Assessing the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Properties of a Silicone Foam Dressing

Introduction: Pressure ulcers are a common chronic wound defined as “localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear". The management of pressure ulcers is critical as they are associated with high mortality rates, longer hospital stays, and increased treatment costs.

The modes of action through which dressings can aid pressure ulcer prevention can be assessed in vitro by performing tests that evaluate the dressing’s ability to apply successful intervention that will reduce the pressure, friction, or shear forces applied to the body tissue. A Silicone Foam dressing developed by AMS is suitable for use on patients with fragile skin and can be used throughout the healing process on pressure ulcers. In order to demonstrate the product's capabilities to be an effective pressure ulcer prevention device, several tests will be performed.

Method: Pressure reduction capabilities were assessed utilizing a pressure sensing mat used to visually and quantitatively monitor the pressure profile of a steel ball with and without the Silicone foam dressing present. Friction was tested using a co-efficient of friction method that measures the relationship between the force of friction between 2 objects and the normal reaction between the objects that are involved. Shear stress was analyzed by applying a force parallel to the surface of the dressing while the base of the dressing stays stationary. Moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) was analyzed in order to determine the test device's ability at moisture control.

Results: The data generated demonstrates the product to significantly reduce the pressure, friction and sheer on the underlying test surfaces when compared to the results obtained in the absence of the dressing. The additional MVTR data demonstrates the dressing to have excellent fluid handling properties, which is an important factor associated with reducing maceration of healthy skin.

Discussion: Based on the testing performed the Silicone foam dressing has demonstrated that it can control the moisture levels through MVTR and provide a reduction in the forces and stresses applied to the skin, therefore providing effective pressure ulcer management and prevention to patients.