvaCare Medical now! Choose from Mepilex, and so many other other options. At AvaCare Medical, our focus is providing you with all the medical supplies you need. Choose from all types of medical supplies - we carry wheelchairs, walkers, wound care supplies, and so much more. Shop now!