Product Spotlight: Smith & Nephew ALLEVYN LIFE

Date of product launch/release: February 2012.

Product description: ALLEVYN* Life is an innovative, hydrocellular foam dressing for both wound management and pressure ulcer prevention.   For prevention: The unique, patented five-layer construction distributes pressure more evenly than traditional foam dressings.¹ The masking layer protects against friction and shear while the silicone adhesive and quadrilobe shape contours to the human body for a comfortable and secure fit. For wound management: The hyper-absorber layer helps lock in fluid and prevents leakage, promoting patient well-being. The dressing also features a unique masking layer to minimize the visual impact of strikethrough while the “dressing change” indicator helps avoid unnecessary dressing changes.

Product’s role in the wound care clinic: ALLEVYN Life is a simple, easy-to-use dressing. With its unique features including the ergonomic shape, discretion layer, visible change indicator, lock-away core layer, and protective layer, ALLEVYN Life has been shown to exceed expectations. In a study, patients highly rated ALLEVYN Life in terms of dressing retention, sense of cleanliness, comfort during wear, and wound protection compared to other dressings.²

How is the product unique? ALLEVYN Life was designed with the input of patients and clinicians from extensive ethnographic research involving clinician interviews and patient observations to gain an in-depth understanding of how dressing design can improve the patient and clinician experience while reducing the economic cost of wound care. The research highlighted the issues facing people who are living with wounds such as dressing retention, leakage of wound fluid, and the unsightly appearance of exudate and wound odor. ALLEVYN Life was designed to help manage these concerns to ensure that wound care patients can live the life they want to live.

Are there different variations/models of the product, or are any planned? ALLEVYN Life is available in seven sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. There are also anatomically shaped dressings available in the range, which include two sacral sizes as well as a shape specifically for the heel.

Does the product come with any add-on services? Smith & Nephew is one of the most extensive wound care companies in the world, featuring a full line of wound management and biologic products.

Does the product come with any training or educational materials? ALLEVYN Life is supported by field sales and clinical resource teams. Our field teams are available in person or for virtual inservicing. Also, there are training materials available through Smith & Nephew in online tools and webinars at www.allevynlife.com.

Where is the product available for purchase? ALLEVYN Life is available for purchase through most med/surg providers and distributors.

References

1. Daubney L. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/125/DOF. Impact protection properties of ALLEVYN Life, Mepilex® Border and Biatain Silicone. June 2012.

2. Rossignton et al. Clinical performance and positive impact on patient wellbeing of ALLEVYN Life. Wounds UK. 2013;9(4).

*Trademark of Smith & Nephew. Registered US Patent & Trademark Office.